This year’s conduct of a Corn Derby kicks off in DA’s research station, Research Center for Hilly Land Development in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Said activity aims to feature different hybrid corn varieties and package of technologies from the different participating seed companies for farmers’ eventual adoption.

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Corn program conducted a ceremonial planting for this year’s wet season at the agency’s Research Center for Hilly Land Development (RCHD), this town.

On May 11, the activity kicked off where the participating seed companies planted their hybrid corn varieties in an almost two-hectare area at the station and was led by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga.

Six private seed companies joined the said corn derby such as Asian Hybrid Seed Technologies, Inc., Corteva Agriscience, Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc., Evo Gene Seeds Corp., Bayer Crop Science Philippines, and Syngenta Philippines, Inc. to showcase their various genetically modified (GMO) hybrid corn varieties.

Each seed company has been allotted 1,500 square meter-area for their two hybrid corn entries. Of which, they will grow using their respective package of technology.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the corn derby is an initiative of DA-10 inviting private seed companies to showcase their best hybrid seeds to entice farmers on adopting hybridization.

The generated results from the activity will be one of DA-10’s bases in the procurement of corn seeds and in coming up with location-specific recommendations for varieties, she added.

The activity will also be conducted at DA-10’s two other research centers: Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City; and Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon. # (RDMElloren)

Agri NorMin thru AMAD spearheads a data validation meeting for the inflow and outflow of agri-fishery commodities in R-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) conducted a data validation meeting for the inflow and outflow of agri-fishery commodities in the region on April 29, 2022, in this city.

Jenny D. Alcobilla, agribusiness and industry support section chief of DA-AMAD 10, said that the meeting was conducted to harmonize the data gathered from three sources, which include the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Quarantine Services 10 (DA-BPI PQS 10), DA-Bureau of Animal Industry-National Veterinary Quarantine Services 10 (DA-BAI NVQS 10), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

“After we harmonize the data, we will be presenting this to the various agribusiness enterprises and representatives of various sectors. These will be helpful to them, especially to the private sector, as a reference for their production and marketing.”

She emphasized that the meeting is part of their section’s mandate which is to to provide reliable and timely market information and updates.

Said meeting is the first to be conducted for the year 2022.

In attendance are representatives of the banner programs of DA-10, together with representatives from PQS, NVQS, and PPA.# (CRSeraspe)

DA-ACEF Regional Coordinating Unit 10, together with LBP account officers conduct monitoring of Lanao Norte ACEF loan grantees, who have availed credit for the purchase of farm inputs and improvement, as well as acquisition/establishment of production, postharvest, and processing machineries, equipment, and facilities.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a bid to fast-track payment collections, the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (DA-ACEF) Regional Coordinating Unit 10, together with the account officers of the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP), recently met with the ACEF loan program grantees of Lanao del Norte (LDN) province.

Under the said agricultural lending program, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that it intends to provide credit to farmers and fisherfolk and their cooperatives and associations, and micro and small enterprises (MSEs), to boost their productivity; thereby enhancing the competitiveness among targeted project-beneficiaries.

With LBP managing the credit facility pooled from the fund, LDN associations and individuals, comprising of abaca production borrowers from Iligan City; milkfish, fingerlings, and palay production borrowers from Lala town; and a Lakatan production borrower from Matungao, were guided on how to go about their payment loans and tackled issues arising from the matter.

Said beneficiaries have availed loans under ACEF for the purchase of farm inputs and improvement, as well as acquisition/establishment of production, postharvest, and processing machineries, equipment, and facilities.

Under the ACEF loan program, eligible borrowers may loan up to P5 million (M) per project loan per farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives, associations, and MSEs, while P1-M per individual farmer/fisher.

Also supporting the event is DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, together with Supervising Agriculturist Ferdinand F. Caballe of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, and other DA-10 staff. # (JCAnito)

DA-NorMin highlights its Kadiwa program during the Duterte legacy caravan held on April 28, 2022 at the headquarters of PRO 10, Camp Alagar, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) underscored its Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program during the Duterte legacy caravan spearheaded by the Police Regional Office 10 at Camp Alagar, Lapasan on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

“With the activity highlighting the contributions and impact of the Duterte administration on the Filipinos, the agency brought the different farmers and fisherfolk-exhibitors for the conduct of a Kadiwa at the regional headquarters grounds,” explained DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, Kadiwa is a marketing platform that provides a direct link between agricultural producers and consumers to gain access to quality, fresh, nutritious, and reasonable agri-fishery commodities, and other food products.

More than 1,500 individuals from various advocacy support groups and force multipliers were in attendance, who have also availed on-site services from the participating government agencies.

Besides the Kadiwa setup, assorted vegetable seeds were provided to the attendees to encourage more individuals and groups to support DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program or Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat laban sa COVID-19. # (JCAnito)

The 33^rd Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week emphasizes the vital role of agri biosystems engineers amid the COVID-19 crisis.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – “Further improvement in farming through mechanization and digitalization in all stages of the value chain of all commodities increases farmers’ income while ensuring food security of the country,” said ASEAN Engr. Teodoro C. Eleda, the president of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (PSABE), Inc.

During the 33rd Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week, Region 10 hosted the 18th International Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference; the 71st PSABE Annual National Convention; and the 7th ASEAN Regional Convention from April 25-27, here in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

Participated in by over 1,600 registered and aspiring ABEs worldwide (face-to-face and online), the celebration bares the theme: “Transforming ABE technologies for adequate and sustainable advancement in this crisis situation.”

Engr. Eleda shared, that Agricultural Biosystems Engineers (ABEs) have a special focus on the mechanization and digital transformation of the country’s agricultural sector.

The event highlighted the recognition and awarding of the region’s honorary members, who were also the speakers of the plenary discussion with Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Director Dr. Junel B. Soriano and Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy, the technical adviser of the Department of Agriculture Strategic Communications.

Dr. Estigoy expressed, that said honorary membership is the highest recognition given to individuals that support and have a vital impact on PSABE.

The session discussed on various government projects and programs that involve agricultural biosystems engineering and its contribution to the community as it faces different challenges such as COVID-19 pandemic, African Swine Fever, Bird flu, and the sudden price increase of farm inputs, climate change, among others.

Biosystems engineering emphasizes the application of engineering principles to plants, animals, humans, and microorganisms.

It includes the development of tools and techniques to enhance the interaction and well-being of humans, and animals and the preservation and enhancement of natural resources and the environment.

In his video message, Department of Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar remarked, that ABE has the potential in enhancing the sustainability of the country’s agriculture in all aspects from the development and correct use of innovative machineries in working within the mechanism of life itself.

Moreover, DA NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, one of the region’s awarded honorary PSABE members mentioned, that DA-10 Regional Agricultural Engineering Department (RAED) has a total of 62 manpower deployed in its five provinces.

He added that the role of RAED is vital and indispensable as it serves the department’s banner programs from planning to project implementation, such as small-scale water impounding projects, farm-to-market roads, warehouses, cold storage, and various farm machineries and equipment, and others.

“DA-10 RAED team serves as overseer of our various projects in the different provinces to maximize its services to the local farmers as they needed,” Collado stated.

Also awarded with the PSABE honorary membership is MisOr. Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, who was represented by the Provincial Agriculturist Jose Apollo Pacamalan; University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (UST) President Dr.Ambrosio B. Cultura II; Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries Executive Director Dr.Liza G. Battad represented by Engr.Francia M. Macalintal; and Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (AMMDA) Foundation, Inc. President Joel R. Panagsagan.

As the celebration was launched, the PSABE earlier conducted a tree planting and clean-up drive in Opol, Misamis Oriental, and motorcade around the city.# (EMB)

Agri 10 spearheads a training highlighting the importance of food safety and regulations for the FCAs regionwide.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To heighten the importance of food safety and regulations, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently conducted training for farmer cooperatives, associations (FCAs), in this city.

Around 41 participants coming from the FCAs regionwide who are beneficiaries of the Enhanced Kadiwa financial grant attended said activity to gain knowledge on proper food handling practices and to become more aware of foods carrying higher risks for foodborne illnesses.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the training is anchored on Republic Act No. 10611 or otherwise known as the “Food Safety Act of 2013”, which defines food as any substance or product whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed that is intended for human consumption.

At the onset of the pandemic, FCAs have revitalized the Kadiwa, a market system selling major agricultural commodities and other food products at reasonable prices to aid Filipino households.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said, that the capabuild will further equip them with basic food safety knowledge and importantly, work with food in a safe and hygienic manner.

She added that eventually, their agri produce and its by-products can compete both locally and globally in the market.

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) Senior Science Research Specialist, John Gregory V. Aquino discussed the Philippine National Standards on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) and Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP).

On the other hand, BAFS Science Research Specialist Jan Vincent Tecson tackled on food safety issues in agriculture and fishery products, while BAFS Science Research Specialist Melissa L. Astillero talked on the microbiological hazards in fruits and vegetables.#(MPMTablon)

In a coordination meeting, DA-10 urges the AEWs regionwide to have their farmers and fishers be registered into the FFEDIS for availment of agri programs, projects and interventions from the government.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a coordination meeting on Sagip Saka updates and development, together with the agricultural extension workers (AEWs) of the provincial, city and municipal agriculture offices of Misamis Oriental.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Republic Act 11321, otherwise known as the Sagip Saka Act, aims to increase farmers’ and fisherfolk’s incomes by connecting them directly to institutional buyers, including government agencies and corporations.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Sagip Saka and the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) were tackled, with the latter creating a database of registered/accredited farmers and fisherfolk.

To date, 204 farmers’ cooperative, associations (FCAs) applicants have completed the registration as a prerequisite for the availment of assistance under said law.

RED Collado detailed, that it overall aims to boost farmers’ and fishers’ production and productivity through extending agri extension services, skills development, and provision of production inputs, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure support.

Recognizing the windows of assistance that are geared towards food sovereignty and poverty alleviation, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga urged the participants to help relay the information to more FCAs for registration to the system.

Two modes of registration are being employed, either via the FFEDIS Registration Desk at DA-10 AMAD or thru web-based registration using the link: https://www.ffedis.da.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Agribusiness Industry Support Section Chief Jenny D. Alcobilla presented the price monitoring activities showing sources of price information from farmgate, wholesale, and retail, and the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program that directly links farmers and fisherfolk to the consuming public, making available food commodities at reasonable prices.

AMAD is also facilitating loan programs which include the Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs (KAYA) for young farmers aged 18-30 years old; AgriNegosyo (Anyo) for small farmers and fisherfolk; and loans assistance under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF). # (RDMElloren)

R-10 sends its delegation to the 14^th national rice techno forum in Bula, Camarines Sur that brings together rice industry key players and stakeholders across the country for strategies development and policy recommendations towards achieving a more competitive Philippine rice industry.

BULA, CAMARINES SUR – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) sent its delegation from the Rice Program and other Operating Units along with select LGU representatives from Northern Mindanao to participate in the 14th National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF) in Bula, Camarines Sur on April 19-20, 2022.

With the theme “Increase Production through Hybrid Rice Technology” the NRTF aims to promote high-yielding and cost-reducing rice production technologies among the country’s rice farmers through the use of high quality seeds and the adoption of digital agriculture.

The NRTF brought together the rice industry key players and stakeholders across the country for strategies development and policy recommendations towards achieving a more competitive Philippine Rice Industry.

In his video message, DA Secretary William D. Dar underscored the DA’s farm consolidation approach in staging the NRTF as a way of empowering the rice industry stakeholders by allowing them to benefit from the agricultural value chain and achieve economies of scale.

“Through the (farm consolidation) approach the communities and cooperatives become more viable in producing specific products and generate bigger revenues and income. The (DA) interventions were also efficiently cascaded to the members” he said.

The secretary called for the continuous conduct of technology forum and other extension modalities to intensify efforts in establishing more agri clusters and campaign for the adoption of hybrid rice technology and best practices among the local farmers.

In his part, DA Undersecretary for Operations and Mechanization, Engr. Ariel Cayanan championed the farmers’ heroic role amid the pandemic, highlighting the possibility to mitigate the impact of the crisis through agriculture.

With a total of 519 rice farmer members, the San Agustin San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers Cooperative (SARFC) of San Ramon, Bula, Camarines Sur was chosen as the technology forum’s partner-cooperator.

The cooperative devoted a total of 104 hectares of rice areas planted with different varieties of hybrid and inbred certified rice seeds as demo farms.

The forum showcased breakthrough production technologies of various hybrid and inbred rice seeds suited for both wet and dry cropping seasons using modern farm machineries and drones.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado said the agency’s participation in the NRTF is instrumental in keeping its staff abreast with the latest and advanced rice production technologies to improve the region’s rice productivity and sufficiency.

Twelve participating seed companies and service providers took part in the NRTF: Bayer Crop Science Inc., Syngenta, SL Agritech Corp., Corteva Agriscience, Long Ping Tropical Rice Development Inc., Bioseed Research Phillipines, Inc., Seedworks Phils Inc., Leads Agricultural Product Corporation, Aljay Agri-Industrial Solutions, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRICE) , Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology ( PhilSCAT), and New Hope Corporation.

The 14th NRTF was hosted by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office V of the Bicol Region in collaboration with the Rice Productivity Advocacy Incorporated (Rice Board), DA-Agricultural Training Institute – RTC 5, DA-Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority – Regional Field Office 5, and the Local Government Unit of Bula, Camarines Sur.

The DA-RFO 10 delegates to the National Rice Technology Forum was headed by the agency’s Rice Program Focal Person, Ms. Chona H. Nacalaban.#(ATalib)

Agri NorMin deliberates the applications of CSOs.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10), held a meeting for the deliberation of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) applications.

Fourteen submitted applications from the different farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), non-government organizations, and CSOs were considered and reviewed, following the new guidelines for DA CSO accreditation.

Said undertaking is pursuant to DA Administrative Order (AO) No.13, Series of 2020; and AO No.19, Series of 2020 (amendment to AO No.13, S.2020), which is the creation of the Regional Technical Committee (RTC) and Secretariat with their modified functions.

DA NorMin Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, who is also the vice-chair of the said committee emphasized, that CSO is one of the department’s development partners in the implementation of agri-fishery projects.

“DA sets the implementing guidelines for CSO accreditation, intended to receive public funds and interventions as the program beneficiary. As development actors, projects can be managed well with their social preparation,” RTD Bajarla shared.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, DA CSO accreditation aims to encourage people’s participation in agricultural development based on the principle of good governance.

He added that it also guarantees compliance with existing pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

DA NorMin CSO Accreditation is composed of RTC members, headed by RED Collado, and the secretariat.

Also participating in the meeting were the new members of the accreditation RTC: the Regional Management Committee and the department’s program coordinators.# (EMBentulan)

Corn seed varieties of Bayer are among the top-performing seed varieties in DA-spearheaded corn derby implemented in its different research centers.  

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) named the top-performing seed varieties in terms of yield for the capped conduct in a series of Corn Derby last March of this year, implemented in its different research stations.

The corn seed variety entries of Bayer Crop Science, Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc., Evo Gene Seeds, Corp., Corteva Agriscience, and Syngenta Philippines, Inc. bested other participating seed companies.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that the derby aimed to feature promising corn varieties and their corresponding planting protocols, to allow farmers in having more options on which corn seed varieties to plant to reap higher yield and income.

For the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon with an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, DK8131S, a seed variety being produced by Bayer ranked first yielding 12.36 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha) followed by DK8899S and DK8719S (Bayer); 3660YHR (Corteva) and NK306BGT (Syngenta).

Meanwhile, for the Research Center for Upland Development in Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon with an elevation of 600 meters above sea level, DK8131S of Bayer topped with a yield of 9.73 mt/ha followed by DK8899S (Bayer); NK306BGT (Syngenta); DK8719S (Bayer) and EVO 9815 (Evo Gene).

On the other hand, NK306BGT of Syngenta led in yield of 14.82 mt/ha followed by DK8899S (Bayer); EVO 709, EVO 9989 (Evo Gene) and BC108 (Bioseed) at the Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) in Brgy. Lanise, Claveria, Bukidnon with 966.4 meters above sea level.

Said generated results of the corn derby will be one of the bases of the agency’s procurement of seeds, while also factoring in farmers’ and local government units’ preferences.

Also gracing the ceremony are DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD., and DA-10 Research Division chief Cora A. Dumayaca. #(MPTablon)