NorMin agri dept amplifies its Agri 4Ps by supporting DepEd’s ‘Gulayan’ initiatives thru the provision of vegetable seeds.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) reinforces its promotion of urban gardening, as it recently provided 600 repacked assorted vegetable seeds to the Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Misamis Oriental, Sugbongcogon District.

On January 19 at the agency compound, Carlota S. Madriaga, regional technical director for operations handed over the agri-inputs, comprising of eggplant, pechay and squash, particularly to the Kidampas Integrated School (KIS) thru its head, Cherry Q. Sadicon.

“For this year, the agency continues the provision of vegetable seeds through the Plant, Plant, Plant program (Agri 4Ps). There is a need to grow our own food as it is uncertain when this pandemic will end, and we want to ensure safe, accessible and available food is set on the tables of every Filipino family,” the director remarked.

For her part, Sadicon of KIS expressed, despite the challenge brought by the pandemic, quality service is still envisioned by the education and agriculture departments of the government.

“DA plays a significant role in providing assistance to the programs and projects of other departments such as the Gulayan sa Paaralan and Gulayan sa Tahanan of DepEd,” she added.

To those interested to avail of free seeds, RTD Madriaga enjoins households to visit the office for the availment of seeds while asking local government units, institutions, and other groups to submit their request to obtain the seeds assistance in bulk. # (JCAnito)

The agri dept in R-10 convenes for the drafting of implementation and operational guidelines for the Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building project, a collaborative undertaking with the Korean government.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, January 14 – As one of the host institutions for a collaborative project on the Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building in the Philippines, the agriculture department of Northern Mindanao (DA-10) convened for the drafting of the Project’s implementation and operational guidelines.

The Philippine government thru DA signed a memorandum agreement with the Korean government amounting to US$2.6 million or roughly P135 million, with the project set to benefit the agency’s research stations in both DA-NorMin thru Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Western Visayas.

Of which, this is seen to enhance the competitiveness of small and mid-sized farmers by boosting domestic production of high value crops using smart greenhouse technology.

Said grant is accorded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs thru the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries up to 2024.

Eleven smart greenhouses are slated to be built at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon for the propagation of strawberry, tomato (production and nursery) and potato (nursery).

On Thursday, DA-10’s working team has initially laid out the criteria selection for the potential farmer-co-operators, as the Project features extending training and education to the former together with researchers and extension officers.

Select farmer-groups will include those members of local agricultural cooperatives/organizations/associations accredited by DA-10; have the capacity to adopt the technology; willing to undergo six to twelve months training, among others.

With the project expected to rise in Bukidnon, prospect farmer-beneficiaries include those who are already engaged in the production of the cited commodities, coming from the towns of Talakag, Lantapan, Libona, Impasug-ong, Manolo Fortich and Malaybalay City.

Prior the conduct of a validation for the final line-up of Project recipients, the agri dept in NorMin is further scheduled to bare their implementing strategies between that of the agency and farmer-co-operators in another week for a streamlined operation of said Project in Region 10.

Presiding the meeting is DA-10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga, in the presence of Regional Technical Director Carmelita T. Bajarla, Research, Planning and Marketing divisions. # (JLO)

NorMinHog hands over reagents and other laboratory supplies to DA-10 in support to the agency’s initiatives against ASF.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support to the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10’s (DA-RFO 10) fight against African Swine Fever (ASF), the Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Association (NorMinHog) turned over reagents and other laboratory supplies to the agency.

On behalf of DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga received the reagents worth around P200,000 on Wednesday, January 20.

Said ASF laboratory supplies (Primers, Probes and PCR reagents), which can test 1,000 reactions will be used by the agency’s Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory’s (RADDL) Real time – Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to test blood samples of hogs.

As explained by Dr. Oryza B. Baylo, Veterinarian II of the department, real time-PCR is a molecular technique in detecting Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)/Ribonucleic acid (RNA) of viruses from blood samples.

RTD Madriaga shared, the reagents are significant in monitoring hog farms to avoid another ASF infection in the region.

She added, in order to transport hogs, they need a certification from DA assuring that their hogs are ASF-free.

Meanwhile, NorMinHog Association President Leon Tan, Jr. said, ASF can easily be contained with the joint support of DA, the local governments, private sector and the consumers.

Tan emphasized, backyard hog raisers must use healthy and safe feeds that are available in the market, instead of swill feeding to avoid the risk of contracting the virus.

He remarked, the increased price of commercial live hogs, which reaches up to P160 per kilo is due to the increase of the demand of pork products in other regions that are greatly affected by ASF.# (EMBentulan)

NAFVD recognizes and awards the outstanding AFC chairpersons and secretariat-coordinators nationwide, including that coming from Region 10 for bringing about change to the agri-fishery sector through volunteerism.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The agriculture and fisheries councils (AFCs) of Northern Mindanao received four awards during the virtual celebration of the 6th National Agriculture and Fisheries Volunteers Day (NAFVD) on January 7, 2021.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William D. Dar led the ceremonial awarding, in the presence of Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan; and PCAF Acting Executive Director Liza G. Battad.

In his speech, Sec. Dar remarked that the year 2020 has been a challenge to all sectors in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but DA with help of all the undersecretaries have planned and crafted various strategies to improve the Philippine agriculture sector in spite of the health challenge.

“Let us hope and pray that 2021 will be a safer, kinder, prosperous and OneDARful [wonderful] year. If we can work together, we can reboot and regrow the Philippine agri-sector, and with the support of the AFCs we can strengthen and magnify the sector’s importance and contribution in nation building,” he expressed.

Hereafter, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed over the certificates and cheques for the award of the Most Number of Policy Resolutions Adopted (P30,000.00) and the Innovative Marketing Award (P20,000.00) to Prof. Edgardo D. Layug as chair of the Regional AFC in Region 10.

Meanwhile, the Most Strategic AFC Consultations award (P20,000.00 each) was given to both Highly Urbanized City AFC of Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and Municipal AFC of Tudela, Misamis Occidental, thru their respective chairs Arthur Fernando and Chona R. Encina.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) annually holds NAFVD to recognize and give awards to outstanding AFC chairpersons and secretariat-coordinators nationwide for their accomplishments, particularly in bringing change to the agri-fishery sector through volunteerism.

This year’s theme for NAFVD is,”Boluntaryong naglilingkod; kaagapay ng agrikultura at pangisdaan sa gitna ng pandemya.” # (EMBentulan)

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

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Agriculture executive in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) Carlene C. Collado urged its newly promoted and appointed employees to be of better service thru elevating their delivery of agri-services.

“Now, you have levelled up, so does your hard work, the management is expecting a lot from you. The challenge is you must function and deliver what is expected from you and beyond,” the director remarked.

He emphasized the responsibility that comes with the promotion, challenging them to provide exceptional service, not only to the agency, but more importantly, to the farmers and other agri-stakeholders.

A total of 15 employees, comprising of nine newly promoted and six newly appointed of the agency have sworn in with DA-10 RED Collado administering the oathtaking, in the presence of Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Carmelita T. Bajarla and the division and section chiefs of the different operating units.

The newly promoted and appointed personnel with salary grades, ranging from 4 to 20 are the following:

Janet D. Lopez – Agricultural Center Chief II, Field Operations Division (FOD)

Alden C. Tapio – Engineer III, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED)
Samuel C. Natindim, Jr. – Senior Science Research Specialist, Research Division
Heide S. Dela Cruz – Senior Science Research Specialist, Research Division
Arnilyn D. Pandong – Senior Science Research Specialist, Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC)
Marivic I. Paday – Science Research Specialist II, Regional Center for Upland Development (RCUD); Jocelyn A. Yagong – Science Research Specialist II, RCUD
April Hope E. Panis – Science Research Specialist II, Regional Crop Protection Center
Gladys A. Emperado – Planning Officer II, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division
Cyrus R. Seraspe – Information Officer II, Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section, Office of the Regional Director
Mark Angelo G. Montesino – Engineer I, RAED
Jinky C. Yap – Agriculturist I, Regulatory Division
Rechelle B. Lacorte, Agriculturist I, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division
Iree Grace D. Bince, Laboratory Aide II, Regional Soils Laboratory, Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD)
Rhandy G. Fabre, Laboratory Aide II, ILD

Further, Dir. Collado extended his appreciation to the Personnel and Selection Board for their efforts in helping out with the selection of the newly promoted and appointed employees of the agency. # (IMJuntahan)

The agri dept eyes for more marginalized farmers and household communities in Don Victoriano, MisOcc to engage in vegetable farming and gardening with the recent turnover of assorted vegetable seeds to the local government of said town.  

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, January 14 – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) thru Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga turned over 200 packets of assorted vegetable seeds amounting to P20,347.50 to the Municipal Agriculture’s Office (MAO) of Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental represented by Municipal Agriculturist Nylyvn T. Tugano.

Said provisions, comprise of four variants: Pinakbet, Sinigang, Chopsuey and Pechay seeds at 50 packets each.

This will be utilized by MAO-Don Victoriano to jumpstart their activities for the year in further developing their agricultural lands, particularly targeting to give the agri-inputs to marginalized farmers and household communities.

Amid the ongoing pandemic, growing homegrown vegetables has been advocated by DA as part of its centerpiece program, the Plant, Plant, Plant program.

Of which, it seeks for the attainment of food security in the household and community levels, at the same time, provide additional income should there be any surplus production. # (JLO)

One of the Korean-funded agri-projects in Claveria, MisOr, the greenhouse project at Brgy. Aposkahoy is seen to intensify the department’s Agri 4Ps, as it provides ideal environment for the efficient growing of vegetables such as lettuce, as taken December of last year.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, January 14, 2021 – Some P11.3 million worth of agri-interventions were officially turned over and accepted by the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) to foment the agricultural sector in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Said completed projects were funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs through the Korea Rural Community, Corp. under the Rural Development Project for Multi-Industry Cluster Zone in the Philippines.

Representing the Korean government, Dong IL Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd. Project Manager Son Sea Chul, handed over four completed projects, comprising of expansion of waterworks, warehouse building, road concreting and repair, and greenhouse in barangays Aposkahoy and Hinaplanan to DA-10 thru Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

The aforementioned agri-interventions are seen to intensify the implementation of the Agri 4Ps or otherwise known as the Plant, Plant, Plant program of the Philippine government thru DA, as it envisions a food secure country with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk.

Witnessing the turnover and acceptance were Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division Chief Engr. Pedro U. Bergado, Jr., Provincial Operations Center Chief Nilda B. Salas and other DA-10 staff. # (JCAnito)

The aggie dept in NorMin recently acquires a wingvan for the use of its enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita operations.

The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently acquired a brand new Wingvan for the use of its enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita operations.

Funded under the Bayanihan Act I, the P2 million worth wingvan has a 2,500-kilogram capacity with a semi-floating type cab suspension.

Its availability will enable Kadiwa exhibitors to transport their agri-fishery products from production areas to the markets with great ease and efficiency.

Kadiwa refers to Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita, is a marketing strategy that directly links farmer-producers to its patrons; thereby, reducing cost in the selling of their harvest and other by-products.

Gracing the blessing of the wingvan are DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness Marketing, Kristine Y. Evangelista; Carlene C. Collado, regional executive director; Carlota S. Madriaga, regional technical director for operations; Chedy V. Ansale, AMAD chief; and Joel S. Rudinas, consultant of DA-10. # (JCGamboa)

The government pours out assistance to a cooperative based in the municipality of Kitaotao, including market vendors in Malaybalay City and Quezon town, in Bukidnon province. Interventions comprise of packets of assorted vegetable seeds, financial grant, food packs, among others.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In line with Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go’s initiative of providing assistance to market vendors of Bukidnon, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) has given out 1,200 (5-in-1) packets of assorted vegetable seeds to said beneficiaries on January 5, 2021.

In separate turn overs held in Malaybalay City, Kitaotao and Quezon, the department has handed out said provisions amounting P156,000 in three variants: chopsuey, pinakbet and sinigang.

DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing, Kristine Y. Evangelista and DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed the certificate of turnover of the P5 million financial grant to the Kahusayan Consumers Cooperative in Kitaotao, Bukidnon under DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain program.

In support to their Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita operations, the cooperative will receive a hauling truck (P2.4 million), building (P2 million), working capital (P500,000) and other equipment (P100,000).

Asec. Evangelista encouraged other cooperatives to avail of the agency’s enhanced Kadiwa program by saying, “Ang agrikultura ay hindi lamang pagtatanim, kailangang mapaikot natin [ang pera] kaya dapat matuto tayong magnegosyo.”

Meanwhile, attendees of the event also received food packs, face masks and shields, and vitamins from Senator Bong Go while select participants received bicycles which they could use given the limited transportation during this pandemic as well as tablet computers which their children could use for their education.

Go shared, said initiative aims to bring the government closer to its people most especially, “Market vendors are one of those who are greatly affected because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” remarked the senator.

Apart from DA, the event was also participated by other government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), who also provided assistance to said beneficiaries.

The event was also graced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Secretary Martin M. Andanar, and local officials Provincial Governor Jose Maria R. Zubiri, Jr., Malaybalay City Mayor Florencio T. Flores, Jr. and Vice Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran. # (AMBManto)

As initial aid to the school, NMSCST receives 150 packets of assorted vegetable seeds from the aggie dept. This will serve as a start-up in their bid in further becoming a model learning site for agriculture and contribute to its nearby communities.

As it gears towards in further becoming a model learning site for agriculture and contribute to its nearby communities in Tangub City, the Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST) headed by Dr. Herbert Glenn P. Reyes, convened with officials from the agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) led by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

In a brief meeting on January 7, Dr. Reyes sought for the availment of various agri-interventions from the agency.

Of which, Dir. Collado asked them to craft proposals, indicating a thorough profiling of their area with aid from their city agriculture’s office, and comply among other requirements.

From here on, the agri-executive committed for a team to validate the feasibility of their requests.

Initially, DA NorMin has turned over a total of 150 packets of assorted vegetable seeds, in three variants: Pinakbet, Sinigang and Chopsuey to NMSCST for distribution. # (JLO)