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)

DA-10 convenes with consultants for MAEDP which aims to help the Philippine government achieve agri-diversification and food value chain development by stimulating private investments in agro-industry, upgrading agri-logistics and services and raising product quality and competitiveness.

CAGAYAN DE ORO – A team of consultants and the agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) convened on February 19 for a preliminary discussion on the Mindanao Agro-Enterprise Development Project (MAEDP).

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado along with the division heads and focal persons of banner programs of the department focused on the aim of the project in aiding the Philippine government to get a boost in terms of agri-diversification and food value chain development in the Mindanao island-region by stimulating private investments in agro-industry.

It also gears in upgrading agri-logistics and services and raising product quality and competitiveness.

Accordingly, DA-NorMin highlighted Region 10 being a rich host of agri-based commodities and the potential windows for which MAEDP can come in.

Among the possible key work areas include the establishment of a Halal slaughterhouse, Tripe ‘A’ chicken dressing plant, funding for validated yet unfunded farm-to-market roads, promotion and commercialization of Adlay, sorghum and organic products.

It also focuses in strengthening to End Local Communist Armed Conflict-assisted areas, and further production and development of high value crops such as cacao, coffee, vegetables and lanzones.

The consultants comprising of Luis B. Pacana, Ernesto Villegas, Chona R. Echavez and Edgar Gomez, and DA-10 is altogether awaiting for a memorandum from DA-Central Office to officially have the composition of a technical working group at the regional office level. #

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 11 – Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) thru Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga turned over 90 packets assorted vegetable seeds to Commander BGen Facundo O Palafox IV of the 2nd Mechanized Magbalantay Brigade.

Said provision is anchored on the food security advocacy of DA in ensuring adequate, accessible and affordable food at the troop’s level.

Additionally, the parties have exchanged tokens to show their gratitude for their strengthened partnership, especially towards the implementation of Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach relative to agriculture. # (AMBManto)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Another personnel adds to the growing list of public servants as a newly appointed employee of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) took his oath of office on February 17 in Cagayan de Oro City.

John Carlo C. Hera, a former Contract of Service (CoS) worker under the Integrated Laboratory Division, has been appointed as Agriculturist I (SG 11) to be assigned under the Regulatory Division.

Hera is the 29th employee who has been sworn into office for this year. # (CRSeraspe)

Farmers from Kibawe town receive a total of P18.4 M agri-interventions from the agriculture department to augment their production and income.

Farmers from Kibawe, Bukidnon received a total of P18.4 million agri-assistance from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) on February 16, 2021.

Among the interventions, totaling to P17.8 million, include agri-equipment from DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), livelihood projects, assorted vegetable seeds, cash and fertilizer subsidy, and organic composting facility from DA banner programs.

In addition, DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Kristine Y. Evangelista, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Municipal Mayor Reynaldo S. Ang Rabanes signed a Memorandum of Agreement with four cooperatives for the agency’s Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program worth P600,000. Through this, every cooperative will receive P150,000 in support to their operations.

Municipal Agriculturist Remedios R. Toñaco shared, the interventions will greatly benefit the farmers’ production.

Also gracing the event is Senator Lawrence “Bong” T. Go who also gave out food packs, vitamins, face masks and face shields, bicycles, computer tablets and shoes to select participants.

Aside from DA, other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Health (DOH) also attended the event and provided their respective interventions. # (AMBManto)

DA enjoins the local governments to enhance their biosecurity, monitoring and surveillance measures against ASF via BABay ASF in a media interaction held over the weekend.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY– Coined as BABay or Bantay ASF sa Barangay, the Department of Agriculture (DA) eyes to cascade the ASF control program at the village levels to improve the biosecurity, monitoring and surveillance measures against the viral hog disease.

Initially apportioned with P1.5 billion, Dr. William C. Medrano, DA undersecretary-designate for livestock explained, this [BABay ASF] is the latest national platform in all of the bolstered measures and strategies of the department to effectively prevent and control the spread of ASF.

“Dito sa bagong programa ay kailangan na po nating paigtingin ang role ng local government units (LGUs) dahil po ang LGUs, especially the municipal, city and even at the barangay level, sila po are considered as our frontliners, first responders in cases of [ASF] outbreak,” USec Medrano emphasized, in a press briefing Saturday hosted by the City Government of CdeO with DA Chief William D. Dar for a regional visit.

Likewise, he pinned his hopes for LGUs to fast track the adoption of the program thru the issuance of ordinances for institutionalization, as the national government thru DA has already in the pipeline the provision of test kits, personal protective equipment and disinfection systems, capacity building, among others.

The DA official’s statement is also opportune as Region 10 declared its recent confirmed ASF cases in Brgy. Jampason, Initao and Brgy. Pagawan, Manticao of Misamis Oriental; and barangays Mambuaya and San Simon in this city on Wednesday.

Following standard protocols, Carlene C. Collado, regional executive director of DA-10, meanwhile reported, the depopulation of hogs within the 500-meter radius from ground zero is ongoing, noting 250 heads of hog were already culled in barangays Mambuaya and San Simon, and another 264 is underway.

“As indemnification assistance, DA will be giving out P5,000 per culled hog. We are also committed in providing alternative livelihood assistance to these [affected] barangays. Sa mga hog farmers, basin naa sila’y gustong i-propose nga other livelihood and other ruminants projects. Magbigay lang ng letter of intent, so that we can help them to start anew,” Collado underscored.

For hog raisers under the green zone or ASF-free areas, however, the director urged them to have their stocks insured thru DA’s attached agency, Philippine Crops Insurance, Corp., as coverage is pegged at P10,000.00 each, should hogs be culled due to ASF.

Similarly, both the city governments of CdeO and Misamis Oriental have committed, as well, to help affected hog raisers in their respective areas.

“We will also provide P2,000.00 per culled hog on top of the P5,000.00 compensation from the national government. Hopefully, this will cushion the impact that the culling of hogs may produce,” Oscar S. Moreno, the local chief executive of CdeO City pointed out.

Faced with challenges on ASF and in filling up the pork supply in Manila, Secretary Dar further urged for the various hog industry key players to join the government in addressing these concerns.

“Gusto po kaming makiusap sa mga magbababoy sa Northern Mindanao na tumulong po tayo sa pagsugpo ng ASF. Tutulong din po tayo na kung pwede, na may surplus, na ibenta ang mga ito sa Manila. Nandiyan ang DA-10 na tutulong kasi magbibigay kami ng transport assistance na P21.00 kada kilo,” the agriculture secretary appealed.

Accordingly, the subsidy will aid in having a landed farmgate price of P165.00 to the country’s capital. # (JLO)

Cagayan de Oro City, February 15 – Following the release of a price ceiling for pork and livestock products effective Thursday, February 11, retail vendor representatives from major public markets here, met earlier afternoon with the officials and staff from DA-Regional Field Office 10 and concerned attached agencies, for a harmonization in its implementation.

Primarily, the group sought to lower the set price ceiling for liveweight hogs, which is currently pegged at P165.00 per kilo.

According to them, this will enable market retailers to comply with the imposed price cap for pork products (prime cuts at P265.00, other parts at P165.00 and entrails at P50.00), and to gain enough profit margin.

As said actions entail the collective decision of the Local Price Coordinating Council, the body recommended for a thorough review of their presented hog retail computation by technical experts on February 17, should any changes be considered will be presented before the Regional Bantay Presyo Team. # (JLO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – One newly promoted and three newly appointed employees of the agriculture department in Region 10 (DA-10) took their oath of office on February 11, 2021 at the agency compound, here in this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado administered the oathtaking ceremony, in the presence of concerned division chiefs.

Listed below are the newly promoted and appointed DA-10 personnel with their corresponding positions and assignments:

Promoted

1. Shem C. Salon – Accountant III (SG 19) Administrative and Finance Division

Newly Appointed

1. Dryan Anthony D. Illana – Market Specialist I (SG 11), Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division
2. Xyra Jane L. Desoyo – Administrative Aide IV (SG 4), Administrative and Finance Division
3. Jan Marrielle S. Salugsugan- Administrative Aide IV (SG 4), Administrative and Finance Division

Said oathtaking rite marks the fourth batch for the department this year, bringing the total to 28. # (JCAnito)