DA-BPI NorMin bares that no smuggled cabbage from China were transported from CdeO City and distributed to Metro Manila markets.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry, Plant Quarantine Services (DA-BPI-PQS) in Northern Mindanao refutes the allegations of smuggled cabbage from China which were transported from Cagayan de Oro City and distributed to Metro Manila markets.

Manuel A. Barradas, Regional Manager of DA-BPI PQS in Northern Mindanao bared on Friday, August 20, responding to said issue circulating in social media.

“Based on our Domestic Movement Report for the months of July and August of this year, there is no cabbage supply coming from Region 10 for Metro Manila.”

For July, 1 metric ton of cabbage was shipped to Siquijor, and 12metric tons were shipped to Iloilo (10MT) and Negros Occidental (2MT) for the month of August.

Barradas further emphasized that DA-BPI Central Office in Manila has not issued a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) on the importation of cabbage.

“We have a strengthened quarantine measure in all ports (sea and air) of Region 10, complying to the Memorandum of DA Sec. William D. Dar in the intensification of the first border inspection, and mandatory (100 percent) inspection of incoming plants and plant products in the second border,” he added.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and Chair of the DA Regional Management Committee in Region 10 Carlene C. Collado directed a team to probe the said issue.

Atty. Elvira Cruz, Custom District Collector, Bureau of Customs, Collection District X committed for a steadfast vigilance against smuggling in response to Barradas’ letter request on the full implementation of Customs Administrative Order No. 2-2017 on the rules and regulations implementing RA No. 10845 otherwise known as “Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016”.

“DA-BPI ensures that incoming agri products must comply with the phytosanitary measures to prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases as well as the safety of the consuming public,” Barradas concluded.

Meanwhile, Mr. Willie Mopon, chair of the Mindanao Agri Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative said, that Region 10 supplies Metro Manila market the Green Gold Variety from the municipalities of Talakag and Lantapan, Bukidnon, and Wakamine variety from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

He assures that cabbages sold in the markets are from local farms.#(ATCabig)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Farmer’s cooperatives and associations (FCAs) producing yellow corn in Bukidnon province along with the concerned local government units (LGUs) convened on August 18, in a virtual meeting for talks of a potential partnership with Charoen Pokphand Foods Company (CPFC).

This, after the Thai-based conglomerate which has expanded its operations in the Philippines with agro-industrial and food as one of its core businesses, sought aid from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), in looking for prospective suppliers to meet their monthly volume requirement of about 3,000-4,000 metric tons.

“Harvest time is coming, and it is the right time for farmers to have another market option and learn the company’s availability in buying the corn produce of our farmers at reasonable prices,” Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 regional executive director remarked.

Corn harvests are expected to be delivered to CPFC’s plant in General Santos City, while the company also bared the possibility of setting up a buying station in said province, should agreements such as the buying price, payment scheme, among others be made between them and the FCAs.

Ian Bernardino, the conglomerate’s deputy department manager, also detailed on the parameters for their quality corn requirement, adding it will guide the FCAs on how to demand premium prices for their corn produce.

On the other hand, CPFC Department Manager Dino Nepumoceno likewise revealed, that the company will be willing to muster the FCAs and have them undergo technical trainings to ensure their production of quality corn.

DA-10 through its Corn Program has presented the list of probable FCAs that can supply to the company, indicating the estimated production and schedule of harvest for this season.

With DA-10 optimistic for the FCAs to forge a partnership with CPFC, Dir. Collado underscored for these groups to maximize the credit facilitation assistance that can be availed from the department thru its agribusiness and marketing arm.

He added, that there are various credit windows offered by government banks such as the Landbank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines to augment their corn production and marketing ventures.

Also in attendance from CPFC are Prateep Tongjan, assistant vice-president; Supakrit Inseesungworn, deputy general manager; Monico Arco, assistant department manager; and John Karlter D. Esclamado, purchasing officer. # (JLO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Four newly promoted and appointed employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) took their oath of office on August 16, 2021.

The promoted personnel are Marlene B. Naluan – Agriculturist II of the Field Operations Division (FOD), Jolee D. Develos and Joel D. Pueblos, both Science Research Specialist I of the Research Division.

On the other hand, Ronald Allan P. Camaddo is newly appointed as Agriculturist I assigned at the FOD.

Administering their oath is DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, who shared his hopes for said employees to continue in extending the programs, projects and services of the agency to agri-clienteles even amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Also witnessing the ceremony are the concerned division chiefs Luisito S. Ofngol and Cora A. Dumayaca of the FOD and Research division, respectively, along with DA Employees Association president Lourdes P. Rudinas. # (AMBManto)

On August 13, DA-RMC 10 convenes in an assessment-workshop to gauge its accomplishments in implementing an integrated and synergized agri-fishery projects and programs in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) convened Friday, August 13, its attached agencies and line bureaus, and other partner agencies in Northern Mindanao for the assessment-workshop of the regional implementation of the OneDA reform agenda.

Said activity primarily aims to gauge its accomplishments in implementing an integrated and synergized agri-fishery projects and programs in the region, as envisioned in accelerating the transformation of the Philippine Agriculture.

The performance were evaluated based on the execution and compliance of the 18 key strategies of the OneDA framework, which were anchored on consolidation, modernization, industrialization and professionalization of the agri-fishery sector.

“We need to constantly assess our accomplishments to keep us abreast with the DA’s Mission and Vision. More significantly, we need to implement an integrated agri-fishery programs to attain scale of impact,” said DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga.

The gaps, challenges and problems in implementing its strategies in the region were identified during the assessment, paving way for unified consensus among the concerned DA’s instrumentalities for strengthened implementation of harmonized agri-fishery programs in the region.

“We need to align our effort so that we can better address the needs of our target groups (farmers and fishers),” stressed Madriaga, urging the entire DA family in the region to come as one in upscaling the region’s agri-fishery sector.

To gear up the OneDA framework implementation, the group has agreed to come up with a harmonized implementation plan of the agri-fishery projects and programs in the region.

By streamlining the agencies’ financial and physical targets and accomplishments, it is anticipated that the DA agri-fishery projects can be synergistically implemented, benefiting the target beneficiaries at maximum scale.

Notably, in Region 10, regional executive director Carlene C. Collado with the Philippine Army and DA attached agencies and line bureaus launched the OneDA adopt a community in April of this year at sitio Kalhaan, Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Said effort was in support to EO 70 or whole-of-nation approach, in which, through a vigorous agricultural development can contribute to peace and development.

Director Collado stressed, “OneDA is a holistic approach to agriculture and fisheries transformation with the contributions of the different RMC member agencies.”#(ATalib)

DA-10 turns over the P4.5-M worth project, comprising of trading post, hauling vehicle, weighing scale and plastic crates to KCC in Kitaotao, Buk’non realized thru the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain program.

KITAOTAO, BUKIDNON, August 13 – The P4.5 million worth project of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain program is now realized for the Kahusayan Consumers Cooperative (KCC) in barangay Kahusayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

In April of this year, KCC Chair Nilo S. Lanzaderas received the check of said amount from DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado for said project comprising the trading post/building (P2-M), hauling vehicle (P2.4-M), weighing scale and plastic crates (P100,000).

RED Collado cited, that Kitaotao town is one of the strategic boundaries of the region that has been granted with said projects.

He challenged the recipients to take advantage of the facilities granted, and strategize for the expansion of their market for them to acquire additional interventions from DA.

“I hope through this project the cooperative will become stronger and progressive, and will help realize the full potential of Kitaotao, Bukidnon as an agri-tourism municipality,” the director remarked.

DA-10 has budgeted P11 million for the region’s trading post projects under Bayanihan 2 funds thru the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita.

In response, Lanzaderas shared, “Daghang salamat sa DA kay naa na kami insaktong bagsakan sa mga gulay ug delivery van, mas nagkadaghan ang nilambigit sa among kooperatiba. Akong paningkamutan nga ma-sustenar ug mas molambo ang KCC alang sa mga miyembro niini hangtud sa sunod pang mga henerasyon.”

[Thank you DA for granting us with these projects such as the trading post and delivery van for our vegetables, that encourage more farmers to join our coop. I will work harder to help sustain and flourish the operations of KCC for the benefit of the members, and even the next generation.]

The KCC is registered under the Cooperative Development Authority since 2017. Currently, it has 205 active members and earns a net income of roughly P30,000 per month from their farming, mostly from squash and ginger.

Aside from said project, the department thru the High Value Crops Development Program has previously given KCC a multi-cultivator machine that they can use for their crop production.

Also present in the ceremonial turnover is Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief Larry E. Paraluman, with Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office headed by Engr. Alson G. Quimba, municipal staff of Kitaotao, Kahusayan barangay council and KCC board members.# (EMBentulan)

On August 10, DA-10 turns over the P4.280 M refrigerated van to LGU Talakag, Bukidnon under its Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) turned over one unit Refrigerated Van worth P4.280 million to the Local Government Unit of Talakag, Bukidnon headed by Mayor Vergito O. Factura on August 10, 2021.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that the van is a big help to the vegetable farmers in Talakag town in delivering their produce with lesser postharvest losses.

The refrigerated van is an additional component of the regional food terminal, with its nearly complete construction in barangay Miarayon of said town.

Said van with a gross weight capacity of 7,800 kilograms was granted under DA-10’s Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance program through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), funded under Bayanihan II.

In a separate interview, Talakag Municipal Agriculturist Liezl V. Barros said, “The refrigerated van will be used to transport high value vegetables from the Regional Food Terminal in barangay Miarayon and neighboring barangays producing high value crops to any point of use. This will be of big help to our local farmers to extend the shelf life of highly perishable agri-products and subsequently, reduce postharvest losses and maintain the quality of farm produce.”

“I would like to extend my gratitude to DA-RFO 10 for this kind of intervention extended to our local farmers, especially to our vegetable growers. The unceasing support of DA to LGU Talakag through various agricultural interventions would definitely address several challenges that our local farmers are encountering during this time of pandemic,” Barros added.

The turnover was made possible through the efforts of Talakag Vice Mayor Amado Z. Noble. # (CRSeraspe)

On August 12 via the virtual platform, DA-10 and PCIC bare updates on ASF in R-10 and its corresponding interventions to aid hog raisers easen risks to their investments amid the ASF threat during the RAGCOM Info Car.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, August 12 – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) pushes hog raisers to insure their animals with the DA-Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC) to avail indemnification and easen risks to their investments amid the African Swine Fever (ASF) contagion.

In a virtual Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM)-10 Information Caravan, Dr. Julesben Caesar C. Maquiling, DA-10 ASF Focal Person reported that starting July 1, this year, indemnification requests for depopulated hogs due to ASF will no longer be accommodated under the department’s quick respond fund, but rather thru PCIC’s insurance program.

To date, DA-10 has already released the indemnification for the 1,747 ASF-stricken hog farmers with 7,404 hogs, in the total amount of P37.020 million since November 2020, while other requests are still in progress for payment.

Unlike previous ASF indemnification claims pegged at P5,000 per culled hog, he detailed, that under PCIC’s Swine Industry Insurance program, a minimum amount of P10,000 will be accorded to farmers whose animals are depopulated to prevent ASF infestation in an area.

“In support to DA’s effort, PCIC, an attached agency of DA, has designed the Swine Mortality Insurance Program. It contains relaxed features of the agency’s regular livestock insurance program such as discounted premiums for commercial hog raisers, increased indemnity for hog losses, and inclusion of culling or destruction of swine due to ASF as ordered by the government as compensable peril,” Roy Arthur P. Alamban, PCIC sales and marketing chief bared.

He added that the corporation has already allotted P600 million from its current budget for said program.

Of which, the amount shall either be used as insurance premium subsidy or indemnity payment for assured RSBSA listed hog raisers, he added.

Intended beneficiaries of the insurance program range from backyard hog raisers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA); farmer’s cooperatives and associations; commercial farm operators; local government units (LGUs); and state colleges and universities.

Additional requirements include LGUs’ adoption of harmonized ordinances, implementation and regular updating in the prevention and control of ASF, and the organization of the Bantay ASF sa Barangay; registration of hog farms with LGUs; training on biosecurity measures among farmers, or in the case of commercial farms, owners and staff; and certification that hogs to be insured are in the green (free), light green or pink (buffer) zones.

As to the provision of government premium subsidy, Alamban clarified, that for backyard hog raisers (maximum of 20 heads), subsidy shall be 100% of the premium cost or full premium subsidy, while for the commercial hog raisers, the premium subsidy shall be the rate of the premium cost as may be agreed by DA and PCIC.

He noted, that affected hog raisers will receive a maximum of P10,000 per head for fattener; P14,500 per head for F1 breeder; and a maximum of P34,000 per head for parent/grandparent stock.

The agri official further emphasized, however, that said coverage rates will depend per type of swine, subject to usual prorating assessment according to the growth period when the loss occurred.

“These policies shall apply only to the current situation with regard to ASF infection and shall remain effective until such time that hog industry and the market will have stabilized or solutions or treatment to the disease will have been developed,” Alamban stated.

Hog raisers can apply for insurance at PCIC’s regional office at the 4th Floor, One Montecarlo Building, Corrales-Hayes Sts. (857-2983/0906-892-5746/0948-325-4032) or thru their provincial extension offices at the 2nd Floor, PENLAC Building, National Highway, Valencia City, Bukidnon (0905-744-4417/0948-860-6610/0930-884-0524) and at the Farmer’s Training Center in Bagong Dawis, Baroy, Lanao del Norte (0906-461-7137).

The provincial, city or municipal agriculturist or agricultural technicians in any LGU may also be reached out for assistance, Alamban concluded.

Currently, there are a total of 19 ASF-affected areas in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte, respectively. # (JLO)

DA-NorMin signs a MOA between LVFMC, MMPC and CMU to provide financial grant aid to farmers and entrepreneurs.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To further provide market development services, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the P4.750 million financial grant to aid farmers and entrepreneurs.

On August 5, 2021, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado signed the MOA with the following beneficiaries: Lantapan Vegetable Farmers and Marketing Cooperative (LVFMC), Lantapan, Bukidnon; Marapange Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPC), Kibawe, Bukidnon and Central Mindanao University (CMU), Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

DA’s Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita is one of the projects of the agency which aims to link farmers directly to the consuming public.

Said initiative assures that farmers get the best prices for their products, while providing quality, safe, nutritious and reasonably priced food to consumers.

Under its Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program, LVFMC and Marapange MPC will receive P2 million and P1.25 million grants, respectively, for their hauling vehicles.

On the other hand, CMU will receive P1.5 million worth of grant for the rehabilitation of their Kadiwa Center building, hauling vehicle, working capital and equipment in support to their operations.

LVFMC Marketing Head Joel Terry Rivera shared, that the transportation support will greatly benefit not only their cooperative, but as well as nearby local farmers.

“It will help enhance food safety and delivery efficiency. Through this project, we can also establish good relationship and long-term business partnership with our clienteles,” he added. # (AMBManto)

On August 11, DA-10, COA undertake an online Audit Entrance Conference for the agri dept’s FY 2021 expenditures.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In ensuring government transparency and accountability for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 expenditures, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the Commission On Audit (COA) held an online Audit Entrance Conference on August 11, 2021.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized, that said activity is annually conducted to check the department’s disbursement on the projects and program implementations provided to the farmers, local governments and other stakeholders.

“We are committing that we are one in serving our farmers, especially with the new normal caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus cannot stop us from extending our services such as the implementation of the different projects and programs, and even the conduct of our activities,” RED Collado expressed.

COA-10 Acting Audit Team Leader Nashiba L. Macaraob noted, COA is mandated to examine, audit, and settle all accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of, and expenditures or uses of funds and property, owned or held in trust by, or pertaining to the government or any of its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities.

She cited, that one of the responsibilities of the auditor in the engagement is to impart ideas that can improve the agency’s operations and address control deficiencies identified during the audit.

Also in the presence of regional technical directors of DA-RFO 10 Carmelita T. Bajarla and Carlota S. Madriaga, the group discussed the department’s accounting and financial reporting systems and other important matters.

COA Regional Supervising Auditor Josie J. Rodriguez said, with the guidance of COA Central Office, they have forwarded all necessary memoranda and circulars, which will be helpful in DA’s undertakings.

Also participating the virtual meeting are the banner program and special project coordinators, provincial operations center chiefs of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental of DA-RFO 10.# (EMBentulan)

RMC member-agencies of DA-10 joins the Food Resiliency Task Group virtual meeting on August 9 to accelerate the transformation towards a modern and industrialized Philippine agriculture.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In pursuing the OneDA approach, the Regional Management Committee member agencies of the Department of Agriculture in Region 10 joins the Food Resiliency Task Group virtual meeting on August 9.

“Aimed to capture the initiatives and accomplishments of the respective DA-RMC members is important in ensuring the availability of food supply in Northern Mindanao amid the pandemic,” said DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga.

The OneDA approach follows an inclusive method to accelerate the transformation towards a modern and industrialized Philippine agriculture.

RTD Madriaga added, the efforts of the OneDA is part of DA’s mandate to ensure food security.

Meanwhile, the DA-Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC) presented its various loan programs to farmers and fisherfolk, including the agri-fishery based micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and marginalized and small farmers and fishers (MSFF) who are greatly affected with the pandemic.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado chaired the Food Resiliency Task Group, comprising the following member agencies: DTI, DSWD, DILG, DBM, DepEd, DOST, DAR, DENR, DOE, TESDA, CDA, CHED, NFA, NIA, NEDA, PLGUs of the five provinces of the region and CLGU Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. #(ATCabig)