Agri secretary Dar leads the relaunching of KDK which is held every Saturdays at XHS. KDK is an enhanced marketing initiative that directly links farmers and fishers to consumers, where agri-fishery and other food products, basic necessities and other prime commodities are being sold at affordable prices.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 13 – Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar led the relaunching of the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita at Diskwento Karavan (KDK) at Xavier Heights Subdivision (XHS), Upper Balulang, Carmen, of this city.

KDK is a beefed-up marketing initiative that directly links local farmers and fisherfolk to the consumers, where agri-fishery and other food products, basic necessities and other prime commodities are being sold at reasonable prices.

In his message during the program, the DA chief acknowledged, that at the height of the coronavirus-triggered quarantines, Kadiwa became one of the most important programs of the department in providing access to fresh, quality, nutritious, safe and affordable food products.

“Kami ay nagagalak na nandito ang Kadiwa sa [XHS]. Kasi nakikita po natin na yung mga iba’t-ibang produkto ng mga magsasaka ay dito dinadala at ibinebenta. It is such a good arrangement na nawawala na ang traders in between.

Kasi dapat naman ang ating mga magsasaka at ang mamimili [ang consuming public] ay sila po yung makikinabang nang mas affordable na presyo [na mga bilihin] at ating magsasaka at mangingisda ay mas maganda na rin po yung kita nila,” the agri secretary remarked.

While Kadiwa is being adopted as a marketing initiative even before the pandemic, Dar reported, that it has gained ground starting March of last year, generating P8 billion in sales nationwide.

In partnership with Xavier Heights Subdivision Homeowners Associations, Inc. (XHSHAI), the Kadiwa first had its stint in said subdivision in April last year until it has become a staple in the ensuing months up to the present.

“We are proud to have patronized the produce of our local farmers and fishers, who have regularly exhibited in our KDK every Saturdays. The conduct of our KDK is the longest running [in CdeO City], and as of December 31, 2020, we have contributed to over 3.5 million in sales,” Rhobert C. Maestre, XHSHAI president bared.

Seeing on how the Kadiwa is being institutionalized at the subdivision level, the DA official went on to commit and elevate the KDK, “We will always nurture our partnership with various stakeholders in the value chain para sa ganun ay ang tinatawag natin na win-win arrangement ay mangyayari.”

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, DA-Regional Field Office 10 under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado mainly provided logistics support, especially on the transport of goods from the production areas of farmer- and fisher-producers to the different Kadiwa outlets.

Aside from XHS, ongoing Kadiwa operations also include those at Forest View Homes Subdivision and La Buena, Gran Europa every Saturdays.

Among other officials joining the relaunching include Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Reveree Niño Contreras, DA Undersecretary-Designate for Livestock William Medrano, DA Assistant Secretary Noel O. Reyes and CdeO City Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya.# (JLO)

Aimed at protecting consumers from soaring prices, the government thru DA releases the price cap list for select commodities such as pork prime cuts, whole chicken, beef rump, beef brisket and chicken egg.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 10 – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) has set a mandated price ceiling for pork and livestock products to be implemented in major public markets in the city.

Effective February 11, price cap for select commodities is as follows:

• Beef rump (lean meat) – P340.00
• Beef brisket (meat with bones) – P250.00
• Pork Prime cuts – P265.00 Other parts – P165.00 Entrails – P50.00
• Whole Chicken (fully dressed/kg) – P155.00
• Chicken Egg (medium size/pc) – P6.00

In a recent media interaction, Carlota S. Madriaga, regional technical director for operations of DA-10 explained, that the established price ceiling, especially on pork is a result of a series of consultation with stakeholders from the government and private sector alike.

This came about to protect consumers from soaring pork prices, at the same time stabilize its supply and prices amid the current African Swine Fever (ASF) threat and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Atong gi-tan-aw ang detailed costing from production at the farm level, so that we can establish the farmgate price, next at the post-production level, which includes slaughtering, processing, permits, etc., and further down to the market aron makita kung pila na dayon ang selling or retail price sa atong mga karneng baboy sa kamerkaduhan, including also the farmgate price sa live hogs,” the director reported.

(We went through the detailed costing from production at the farm level, so that we can establish the farmgate price, next at the post-production level, which includes slaughtering, processing, permits, etc., and further down to the market to come up with a reasonable selling or retail price for pork products in the market, including also the farmgate price of live hogs.)

Data referred by the director includes the price monitoring of DA-10’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division for the period of November 2020 to January 2021, including reports from hog raisers, meat vendors, local governments, Philippine Statistics Authority and DA attached agencies thru the National Meat Inspection Service and Bureau of Animal Industry – Veterinary Quarantine Services.

“Mag-agad ang presyo sa atong karneng baboy sa pagpapalit nila sa liveweight [hogs],” Madriaga said.

(The setting of pork prices is dependent on the procurement price of liveweight hogs.)

Also contributory to the increase in the price of liveweight hogs, the DA official expounded, “Naa nay nadugang ang atong producer nga risk factor tungod sa hulga sa ASF nga maoy nakadugang sa costing at the production level. Ang ilang biosecurity measures, nga wala kaayo na nila gi-impose sauna, grabe na ka strikto karon nga ultimo hog raisers dili gani basta magpasulod og bisag kinsa lang, ang ilang disinfectants, ang insurance premium nga ila pod ibutang sa ilang mga stocks aron naa sila’y makuha na coverage if ever maigo sa kalamidad o ASF.”

(Our producers have taken on an added risk at the production level trigged by ASF. They have tightened their biosecurity measures, the use of disinfectants, and securing insurance coverage for their stocks, should these be affected by any calamity or ASF.)

On how long the imposed price cap will be implemented, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado clarified, “Kini atong price ceiling is good for a period of 60 days. If ever nay pagbag-o sa atong presyo, then mag-convene usab ang Task Force Bantay Presyo para ma-amend nato ang atong price ceiling.”

(Our price ceiling will be enforced for a period of 60 days. If ever there are changes, the Task Force Bantay Presyo will once again convene to amend the price ceiling.)

“We are here to protect the interest of consumers, but we also cannot do away in protecting the business side. Kay kung mawala ning ga-supply, ang consumers mag-suffer man sab. Kinahanglan gyud nga dunay balancing act ug ang cooperation and understanding from the public,” Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy, head of the CdeO Price Coordinating Council concluded.

(Without hog and pork supply, consumers will also suffer. We need to have a balance and the cooperation and understanding from the public.) # (JLO)

Extending support to stabilize local retail price of pork in Metro Manila, DA-10 and NORMINHOG send off 580 hogs to the country’s capital with the government providing P21 per kilo as transport assistance.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in coordination with Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Association (NORMINHOG) send off 580 heads hog to Metro Manila on Tuesday, February 15.

Leading the activity were DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness Marketing, Kristine Y. Evangelista with DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and NORMINHOG representatives Daisy C. Taga-an and Grant Amoncio.

The initiative is to provide transportation assistance to local hog raisers in stabilizing local retail price of pork in Metro Manila based on the memorandum issued by DA Secretary William D. Dar in support to the imposition of Executive Order 124 of President Duterte on the mandated price ceiling on select pork and chicken products in the National Capital Region.

Collado said, “This is the first shipment of hogs for Metro Manila after the government set the price ceiling. DA will provide P21 per kilo as transport assistance and we are hoping that this will continue after the 60-day period, and Northern Mindanao can share in sending live hogs to Metro Manila.”

Eight hog vans containing an average weight of 107 per kilo per hog are expected to arrive in North Port, Tondo, Manila on February 17 in the afternoon, via Oceanic Container Lines, Inc. which are intended for Metro Manila.

“Although VisMin has been sending hogs last year, but because of the price ceiling and the buying capacity of the consumers, DA stepped in again, this time through transport assistance. The department is shouldering the expense of the logistics, bringing the hogs from CDO to Metro Manila para our meat dealers can get it at farm gate price,” ASec Evangelista explained.

She added, Sec. Dar has also been talking to hog raisers all over the country to augment supply in Metro Manila that used to come from regions 4A and 3 that were affected with African Swine Fever (ASF).

The transported hogs were from the commercial farms of NORMINHOG members which include Opol Chona’s farm, MG farm, D&C farm and Shamus farm.

NORMINHOG President Leon G. Tan shared, their shipment is the answer to DA Sec. William D. Dar’s call on patriotism.

“This is the support for the Filipino people from the Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Association in Northern Mindanao. This will not be the last and hopefully we can support more,” Tan concluded.

NORMINHOG is an association of hog growers in Northern Mindanao with a total registered member of 30 commercial farms.

The activity was facilitated by the DA-10 AMAD and DA-Bureau of Animal Industry – National Veterinary Quarantine Service (DA-BAI-NVQS).

Also present was NICA 10 Director Manuel Orduña. # (ATCabig)

DA-10 RED Collado administers the oathtaking ceremony of the mid-level employees of the agency.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Nine employees of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) have been sworn into their newly promoted positions and appointments in compliance to Executive Order 292.

On February 10, 2021 at the agency compound, a simple oathtaking ceremony took part with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado as the administering official of the seven newly promoted and two newly hired personnel of the agency.

The agri executive, in his message, reminded the newly promoted of their task as food security frontliners.

“So much is expected from you especially now that the pressing issues are basically agri concerns that need our proactive stand and doubling our efforts,” Collado challenged.

Granting of the promotions, he added, serves as a recognition and commendation for their hard work towards achieving a more broadly representative, service-driven public service.

“May you not lose sight with your commitment and integrity in delivering your public services. Continue to uphold the mandate of DA with a demonstrated vision, because the success of our agency is the direct result of your dedication,” the agency head further remarked.

Included in the roster of the newly promoted and hired staff with salary grades (SG), ranging from 11 to 18 are the following:

1. Gay Nanette R. Aleria – Senior Agriculturist (SG 18)
2. Milamar R. Aragua – Science Research Specialist II (SG 16)
3. Genevieve E. Casiño – Science Research Specialist II (SG 16)
4. Mae Odimyrl A. Morales – Science Research Specialist II (SG 16)
5. Wendelyn T. Toraja – Science Research Specialist II (SG 16)
6. May Shell E. Tumilap – Science Research Specialist II (SG 16)
7. Bernard H. Ramos – Farm Superintendent II (SG 15)
8. Anna Marie V. Galicia – Agriculturist I (SG 11)
9. Johnson C. Petalcurin – Agriculturist I (SG 11)

Said ceremony marks the second batch for the agency, following the promotion and appointment of 15 DA-10 personnel last January, bringing the total, so far, for the year 2021 to 24.

Also witnessing the rite are DA-10 Regional Technical Director and Placement and Selection Board (PSB) Chair Carlota S. Madriaga, other PSB members, division chiefs and DA-10 staff. # (JLO)

Led by Agri chief William D. Dar, DA pours in P513-M worth of agri interventions to Bukidnon province headed by Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Around 18,134 farmers and 1,145 farmer associations and cooperatives in the province of Bukidnon received P513 million worth of agricultural interventions from the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday, February 12.

DA Secretary William D. Dar led the distribution of agri-related livelihood interventions worth P197.10 million to Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr. which includes agri-machinery and technologies in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Of the P197.10 million, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) distributed P150.19 million worth of agri machinery under the mechanization component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

Dar also turned over P315.2 million infrastructure development projects composed of 5 units multi-purpose drying pavement with shed, 1 unit solar powered irrigation system, 1 unit warehouse and 20.41 kilometers farm to market road.

“We want to work with you to see to it that the farmers and fisherfolk, together with the agripreneurs will now make the possibility in unlocking agriculture potentials of the rural areas,” the agri chief conveyed.

He was supported by DA Undersecretary for Livestock William Medrano, Usec for Regulations and Infrastructure Zamzamin Ampatuan, ASec for Media Affairs Noel Reyes, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga. # (ATCabig)

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – DA Chief William D. Dar graced the groundbreaking of the P32 million worth of Upgrading and Renovation of Research Facilities of the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon under the Bayanihan Fund II of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 on Friday, February 12.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, the upgrading and renovation is for the capacity building of farmers and advancement of the farming industry of the region.

It is also aligned with the the eight paradigms of the ‘New Thinking for Agriculture’ as framed by Sec. Dar, which includes infrastructure development, industrialization and modernization. # (JCAnito)

DA-CMU promotes farm mechanization as a component in the promotion of Hybrid Rice Technology. With the use of a transplanter, a hectare of land can be fully planted with rice in just a day as compared to manual labor where it takes at least 20 days.

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – In line with the Hybridization Program which aims to increase farm efficiency to attain rice sufficiency through hybrid rice, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), together with Central Mindanao University (CMU), led a ceremonial planting for the Hybrid Rice Derby.

Representing DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Audy G. Maagad, officer-in-charge, Field Operations Division, highlighted the benefits of using hybrid rice on Thursday, in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

Maagad shared, hybrid rice is a good option for farmers to increase production for it can produce as much as 10-12 tons per hectare.

“With hybrid rice and the use of farm mechanization in land preparation, transplanting and harvesting, production cost is reduced while the yield increases, thus rice farmers get to earn more,” the DA official added.

CMU provided the 33-hectare farmland for seed companies to plant, where each of them is provided with three hectares to showcase their best varieties, including their respective cultural management practices and other technologies to enhance rice productivity.

This will then be displayed in a technology demonstration, so farmers can determine which variety is best suited for their respective areas.

Meanwhile, CMU President Jesus Antonio G. Derije said, their institution welcomes opportunities that can aid in achieving rice sufficiency in the country.

“We want to be of help in producing rice to address the shortage and to produce more harvest because rice is a basic commodity that Filipinos need,” Derije said.

He underscored, they are one with the department in achieving the production of quality rice.

Said derby was participated by seed companies which include Bayer, Dosepco, SL Agritech, Leads Agri, Ramgo, LongPin, Corteva, Syngenta, Bioseed, and Seedworks, including DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute.

“With them [seed companies] responding to our call, it shows our strong collaboration of our public-private partnership, especially in this time of pandemic, where Bayanihan is very much needed,” Maagad said.

Also present in the Rice Derby are DA-10 and CMU officials and staff, representatives from the seed companies, and farmers from the different towns of Bukidnon. # (CSeraspe)

DA-RFO 10 bares plans on setting a price ceiling on pork products in CdeO City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the aim of protecting its consumers from hog price spike, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) convened with relevant stakeholders on February 5, 2021, this city.

Following its previous consultation with key players in the hog industry, the agency set another meeting to discuss on the implementation of price ceiling for pork products in Cagayan de Oro City.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado shared, the initiative aims to stabilize prices amidst the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF).

As such, the agency presented data on the costing of production and post-production of hogs and pork, including its suggested retail price.

Said data is based on the price monitoring of DA-10’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division from November 2020 to January 2021 as well as reports from hog raisers, meat vendors, local governments, Philippine Statistics Authority and DA attached agencies such as the National Meat Inspection Service and Veterinary Quarantine Services.

Carlota S. Madriaga, regional technical director for operations noted, the list of ceiling price for pork products will be released by Monday, February 15 and will have a three-day grace period prior to its implementation.

On the sufficiency level of pork supply in the region, Dr. Grant Mejorada Amoncio of Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers (NorMinHog) assured, “We have enough supply not only for Cagayan de Oro but for Northern Mindanao, as well, and we also continue to supply to other areas, especially those who are affected by the viral hog disease.”

Participants of the said meeting include representatives from public market associations, Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental, City Price Coordinating Council and City Economic Enterprise Department of CdeO, Misamis Oriental Retailers Association, NorMinHog, agriculturists and veterinarians from local government units and other stakeholders. # (AMBManto)

DA-10 headed by RED Collado meets with the stakeholders of the hog industry to come up with a reasonable price for liveweight hog, considering R-10’s sufficient supply.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) initiated a meeting with commercial hog raisers and other relevant stakeholders to aid in lowering the Region’s liveweight hog price, considering its sufficient supply.

This amid the increase of pork meat price in Manila and other regions throughout the country affected by African Swine Fever.

On February 3, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, the output of the meeting will be the basis for setting the ceiling price of the live hogs, pork meat and its by-products.

Particularly, the team targets to come up with the costing of the production, post-production and the retail of hogs to set a reasonable costing for such commodity, which are being transported to Manila.

Further, the agri executive reported, this will be presented to the Local Price Coordinating Council and other industry stakeholders for a unified costing of live weight hog.

Attending the consultation meeting were DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Association, Bureau of Animal Industry-National Veterinary Quarantine Service, National Meat Inspection Service, city and provincial veterinary offices, heads of DA-RFO 10 Field Operations, Regulatory and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance divisions.# (EMBentulan)

In increasing farm efficiency to attain rice sufficiency through the use of hybrid rice, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 in partnership with Central Mindanao University conducted the ceremonial planting for hybrid rice derby on February 5, 2021 in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

Eleven seed companies participated in the 33-hectare rice derby that will showcase their best hybrid rice varieties, including their respective cultural practices and other technologies to enhance rice productivity. #