Targeted to break ground on August 16, the RPMT of DA-10 convenes on August 9 for a virtual meeting to tackle key concerns to further facilitate the implementation of the smart greenhouses project in R-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the upcoming groudbreaking for the establishment of Korean-funded smart greenhouses in Bukidnon province, the Regional Project Management Team (RPMT) of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) convened on August 9, 2021 via the virtual platform.

Said facility is eyed to break ground on August 16 at one of the agency’s research stations, the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Of which is aimed at helping local farmers in producing high value crops such as potato, cherry tomato and strawberry using smart farming technologies.

Being one of the host implementing agencies, the RPMT of DA-10 laid out and tackled key concerns to further facilitate the execution of the smart greenhouses project in Region 10.

Among them are the arrival of the technical experts from South Korea; site development, including the preparation of the office and living quarters for such personnel; conduct of an orientation cum groundbreaking; and additional cargoes such as reefer truck and may include fertilizers and pesticides to be transported from abroad via Region 6, for the cited collaborative project.

Further, potential farm co-operators, coming from Lantapan town and Malaybalay City, all in Bukidnon were reportedly to have already undertaken a series of trainings in preparation for the Project.

The Philippine government thru DA signed a memorandum of agreement with the Korean government allocating funds to build 11 smart greenhouses with a total contract cost of P70.22 million for a period of four years.

Presiding the meeting is DA-10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga, in the presence of heads and representatives from the Research, Operations, Planning, Regulatory, Administrative and Finance, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance and Regional Agricultural and Engineering divisions. # (JLO)

In a virtual forum on July 23, 2021, DA-NorMin along with BAI, insurance and financing institutions bare its windows for assistance to help revive the hog industry affected by ASF. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through its Livestock Program is set to implement the Swine Repopulation and Recovery Program in reviving the hog industry after being affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF).

In a virtual forum on July 23, 2021, DA in partnership with the Bureau of Animal Industry and other insurance and financing institutions sought to increase awareness of DA’s twin programs: BABay ASF and INSPIRE to strengthen coordination with local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders.

Said key programs in combatting the viral hog disease include the Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABay ASF) which aims to strengthen biosecurity and surveillance of ASF, while the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) seeks to accelerate the repopulation and recovery of the hog industry.

DA Undersecretary for Livestock, Dr. William C. Medrano shared, “We aim to fast track the implementation of these programs to bounce back to the vibrant state of the hog industry since ASF has created a huge damage to pork supply and price in affected areas.”

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that DA thru Secretary William D. Dar is optimistic that the hog industry can recover from the effect of the African Swine Fever, especially in Northern Mindanao.

In an effort to help the hog raisers, DA through the Agricultural Credit and Policy Council (ACPC) is offering zero-interest loans payable in three to five years through its Agri Negosyo “ANYO” loan program.

Meanwhile, the Development Bank of the Philippines provides credit to support the national government’s efforts and the DA’s INSPIRE Program in the recovery and repopulation of the local swine industry through financing of bio-secured farm projects.

The LBP has allocated P15 billion program fund for the SWINE lending program in helping commercial hog raisers sustain their production and operations.

LBP’s program aims to help secure the country’s food security, particularly on the supply of pork.

Effective July 1, 2021, ASF indemnification request for depopulated hogs are accommodated under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation’s (PCIC) Swine Industry Insurance Program which offers discounted premiums to commercial hog raisers, increased indemnity payment for hog losses and inclusion of culling due to ASF.

Director Collado noted, that the strengthened partnership with the LGUs and the private sector will help in reviving the industry.

“I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the LGUs for the continued partnership and cooperation. May you continue and strengthen your border protection against ASF,” Collado concluded. # (AMBManto)

On July 21, Talara and Enteria take their oath of office to assume their positions in DA-NorMin, before administering officer, RED Collado.

Ailene B. Talara and Angelica Alma B. Enteria officially took oath as Science Research Specialist II and Administrative Assistant III, respectively, before Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on July 21, 2021.

Previously designated as SRS I at DA-Caraga, Talara will be assigned at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) under DA-10’s Research Division.

On the other hand, Enteria, a former contract of service worker, will assume her position under the Office of the Regional Director.

Also witnessing the ceremony are Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, OIC-Administrative and Finance Division Chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse along with the division chiefs and staff. # (AMBManto)

On July 16, DA-NorMin caps its first batch of ASF indemnity assistance distribution to the affected barangays in CdeO.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 637 hog raisers received P10.81 million worth of African Swine Fever (ASF) indemnity from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 as the agency capped the first batch of ASF payout in 17 barangays in Cagayan de Oro City, Friday, July 16.

The DA indemnifies P5,000 for each pig culled on account of the ASF contagion.

Aside from the DA’s payout, the hog raisers also received P2,000 cash assistance from the City Government of CdeO earlier this year.

The indemnity rollout is undertaken in close coordination with the City Agriculture Office, particularly in registering the bonafide hog raisers to DA’s official farmers and fishers’ registry, Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.

Validation of the ASF-affected areas and profiling of hog raisers are jointly conducted with the City Veterinary Office.

The DA is optimistic such assistance will help hog raisers to start alternative livelihood as means to recuperate from the ASF infestation, especially since they are temporarily prohibited to raise hogs until their area is cleared for swine repopulation.

Elsira Niebla, a 51-year-old hog raiser from Barangay Tumpagon said the P10,000 indemnity she received out of two pigs culled is helpful enough for a livelihood amid the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic.

[Pasalamat mi sa DA. Bisan tuod gikuha ang among baboy, gibayaran mi para makabangon mi sa among panginabuhian. Akong gamiton kini nga hinabang para mag.negosyo sama sa pagpangompra sa lubi og saging.]

“We are very grateful of DA. Although our pigs were culled, we were paid so that we can go on with our livelihood. I am planning to use the assistance in trading coconut and banana,” Niebla averred, saying that she will be raising pigs again once they are permitted.

The first two ASF cases in CdeO City were reported in barangays San Simon and Mambuaya and this was confirmed on February 8 this year, following the issuance of confirmatory laboratory test result by DA-10.

Thereafter, the cases ballooned, affecting 17 barangays in the city and resulted to depopulation of a total 3,783 hogs, as of date.

“We are concerned that our hog raisers’ livelihood was compromised, but we have to do what is best to protect the region’s hog industry,” said DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado.

“As for now, we will be implementing recovery programs that would help our hog raisers, especially the backyard raisers, to gain their livelihood. Part of the program is strict implementation of the Bantay ASF sa Barangay and the rollout of Swine Insurance Program of the Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp.,” Director Collado furthered.

Currently the DA-10 is processing the second batch indemnity worth P6,650,000 for the 1,330 culled hogs of 306 hog raisers in the city. It is eyed that the fund will be ready for release within the third quarter of the year.

Meanwhile, Director Collado is calling out the support of the region’s hog industry stakeholders to beef up the DA’s campaign to contain the ASF infestation in the region.

“To contain and manage the spread of ASF requires immediate and coordinated action,” he stressed.

“And so we are calling for the continued support and active participation of the hog raisers, the private sector and the local governments in the implementation of DA’s projects and programs to revitalize Northern Mindanao’s hog industry,” Director Collado concluded.# (ATalib)

DA-10 and Ketkai’s collab for ‘Farm to Market’ showcase aims to provide access to fresh agri-produce at reasonable prices. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -To provide access to fresh agricultural produce at reasonable prices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) partnered with Limketkai Center as they open the ‘Farm to Market’ on July 15, 2021.

On the conceptualization of the event, Remy Lou Hojas-Along, lease marketing officer, shared “In celebration of Nutrition Month this July, we decided to collaborate with DA-10 to provide fresh fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products to mallgoers straight from the farmers themselves. This is also our help to farmers for them to gain a market despite this pandemic.”

Spearheaded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-10, the agency tapped exhibitors such as the Miarayon Highland Farmers Association, Farmgrown Association of Claveria, Manzano Farm and CNQ Organic Supplements.

Other exhibitors also include Mommy Sha Tablea, Jangkoy Marketing, Herbs & More by Urban Greens, Bukidnon Milk Company – CDO and RTB Variety Store.

Minda L. Agbo of MIHFA expressed her gratitude for being invited to the agricultural showcase, “We thank DA-10 and Limketkai for this initiative as it helped us gain an outlet for our products; thereby creating more livelihood opportunities for our members of the association.”

Said trade fair will run from July 15- 31, 2021 at the Limketkai Center Rotunda. # (AMBManto)

Fire victims from the city of Cagayan de Oro received food packs and assorted vegetable seeds from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) on July 15, 2021.

A total of 18 beneficiaries each received a food pack containing Adlai cookies, Adlai cereals and fresh bananas as well as assorted vegetable seeds.

Field Operations Division Chief Luisito S. Ofngol encouraged the beneficiaries to venture into urban gardening, especially during this pandemic and to submit proposals to the agency for other possible assistance. #

On July 9, the agri dept in NorMin gives out the indemnity assistance to ASF-affected hog raisers in barangay San Simon, CdeO City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 9 – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) paid off a total of P2.38 million for the African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected hog raisers in barangay San Simon.

Said indemnity payment were given to 130 hog raiser-recipients of the barangay at P5,000 for every culled hog.

Dr. Julesben Caesar C. Maquiling of DA-10 noted, that San Simon is one of the 16 barangays of CdeO where hog depopulation was conducted as measure to prevent ASF infestations in other farms.

Ammabille Y. Fernandez, one of the beneficiaries, who have received P25,000 in exchange of her five culled pigs said, the amount she received will be added for the capital of her small store while she temporarily stops from her piggery business.

Meanwhile, San Simon Brgy. Chair Fernando C. Edrolin expressed his gratitude to DA-10 for the cash assistance given to his constituents who primarily source their income from backyard hog raising.

Edrolin remarked, that the barangay continuously supports DA-10’s campaign against the spread of ASF by prudently guarding their areas to control the movement of live hogs and its by-products.

He further urged the ASF-stricken hog raisers to venture into poultry, livestock raising and other livelihood projects to sustain their daily needs.

Next week, DA-NorMin is set to proceed in other barangays in the city to continue the distribution of indemnity payments.# (EMBentulan)

On July 8, corn farmers from the 2^nd district of MisOr receive hybrid corn seeds from DA-NorMin to help augment their production and income.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Corn farmers of the second district of Misamis Oriental received hybrid corn seeds from the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao to increase their production and income.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, representing Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over 200 bags amounting to P1 million to Rep. Juliette T. Uy of the second district of Misamis Oriental on July 8 in Villanueva town.

RTD Madriaga encouraged the farmers to plant hybrid corn seeds with an average yield of 6-7 metric tons per hectare and resistant to pests and diseases.

Each bag at 9 kilograms can be planted to a half-hectare, and basically used for industrial purposes like feeds.

Edgar C. Alimbog, a corn farmer for 26 years from barangay Kimaya of Villanueva town shared, “Ang natangap naming hybrid corn seeds ay malaking tulong lalo na ngayon na hirap makabili dahil sa pandemic. Dahil nito, mapanatili ang pangkabuhayan naming mga magsasaka.”

Rep. Uy motivated the farmers to engage in entrepreneurship aside from farming to earn more income.

Second district encompasses the city of El Salvador and the municipalities of Alubijid, Claveria, Gitagum, Initao, Jasaan, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Manticao, Naawan, Opol, Tagoloan and Villanueva.# (ATCabig)

ASF-affected farmers from Initao, Manticao and Libertad of MisOr province claim their indemnity assistance on July 7. Months prior, hog raisers in said areas have subjected their animals for depopulation at P5,000 per culled hog to help the government curb the spread of the hog viral disease.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) recently released the African Swine Fever (ASF) indemnification payment worth P5.93 million to Misamis Oriental province.

On July 7, about 319 hog raisers from three towns of said province received such financial aid, covering Initao with with P2.805 million (168 farmers); Manticao with P3.070 million (149); and Libertad with P55,000 for 2 farmers.

Hog raisers whose animals were depopulated to prevent the spread of the viral disease got P5,000 for every culled hog.

“This [indemnification payment] is a big help for you [affected hog raisers] to start anew with your chosen alternative livelihood and as source of income for your daily needs,” said Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-10 MisOr Provincial Operations Center Chief who represented DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

Such was realized, the agri official added, with the assistance from the provincial and municipal governments.

She shared, that with the agency’s continued partnership at the local levels, more agri-interventions are yet to come thru availment from DA’s banner programs – rice, corn, high value crops and livestock, and other special projects.

On top of DA-NorMin’s indemnification assistance, the provincial government of MisOr headed by Gov. Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano also provided ready-to-lay ducks and sacks of feed to the affected farmers as start-up for another livelihood option.

On resolving ASF, which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial governor added: “The solution lies within all of us. We, in the government, requests for all of your full cooperation to early on recover from these threats.”

In doing so, this would pave the way for MisOr to bounce back its economy, he concluded.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Marly Patnulag of barangay Jampason, Initao expressed, that it was worth it in heeding to the call of the government.

“Initially, it was hard to give up my raised hog to be culled, as way to help curb the spread of the disease [ASF] in our barangay. However, they [national and local governments] have assured us [affected hog raisers] that they will provide indemnification for such. Truly, they have fulfilled their promise.” she said.

Since early Tuesday, July 6, DA-10 has already paid out P6,290,000 worth of indemnification assistance to 343 affected hog raisers, with the first leg of its distribution in Laguindingan town. # (JLO)

Twenty-four hog Laguindingan town hog raisers receive the total indemnification fund in the amount of P360,000 from DA-NorMin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 24 hog raisers from the municipality of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental received the African Swine Fever (ASF) indemnification fund in the total amount of P360,000 from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10).

On Tuesday, July 6, 2021 affected hog raisers from Barangays Kibaghot and Poblacion each received P5,000 per culled hog to recover from the losses of said disease.

DA-10 OIC-Regulatory Division Chief Audy G. Maagad, who represented Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, emphasized the importance of prevention and reporting of the incidence to immediately stop the spread of said viral hog disease.

Meanwhile, Laguindingan Mayor Diosdado T. Obsioma extended his gratefulness for the cash assistance, and encouraged residents to use the money wisely for other livelihood endeavors.

Hog raiser Benjie M. Suminlao accounted, that he will be using the indemnity fund for other livestock, “Since it may take a while before we can start raising hogs again, I will be using the money to buy vitamins for my cattle, goats and chickens.”

Said event marks the first leg of cash distribution for MisOr affected hog raisers. # (AMBManto)