The RCI-TWG of NorMin convenes for the preparation of the upcoming launching of the approved Mt. Balatukan CADP.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with the preparation for the upcoming launching of the approved Mt. Balatukan Cluster Convergence Area Development Plan (CADP), the Regional Convergence Initiative – Technical Working Group (RCI-TWG) of Northern Mindanao convened in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City.

The approved Mt. Balatukan CADP, which is set to be launched on March 11, 2021 in Lunotan, Gingoog City, will serve as the framework for the attainment of responsible eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and balanced eco-system of the Balatukan cluster.

Said activity will be participated by the local governments under the Mt. Balatukan cluster, covering the municipalities of Balingasag, Balingoan, Binuangan, Claveria, Kinoguitan, Lagonglong, Magsaysay, Medina, Salay, Sugbongcogon, Talisayan, and Gingoog City, all from the province of Misamis Oriental.

The Convergence Initiative is a strategy to improve, conserve, protect, and rehabilitate natural resources through the development and implementation of environment-friendly enterprises and livelihood opportunities.

Implementing member-agencies of the RCI, namely: Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and DA are expected to complement their expertise and resources in the identified areas following the ridge-to-reef approach.

Present during the said meeting are representatives from DA-10 headed by Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, DAR-10 representative Antonietta de la Rita, DILG-10 representative Jacillo Orongan, and DENR-10 representative Christian Jebulan.# (CSeraspe)

On March 1-2, at least 51 FCAs, 10 LGUs and an academic institution from the 25 towns of Lanao Norte and Mis Occ receive P51.6 agri interventions.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – At least 51 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), 10 LGUs and an academic institution from 25 towns in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental received a total of P51.6 million agricultural aid from the Department of Agriculture Region 10 (DA-10).

The two-day DA-PhilMech joint turnover ceremony sequentially conducted on March 1 and 2, 2021 in the municipalities of Lala, Lanao del Norte and Aloran, Misamis Occidental.

Recipients received a full grant of agri-machineries and equipment, drying facility livestock fattening and multiplier projects, farm inputs such as corn and vegetable seeds and fertilizers.

Funded under the rice, corn, High Value Crops Development, livestock and the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Programs of DA, said assistance is geared towards boosting the provinces’ agricultural production, as part of the government’s recovery effort in its continuing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mindanao State University – Lanao del Norte Agricultural College (MSU-LNAC) Sultan Naga Dimaporo Campus is among the recipients of DA’s assistance.

The institution was granted P5 million worth of Goat Multiplier Project through the DA’s livestock program.

Said project entitled the MSU-LNAC to 40 heads doe, 3 heads buck, goat housing facility, equipment for forage processing, AI equipment and milking machine, drugs and biologics, forage planting materials and feeds, and supplement mixes.

“With this project we aim to share the goat farming technology to the community,” said Dr. Indihra Dimaporo-Tawantawan, MSU-LNAC Superintendent.

“Goat is easy to rear and produces healthier meat. It is halal, so definitely there is large market for goat in Lanao del Norte,” she furthered.

The school executive said goat farming is an added income and dependable fallback for farmers amid this crisis.

In line with the LGUs’ call for sustainable agricultural development, Lanao del Norte Governor, Imelda Q. Dimaporo wishes that her province will continue to prosper through the continued cooperation of DA, LGUs, and the FCAs.

“The government is doing its best to deliver its duties, in helping the farmers. The assistance given to you is important enough for your livelihood. I hope you will put them into good use and care them well,” Governor Dimaporo said.

She also urged farmers to partake in the province’s agenda towards environmental protection as the province strives for sustainable development.

Aside from the P27.3 million assistance from DA-10, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) also grant farming sectors in Lanao del Norte with P93 million worth of agricultural machineries and equipment.

Meanwhile, Governor Philip T. Tan of Misamis Occidental bares his administration’s plan for the establishment of Rice Processing Centers in Misamis Occidental this year in partnership with DA-10 and PhilMech.

He said the facility will be instrumental in addressing low palay buying price in the province, particularly during wet season.

“There were aspects and processes in agriculture that require support from the government. These assistance granted to you will definitely help in your farming. Now it is with you to be diligent,” he said.

“I hope our cooperation and unity will continue. We in the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental will continuously plan for the betterment of our farmers,” Governor Tan furthered, thanking DA-10 as the agency will once again subsidize rice seeds for the rice farmers in the province this year.

The stakeholders in Misamis Occidental received P26.3 million agricultural assistance from DA-10 and another P122.2 million worth of farm machineries and equipment from PhilMech.

Towards Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado said that grants by DA and PhilMech are primarily aimed in the upscaling of farmers’ livelihood by modernizing their farming methods.

“As you receive these machineries and equipment, and other interventions, we expect you to utilize them well. These assistance will help you improve not only your production, but your post-production performance, as well,” Collado added.

“Our aim is to increase your income by lowering the production and labor costs. This is consistent with DA’s battle cry – Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita for our farmers,” he said.

He added that each of the 132 accredited FCAs in Lanao del Norte, and 38 accredited FCAs in Misamis Occidental are entitled to a maximum grant of P5.5 million worth of farm machineries and equipment package through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program (RCEP) under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

On his part, the DA Undersecretary for Regulations and Infrastructure, Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan urges local leaders and farmers to step up their effort towards food sufficiency.

He said, “So that we can overcome our dependency on import, the overarching objective is for this republic to be food sufficient.”

“Dapat kaya na natin ang ating mga pagkain. Magsisimula po yan sa ating mga barangay,” he said.

He furthered, “Dapat planohin ng mga kapitan ano kaya ang dapat gawin. Pwede kayo magpalay, magmais, magbaboyan, kambingan or bakahan, so that the province will be food sufficient.”

“Salamat sa inyo mga farmers, you are the ones sweating for us to have food. With the RCEP, we hope we can do more, have higher harvest and better income,” he remarked.

Despite the COVID-19 adversities, DA aims to attain 2.5 percent growth rate this year, through its One DA framework.

Central to the framework is an inclusive approach in the implementation of the agency’s key programs, projects and activities, anchored on sustained partnership with the LGUs and the agricultural sectors in the country.#(ATalib)

DA Secretary William D. Dar was sent-off by the DA-NorMin team headed by RED Carlene C. Collado and RTD for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga after his attendance to the Joint National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) and Regional Task Force – ELCAC X Meeting, here in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has handed P1.96 billion for the implementation of various programs and projects for FY 2021 to the five provinces of Region 10.

Of which, P303.88 million was apportioned for infrastructure development which includes 13.94 kilometers farm-to-market road in Damulog town and the 6.47-kms in Valencia City, all of Bukidnon province which will benefit 10,489 beneficiaries per 5,770.61 hectares.

The P897.21 million was allocated for CY 2020 rice competitiveness enhancement fund which will benefit 177 farmer cooperatives and associations and 79,976 farmers regionwide.

Other state officials joining in the agriculture secretary’s party were Silvestro H. Bello III, labor secretary; Delfin N. Lorenzana, defense secretary; and Atty. Salvador Panelo, presidential legal adviser.#(ATCabig)

Twenty-four FCAs of Lanao Norte receive P92.61 M worth of agri-machinery and equipment from DA-PhilMech. Leading the turnover is DA Usec for Infra and Regulations Engr. Ampatuan with DA-PhilMech Director Dr. Jallorin, DA-10 RED Collado and other officials.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) turned over agri-machinery and equipment worth P92.61 million to 24 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in the province of Lanao del Norte on Monday, March 1.

Aimed to increase farmers’ productivity, FCAs from the municipalities of Balo-i, Baroy, Tubod, Maigo, Munai, Sapad, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lala, Kapatagan and Salvador availed various agri machinery and equipment which include four-wheel drive tractor, hand tractor, float-assist tiller, walk-behind and riding-type transplanter, reaper, rice combine, thresher and mobile rice mill.

Of the total amount, P28.91 million is the 60 percent of its CY 2019 budget and its second batch distribution.

While the first batch of CY 2020 has a budget of P56.59 million and P7.61 million for its second batch.

DA Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Regulations, Engr. Zamzamin Ampatuan led the turnover and awarding of certificates to FCA beneficiaries with PhilMech Director Dr. Baldwin G. Jallorina, DA-PhilMech Head Facility Management and Field Operations Division Joel V. Dator, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Q. Dimaporo with local officials.

Rice mechanization is one of the components of Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, which stipulates the creation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) that would be funded from rice tariffs collections, with P10 billion allocation annually from 2019 to 2024 or a period of six years.

Mechanization component of the RCEF aims to improve rice production in the country through mechanization that would reduce production and postharvest losses up to 20 percent and eventually increase production.

Usec. Ampatuan said, with RCEF there will be more harvest and better income for the farmers.

Meanwhile, Director Collado cited, if labor component will be lessened, the income of the farmers will be increased.

“One way of lowering the labor component is through the use of modern technology and agricultural equipment,” he added.

For CY 2021, DA-PhilMech has allocated around P100 million budget for mechanization in Lanao del Norte.

Lanao del Norte being the second rice producing province of Region 10 contributes 24 percent to the regional rice production in 2020.

Romeo B. Roquero, President of the Butadon Solar Drier with Warehouse and Rice Mill Association, Inc. of Kapatagan shared, “Kini nga programa sa gobyerno dako ni ug ikatabang sa among pagpang-uma. Blessed na kaayo kami nga naka received aning makinarya. Ampingan namo kini aron daghan pa maka benepisyo niini.”# (ATCabig)

DA-10 partners with DOLE and TUCP for more Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita suppliers, which are initially planned to be placed in strategic towns and cities in the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 23 – In line with promoting DA’s initiative of bringing the produce of farmers and fisherfolk directly to consumers, a meeting was held among DA-10, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).

Said marketing platform dubbed as Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita aims to facilitate easier trade between producers and buyers, where agri-fishery and other food products, basic necessities and other prime commodities are sold at practically low prices in support to meager-incomed Filipino families.

During the meeting, DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief, Larry E. Paraluman bared the ongoing operations of the program and its requirements for availment.

Initially, TUCP and DOLE proposed for the conduct of Kadiwa in more towns and cities, specifically in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, where select sites were reported to have high foot traffic of workers, who can accessibly purchase goods to and fro their homes and workplaces.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga expressed, the agency is keen to continuously conduct the program in different communities in Region 10 to aid more farmers and fisherfolk in getting the best prices for their products while providing affordable, safe, and nutritious food to the consuming public.

With the presentation on its operations, a follow-up meeting is slated to be done after farmer’s cooperatives or associations, who will be serving as exhibitors have settled on which additional sites the Kadiwa will be implemented as well as compliance on the set forth requirements by DA-AMAD.

For the 11-month operation of Kadiwa since it hit off in the region, it has garnered a gross sale of P24.4 million, benefitting 67 farmers and fisherfolk cooperative and associations while serving 110,000 households regionwide. # (JCAnito)

A joint price monitoring is being conducted to check the compliance on the set price ceiling for pork products in a community market, here in the city.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) thru its Agribusiness Marketing and Assistance Division (AMAD) with the City Price Coordinating Council of Cagayan de Oro and the Department of Trade and Industry 10 led the price monitoring of pork on Friday, February 26.

Random price monitoring of community markets or ‘talipapa’ and a major market in the city were conducted if they were able to follow the price ceiling set by DA-RFO 10.

The result of the price monitoring will be endorsed to DA-10 management, subject for review of the Technical Working Group and the Bantay Presyo task force.

Lately, CdeO meat retail vendors appealed for adjustment of the price ceiling of liveweight hogs at P165 per kilo and the pork’s price ceiling to gain enough profit.

Effective February 11, 2021, DA-10 issued the price ceiling of pork products for major public markets and community markets in the city: prime cuts at P265 per kilo; other parts at P165 per kilo and entrails at P50 per kilo.#

The agri dept in NorMin headed by RED Collado calls for a strengthened implementation of BABay ASF during the city’s Liga ng mga Barangay General Assembly on February 19.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the continued efforts of further preventing the spread of African Swine Fever in other areas of the city, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) together with the City Veterinary Office (CVO) of Cagayan de Oro calls for a strengthened implementation of Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABay ASF) during the city’s Liga ng mga Barangay General Assembly here on February 19, 2021.

As part of the city’s effort in combatting said virus, CdeO City veterinarian Dr. Lucien Anthony P. Acac disclosed, executive order no. 019-2021 has been issued, allowing barangay captains to establish animal quarantine checkpoints in their respective borders.

Dr. Jake Salvador Sepe, Veterinary III of DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)-National Veterinary Quarantine Service in Region 10 assured, they will provide assistance in setting up the animal quarantine checkpoints in different areas of the city.

“The officials are more knowledgeable of the road networks in their respective barangays; thus we need your help in identifying these roads,” said Sepe.

He conveyed to the officials to meet and help their constituents understand ASF before setting up the checkpoints to avoid panic and miscommunication.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado enjoined the leaders and their constituents to help in curbing the spread of ASF in the city.

“Let us involve everyone to cooperate in preventing the spread of ASF. This is not a job that the barangay captains and councilors can do alone, we need our people to cooperate because once ASF hits, our hog raisers will be affected, losing their livelihood,” the agri executive emphasized.

Collado appealed to the local officials to protect their respective territories with the implementation of BABay ASF and to be vigilant with pork and its by-products from entering and departing from their barangays.

ASF has already affected five barangays in the city which include San Simon, Mambuaya, Baikingon, Agusan and Macasandig.

To further protect the swine industry, DA-PCIC and DA-ACPC offer insurance coverage to hog raisers to bounce back from the effect of ASF.

Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp.- 10 (PCIC-10) Regional Manager Charlito Brilleta shared, they extend free insurance coverage to small hog raisers, if they are listed under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Kristine Cyvill Gregorio, Provincial Management Officer of Misamis Oriental of DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council also said, ACPC offers the Expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance Program (SURE Aid) to ASF affected farmers with zero interest loans, payable within three to five years.

BABay ASF is a program of DA which aims to control the virus from spreading by implementing stronger biosecurity measures, conducting of surveillance and monitoring, and replenishing swine in farms affected by the disease.

In Northern Mindanao, BABay ASF was first launched on February 12, 2021 at the Kaamulan Grounds, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. # (CRSeraspe)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Targeted to augment the income and livelihood of about 35 farmer-cooperatives and associations in its 18 barangays, Salay Mayor Angelo G. Capistrano, Jr. convened with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, as he sought for possible availment of loans assistance for livelihood projects on hogs and cattle.

In a brief meeting earlier today, February 24, Mayor Capistrano imparted, that securing financial aid from the agri department would not only bring economic development, but more importantly, uplift the lives of the marginalized farmers in their town.

With the recent P51 million RPAB-approved ‘AA’ slaughterhouse project under the PRDP, the local chief executive added, that it would further give them a boost in sustaining their Project operations.

In response, DA exec Collado along with representatives from DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council and the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, recommended the credit window dubbed as the Agri-Negosyo (ANYO) Loan which aims to provide accessible and affordable loans at zero interest to eligible borrowers, wherein maximum loanable amount for start-up agri-fishery projects is pegged at P1million. # (JLO)

The aggie dept turns over P2-M worth of Organic demo farm enhancement project to Diwat NHS in Tusik, Bonifacio, MisOcc on February 23.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Intent on further promoting the adoption of organic agriculture, the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) entrusted over P2 million worth of Organic demonstration farm enhancement project to Diwat National High School (NHS) in Tusik, Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental on February 23.

Of the total project cost, DA thru the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) funded P1.5 million; while the Department of Education counterparted the remaining P534,714.00 for said infrastructure and poultry production project.

Leading the ceremonial turnover were DA Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Regulations Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, NOAP Program Coordinator Bernadette F. San Juan, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with the Principal of Diwat NHS Ralph Castillon and Assistant Superintendent Eugene Macajes to receive said projects.

Comprising the infra project (P1,306,395.72) are the establishment of one unit each Elevated Water System, Vermi Shade, Poultry Breeder House, Perimeter Fence for Organic Chicken and Storage Facility.

While the poultry production project (P193,604.28) is for the procurement of chicken breeders, materials and other related supplies.

In his message, DA-RFO 10 RED Collado urged the youth, especially the agriculture graduates to avail of DA’s Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs (KAYA) loan assistance to further widen the province’s agri industry.

Under the KAYA loan program, DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council offers zero-interest, uncollateralized loans of up to P500,000, payable in five years.

“With our strong partnership with MisOcc mayors and the governor, DA will continue to support the project and I hope that you will invest the budget for a more visible and flourishing organic demo farm for other communities to learn from,” Collado also imparted.

Gov. Tan also remarked, DA’s Organic Agriculture is unique and challenging that requires patience and sacrifice.

“With the help of the academe in high school and state colleges, the success rate of said program is overwhelming. Sa makugi nga institusyon, kugi usab kami sa gobyerno sa pagtabang sa kalampusan sa maong proyekto. [For those hardworking institutions, we, in the government are much willing to help for the success of the project],” the governor added.

Diwat National High School is located approximately five kilometers from the National Highway, catering students from 10 remote barangays, including some from the town center.

Currently, it has 881 enrollees from all year levels and has already produced graduates of more or less 414 graduates since the implementation of the Senior High School Program in 2016, including those in Agriculture track.

Also present in the ceremony representing the 2nd district congressional office of Henry Oaminal is Margie Ruben.# (EMB)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao turned over around P108.5 million agri assistance to the towns of  Lagonglong and Villanueva, Misamis Oriental on February 19.

Around 11,500 farmers will benefit the agri assistance amounting to P905,720 (Lagonglong) and P107.36 million (Villanueva) during the distribution of assistance to individuals in crisis situation with Sen. Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go.

DA Asst. Sec. for Agribusiness and Marketing  Kristine Y. Evangelista said, “Anong kailangan nyo, anong gustong hanapbuhay na gusto nyo sa agrikultura, para magkaroon kayo ng puhunan pang agrikultura. Ilan lang po yan na programa na aming inaayos. Kasama ang Convergence Team, gagawa po kami ng paraan para gumanda ang inyong buhay.”

Comprising the assistance for the two towns are fertilizer subsidy under Rice Resiliency Project 2 under Bayanihan funds, open pollinated variety (OPV) corn seeds, hybrid and inbred rice seeds, 5-in-1 vegetable seeds (chopsuey and sinigang) carbonizer and shredder.

Thirty-nine Villanueva corn farmers received  P5k worth vouchers for cash and food subsidy for marginal farmers and fishers under Bayanihan 2.

Meanwhile, a 2.5 kilometers farm to market road was committed to Villanueva for the concreting of Sitio Naputos, barangay Dayawan to sitio Kirahon and barangay San Martin and the upgrading and concreting  of 3.46 kilometers FMR of Dayawan-Lokong, crossing Mambuaya.

In Lagonglong, free range chicken were also provided in support to EO No 70 or the whole of nation approach.

In addition, Asec. Evangelista committed P500k for the enhanced Kadiwa project in Lagonglong.

Lagonglong Mayor Jay Albert Puertas shared, DA has poured  a lot of interventions in their locality for their farmers with hope to improve their productivity.

On the other hand, Linda B.  Cajardo,  66 years old  corn farmer of Villanueva recounted, “Nakadawat mi sa mga assistance sa DA bisan katong adunay kalamidad. Pinaagi aning P5k makatabang na kini sa among kinahanglan sa uma.”

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, representing Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado has been working closely with the local government units in the region in providing different agri interventions.# (ATCabig)