DA holds the first ever Women Agribiz Summit which underscores the efforts of women in creating a mark in the agribiz industry with help from government agencies. 

Benchmarking from empowered women of today, the Department of Agriculture (DA) staged recently the first ever Women Agribusiness Summit: “Women in Agriculture Break Barriers”, a town hall consultation, held at the BSWM Convention Hall, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City and via virtual platform.

Organized by the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Program Directorate Office and Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, said event highlighted the efforts of women in partnership with DA, its attached bureaus and agencies, including other government agencies in helping them create a mark in the agribiz industry.

Moreover, it forms part as one of the preparatory activities of the 2021 United Nations (UN) Food System under the Thematic Area of GAD to be convened in September, this year.

In her opening remarks, Evelyn G. Laviña, undersecretary for high value crops and chairperson of GAD Focal Point System expressed, “women all over [the country] who are in agriculture and agribusiness never surrendered to the debilitating and paralyzing effect of the pandemic to the simple Filipino people and their livelihood.”

She added, that instead the innate strength, determination and resilience of Filipino women found an unexpected stage to manifest itself in an incomparable manner, breaking barriers and helping transform the Philippine agriculture during COVID-19 and beyond into a dynamic and resilient sector essential for the country to speed up recovery by ensuring strengthened food value chains and a vibrant rural economy.”

USec. Laviña furthered, that the event aims to share the invited outstanding women’s success stories for others to draw inspiration from, underscoring what they’ve accomplished, how they’ve hurdled challenges amid the ongoing pandemic and accessed government services to enhance their entrepreneurial activities.

Accounting their feats were Jade Calingasan of Woodybag Mushroom Farm (mushroom and alamang production); Ma. Frances A. Rubio of Greenlife Coconut Product Philippines (virgin coconut oil and other coco-based products); Christina O. Generoso of Pinagdanlayan Rural Improvement Club Multipurpose Cooperative (ginger and turmeric brew); Cherrylyn S. Mendoza of Moolk Creamery, Corp. (dairy products); and Marites Benico of Pinagbuklod na Adhika Multipurpose Cooperative (brown rice and rice brew).

DA Secretary William D. Dar reiterated, that said affair also highlights on working towards the adopted fifth goal of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which is the enforcement of gender equality.

While efforts are being done by gender advocates globally, the DA chief equally recognizes in bridging the gaps to address such goal in the society.

“We know that one of the gender issues that surfaced in studies is women’s lack or limited access to services that will improve their productivity and income and this is being given primordial consideration in the crafting of the yearly GAD plan and budget of the department,” the secretary pronounced.

Some P5.51 billion were allocated by DA-Central Office, its regional field offices and bureaus out of the consolidated budget of P32.41 billion from the General Appropriations Act, while DA’s attached agencies and corporations have also apportioned amounts for GAD activities in accordance with their mandated functions, Dar reported.

“With one resolve [by the One DA family], we continue our quest to empower women. We have made sure that the registry of farmers and fisherfolk reflects is disaggregated into male and female, so much so that we will be able to project in our planning and implementation women’s inclusion in the targeted beneficiaries of DA’s various services,” he added.

The agri secretary also noted, that registration is still ongoing and he extends his hopes that more will register and be able to access government services that would aid them in their agri-fishery based activities and enterprises.

For Northern Mindanao, DA-10 facilitated the attendance of around 15 delegates on-site in the city of Cagayan de Oro from its employee’s association, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance and Field Operations divisions. #(JLO)

DA-NorMin train 20 agri-technicians from different LGUs on AI for small ruminants. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Twenty agriculture technicians from the different local government units in Northern Mindanao undergo a ten-day basic training course on artificial insemination (AI) for small ruminants starting July 5, 2021.

“The training will equip the technicians with different skills and techniques in AI,” said Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of the Department of Agriculture-10 during its opening program at the department’s Malaybalay Stock Farm in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Through DA-10’s Livestock Program, the training aims to capacitate the technicians in handling AI in goats to perform activities in the field using the highly technical small ruminant AI technique.

Collado added, it will enable them to train goat raisers in their respective locality on goat production, and eventually achieve DA’s main objective on increased livestock production in the region.

“Artificial insemination is a breeding method used to avoid inbreeding which causes poor growth and prone to transfer of diseases,” according to Johnson C. Petalcurin, Regional Artificial Insemination Coordinator of DA-10’s Livestock Program.

He explained that it is also the easiest way of increasing and upgrading small ruminants in the locality and increase farmers profitability.

The ten-day training will allow the participants to do actual insemination and pregnancy diagnosis on small ruminants and estrous synchronization in their assigned area of coverage. #(ATCabig)

On June 30, BSWM turns over the updated soil fertility maps for rice and corn to DA-10 and PLGU MisOr as source of information on soil fertility status and suitable crops to be planted for specific soils, among others.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) provides its updated soil fertility maps and guide for rice and corn.

DA-BSWM Director Engr. Pablo M. Montalla witnessed via online the handing over of Volumes 3 and 4 Atlas of Soil-Based Agricultural Guide Maps and the Soil Test and Fertilizer Guide for Corn for Misamis Oriental to DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on June 30.

The ceremonial turnover, which was also conducted simultaneously at the Provincial Local Government Unit of MisOr (PLGU MisOr) was part of the Soil Health Assessment – National Soil Sampling and Testing (SHA-NSST) – Online Output Presentation for MisOr province.

RED Collado noted, that President Duterte has committed in his State of the Nation Address in 2016 the color-coded agricultural guide maps, as part of his legacy under his administration.

The two-volume Atlas contains maps for soil fertility, nutrient, pH, fertilizer guide, and rice sustainability of entire Mindanao, which includes the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and MisOr of Region 10.

As of 2019, DA-10 has entered a total of 75,000 hectares of rice production area across the region, of which 3,500 hectares production area is attributed to MisOr.

RED Collado imparted, that the region has a total of 129,799 hectares of land planted with both white and yellow corn varieties, primarily produced for livestock feeds and human consumption. Of these, MisOr has devoted 16,670 hectares for corn production.

“For this, I would like to congratulate DA-BSWM for this feat in guiding our farmers boost their agricultural production. Importantly, it provides farmers and other stakeholders information on soil fertility status and suitable crops to be planted for specific soils, including its climate and geographical location. Indeed, this is a remarkable milestone of the department,” the director expressed.

Also attending the SHA-NSST online output presentation were DA-BSWM OIC-Director Sonia M. Salguero, MisOr Team Leader Neomi M. Pascual, MisOr Provincial Agriculturist Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, who represented Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, and other stakeholders.# (EMBentulan)

DA helmed by Sec. Dar leads in honoring the interns of the agency’s MAYA program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To acknowledge notable interns during the conduct of the Mentoring and Attracting Youth in Agribusiness (MAYA) Program, the Department of Agriculture conducted its virtual recognition day on June 29, 2021.

Sixteen interns from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) formed part the pioneer batch of 791 interns who finished their internship in the different main and regional offices of DA, including its attached agencies and bureaus.

Spearheaded by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), the program also awarded the outstanding interns in the batch under three categories, “Best Agribusiness Plan” (P40,000 cash prize), “Best Maya Intern” (P7,500) and “Best Photo Journey” (P4,000).

Jimae Faith B. Magnaye from DA-10 was named among the 26 “Best Maya Interns” for showing exemplary performance during the program.

In his message, Secretary William D. Dar shared, “Many of our youth are not trained and educated to their maximum capacity and are not making their maximum contribution for the society.”

The DA chief further explained that the agency created the MAYA program, which does not only offer hands-on training and mentorship to the youth, but also gives them a step towards career development. “The department sees the program as a continuing process – investing in people through training and mentoring as a national investment. It yields tangible returns in economic growth and improves citizenry and higher standards of living,” he added.

Meanwhile, apart from Magnaye, other MAYA interns from DA-10 also include: Rex B. Aligno, Marc Listher C. Barete, Kent Lester T. Eduria, Anna Mae Guinto, Rafael Jims C. Jariol, Richel A. Limato, Dean Ferlyn N. Mabunga, Kenneth S. Pagutayao, Cristamie L. Palmerola, Glendale Cassindy E. Salac, Jonathan B. Butron, Venus Marie L. Cabutad, Isidore B. Naliponguit, Rowilyn C. Sembrano, and Joshua E. Waminal. # (AMBManto)

DA-10 RED Collado administers the oathtaking of some promoted employees of the agency.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – This year’s seventh batch of nine newly promoted and four appointed employees of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 took their oath of office before Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on June 28.

The following are the employees and their designated posts:

PROMOTED

Agribusiness and Marketing Division (AMAD)

Larry E. Paraluman – Chief Agriculturist

Field Operations Division (FOD)

Chona H. Nacalaban – Agriculture Center Chief II

Jamaica L. Docdoc – Agriculturist II

Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD)

Oryza Kristy B. Baylo- Veterinarian III

Helen B. Galang – Agriculturist II

Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED)

Grace T. Yagonia – Engineer II

Research Division

Paolo Miguel A. Diputado – Science Research Specialist II

Kenneth D. Polina – Farm Superintendent II

Administrative and Finance Division (AFD)

Karina Molawin E. Andres – Administrative Officer II

NEWLY APPOINTED

Regional Crop Pest Management Center (RCPMC)

Christopher A Andelao – Laboratory Aide II

Research Division

Arlyn T. Timario – Science Research Specialist I

Alyssa Marie Y. Cailing – Science Research Specialist I

Rica Amor A. Caterial – Science Research Specialist I

Dir. Collado stressed to the newly promoted and appointed employees on the agency’s call for good governance and zero corruption in serving the Filipino people with utmost integrity and competence.

Witnessing also is DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Placement and Selection Board Chair, Carlota S. Madriaga who challenged them to adhere with the agency’s vision for a food secure and resilient Philippines with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk.# (JCAnito)

DA-NorMin distributes more than 950 food packs to DSWD-SLP beneficiaries in CdeO City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 23 – The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed more than 950 food packs for the beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in the city.

The activity was simultaneously conducted at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines and in Brgy. Macasandig Covered Court with the participation of other national government agencies.

The food distribution, through the Community Pantry was led by DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistant Secretary Kristine Y. Evangelista.

Each pack contains fresh vegetables, such as baguio beans, squash, chayote, carrots, white potatoes, cucumber, radish, pechay, kangkong and bananas, among others.

The Community Pantry is one of the highlights of its 123rd Anniversary celebration, bearing the theme: “One DA: Patuloy na nagkakaisa upang iangat ang pambansang agrikultura.”

DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) also distributed packets of assorted vegetable seeds during the activity.

ASec Evangelista said, the government under Duterte administration has continuously been reaching out every region to deliver government support, especially this time of pandemic.

“Lahat ng mga nasunugan, nabahaan at iba pang biktima ng kalamidad ay higit na nangangailangan ng tulong ng gobyerno lalo na noong pagputok ng COVID-19 sa bansa. Kasama ang mga DA-RFOs, patuloy po naming ipaabot ang tulong at serbisyo sa ating mga magsasaka at mamamayang Pilipino sa gitna ng pandemya,” she expressed.

On top of DA’s food packs, the SLP-beneficiaries, who are mostly fire and flood victims in CdeO starting 2018, each household received P20,000 from DSWD to start their livelihood project.

Also with ASec Evangelista were DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga.

Initiated by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, the activity was supported by the Department of Health, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Department of Trade and Industry. # (EMBentulan)

In a virtual orientation, DA-10 RED Collado encourages all hog raisers of R-10 to apply for the insurance of their hogs to DA-PCIC. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture – 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado encourages all hog raisers of Region 10 to apply for the insurance of their hogs to the DA-Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (DA-PCIC).

Collado’s call is relative to the memorandum issued by DA Secretary William D. Dar that starting July 1, 2021, African Swine Fever (ASF) indemnification requests for depopulated hogs will not be accommodated under the Quick Response fund (QRF) but under DA-PCIC Insurance.

In a virtual orientation called by Collado which was attended by the provincial, city, municipal veterinary/agriculture offices of Region 10, the DA-PCIC 10 laid down the guidelines for the implementation of Swine Industry Insurance Program.

PCIC 10 Sales and Marketing Chief Roy Arthur Alamban said, the program contains relaxed features of the agency’s regular livestock insurance program.

It include discounted premiums to commercial hog raiser, increased indemnity payment for hog losses and inclusion of culling or destruction of swine due to ASF as ordered by the government as compensable peril.

Beneficiary-participants of the insurance program include backyard swine raisers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), farmers cooperatives or associations, commercial farm operators, local government units, state colleges and universities.

Operations must be compliant with biosecurity level 1 standards and trained with biosecurity procedures.

Backyard swine raisers, smallholders will have 100 percent of the premium cost or full premium subsidy, while commercial swine raisers’ premium is based on the rated of the premium cost or as agreed upon by the DA and PCIC.

Affected swine raisers will receive a maximum of P10,000 per head for fattener (45 days to 6 months); P14,500 per head for F1 breeder and P34,000 per head for parent stock.

PCIC 10 Regional Manager Charlito Brilleta emphasized, that the program aims to provide insurance cover to backyard and commercial hog raisers who continue with hog farming and help mitigate the risk to their investments.

To insure their stocks, hog raisers may visit their respective municipal, city agriculture/veterinary offices.#(ATCabig)

DA-NorMin hands over checks amounting to a total of P17.1-M to local officials of MisOr and CdeO on behalf of the hog raisers affected by ASF.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over P17.1 million indemnity checks to the local officials of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City on behalf of the hog raisers affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) on June 23, 2021.

The ceremonial check turnover was headed by DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Kristine Y. Evangelista along with DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga during the 123rd anniversary of the Department of Agriculture.

Receiving the said checks in separate turnovers were Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano and Cagayan de Oro City Councilor and Committee Chair on Agriculture Jay Roa Pascual and Councilor Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba.

The province of Misamis Oriental received P6.290 million for 343 affected hog raisers while the city of Cagayan de Oro received P10.810 million for 637 affected hog raisers.

ASec. Evangelista shared, that said indemnity fund will then be distributed to affected hog raisers who will each receive P5,000 per culled hog to recover from the losses brought about by the hog viral disease. # (AMBManto)

One of highlight activities for the agency’s 123rd anniversary celebration, DA-NorMin turns over 1 unit truck for CAFAMCO under its Enhanced Kadiwa program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 23 – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over 1 unit truck to the Canitoan Farmer’s Multipurpose Cooperative (CAFAMCO) of barangay Canitoan at the USTP Gymnasium, here in this city.

DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Kristine Y. Evangelista led the turnover with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, in the presence of CdeO local officials, councilors Jay R. Pascual and Zaldy O. Ocon.

The turnover is one of the highlights of its 123rd Anniversary celebration of DA with the theme, “One DA: Patuloy na nagkakaisa upang iangat ang pambansang agrikultura.”

DA ASec Evangelista said, that the market demands for garden-fresh produce while the department continues its commitment to assist farmer-cooperatives to become competitive which is in line with DA Secretary William D. Dar’s thrust towards increasing farmers’ productivity and profitability.

Lucas W. Faborada, chair of CAFAMCO expressed, that the truck can aid them in their operations, assuring fresh and quality farm produce upon deliveries to their targeted market.

“The truck can increase our margin of profit due to lesser mobilization expense and wider reach of market,” Faborada added.

Said intervention was facilitated to be granted to the Coop through DA-10’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-10. # (JCAnito)

DA-SAAD turns over free range chicken as livelihood assistance to the 52nd Engr. Brigade, PA.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The 52nd Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army has received livelihood assistance from the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) of the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao.

BGen Rommel R Hinlo, Commander, 52nd Engineer Brigade, PA received the certificate of turn over from DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado amounting P30,650 for 50 heads chicken (40 female, 10 male) on Tuesday, June 22.

The assistance is seen to support the thrust of DA to increase productivity and reduce poverty among marginalized sectors in agriculture and fishery in pursuit of the country’s peace agenda.

BGen Hinlo extended his gratitude to DA 10 for said intervention. He added, that the free range chicken is intended for production and eventually be distributed to their area of coverage.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, “We commit and dedicate ourselves to continuously support the advocacy of the 52EBDE and EO 70 to attain a peaceful, conflict-resilient, and development-ready communities in its area of coverage.”#(ATCabig)