Agri-10 imparts Hydroponics technology to social welfare clients.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen urban gardening practices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado holds a Hydroponics Training on April 5, at Bahay Silungan, Barangay Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Around 30 participants, comprising children in street situations, homeless families, out-of-school youth, children in need of special protection, and women who are victims of domestic violence have joined in the said activity.

According to Dir. Collado, the training is beneficial among the clients of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 (DSWD-10), as it fosters a sense of appreciation for agriculture and discipline, enabling the group to learn and engage in food production while they take refuge in a sheltered home and even as a livelihood option.

DA-10 Field Operations Division Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo discussed the benefits of establishing urban gardens, mainly employing hydroponics, a technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution instead of the conventional soil.

Camaddo demonstrated how hydroponics works and immersed the participants in a hands-on activity, which, he added, augments the Food Always in the Home (FAITH) program of the government, at the same time capacitating individuals to grow vegetables and other crops in limited spaces.

Said event was initiated by the DSWD-10 headed by its Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen and supported by the DA-10 through its High-Value Crops Development Program.#(MPMT/Photos supplied)

DA aims to improve strategies for a stronger livestock sector in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Through a shared interest to strengthen the region’s livestock industry, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado met with DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminants Benjamin C. Albarece to discuss proposed refinements for the agency’s protocols and strategies geared at supporting local livestock farmers and producers in Northern Mindanao.

Held recently at the agency compound, the meeting drew stakeholders from the private and government sectors, as well as personnel from the agency’s regulatory bodies to tackle existing protocols and documentary requirements for the compliance of livestock farmers and producers who wish to export their livestock, and in particular, swine and pork products.

According to ASec Albarece, the meeting aims to gather inputs and insights on a proposed streamlining of DA regulations and protocols, that is receptive to the concerns and suggestions raised by local farmers and producers.

“These discussions are done in light of adapting to global standards for exporting livestock products. We discern how best we could assist and support the capacities of our local farmers and producers to export said agricultural commodity, especially now with the market becoming more competitive,” the DA official said.

One of the proposed measures to fine-tune said protocols is the conduct of a technical review of the documentary requirements for compliance, to determine which permits and certifications are most necessary and correspond to trade standards for export.

Also discussed in the meeting were strategies to enhance coordination between the DA, the local government units (LGUs), and the private sector for the efficient delivery of services.

“We have invited stakeholders from the local government to ensure our policies are more responsive to the needs of the LGU. The DA is pro-farmer and we hope that, through this cooperation and coordination, we make it easy [for our] farmers, as we navigate rising prices due to inflation,” Albarece said.

Key points and inputs gathered during the meeting will be escalated to the national level for appropriate action.

Expressing his support for the newly appointed assistant secretary, RED Collado reassured the region’s cooperation with the former’s office, to which he pins his hope of achieving more feats in Northern Mindanao under the Livestock program.

Present in support of the meeting were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director Joel S. Rudinas, Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, and Integrated Laboratories Division chief Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM.

Also in attendance were DA-Bureau of Animal Industry Regional Veterinarian Dale Franco B. Llentic, DVM, and Misamis Oriental Provincial Veterinarian Benjamin S. Resma, DVM, who also serves as the officer-in-charge of the Provincial Agriculture Office.# (GDA)

Agri-10 provides a farm tractor unit to PFA of Libona town to amplify their corn and cassava production. 

LIBONA, BUKIDNON – To ensure faster and easier land preparation activities of the 140-active-membered group, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the Corn program turned over the P2.9-million (M) farm tractor to the Palabucan Farmers Association (PFA) on Thursday, April 11, in barangay Palabucan, here.

With a 90-horsepower engine, the machinery also comes with a package of implements such as a disc plow, harrow, and trailer, which is overall seen to boost the 200-hectare corn and 50-hectare cassava production of the association, with a potential area for expansion of 50 hectares.

Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD, Richan D. Lacanaria, Corn program focal person, and Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) chief, Carmelito R. Lapoot of DA-10, led in handing over the certificate of turnover through the Local Government of Libona headed by Mayor Aurelio B. Lopez, and finally, to the recipient, the PFA through its President Melagros J. Mansibogan.

“By mechanizing farm operations using the farm tractor, the department is optimistic for the farmer-members to reduce their production cost [for corn and cassava] so they can generate savings and use it for their other farm needs, with emphasis on producing more in lesser time, but with greater efficiency,” DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said.

On behalf of Libona mayor Lopez, Sangguniang Bayan councilor Noel B. Woo noted the synergistic efforts of the national, municipal and barangay governments, for the acquisition of the said big-ticket project for the remotely located, barangay Palabucan.

The town official also reminded the association to set aside funds for the upkeep of the said machinery to sustain its operability in the years to come.

For the agency’s part, Guzman lauded the PFA for being one of the unit beneficiaries, given the overwhelming requests for the availment of a farm tractor from the department.

Agreeing with the councilor’s statement, she further encouraged the association to set policies on the use of the farm tractor, giving paramount importance to serving its farmer-members, in the locality and other adjoining barangays.

On the other hand, Mansibogan expressed her gratefulness for the DA’s continued support to them, saying it is their first farm tractor from the department, and further recounting previous interventions such as their cassava chipper, mechanical corn sheller and composting facilities.

“Maraming salamat sa binigay ninyong oportunidad [for our association to prosper]. Pagsisikapin talaga namin na mayroon kaming mailalaang pondo para sa pagkukumpuni at pagpapanatili sa naibigay na farm tractor nang sa gayon magsilbi kaming halimbawa sa kapwa naming mga asosasyon,” the president conveyed.

Attuned to the agency’s hopes of maintaining the said machinery, reportedly, the association eyes to using and engaging it into a business enterprise through servicing it to members and non-members alike at a minimal fee.

Pipelined charging for the availment of the farm tractor is P3K per hectare (ha) for members, while P3.2K for non-members, of which a portion is for the defrayment of the repair and maintenance of the unit.

On optimizing the available resources for the benefit of the association, Lapoot likewise underscored for them to exercise good financial management and record keeping, citing that it will be instrumental in having a well-managed association that would encourage for more government assistance to come in.

Pooled from the agency’s 2023 funds under the Agricultural Machinery, Equipment Facilities, and Infrastructure Program, the delivery of the farm tractor is in the form of a grant from the agri department with the provision of a shed as counterpart of the PFA.

Also witnessing the turnover ceremony were the agricultural technologists and staff of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Libona headed by Pepe M. Capangpangan, a representative from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources office of LGU Libona, barangay officials, other PFA officers and members, and other personnel from the DA-10 Corn program.# (JLO)

Agri-10 through its AMIA program holds an agro-climatic advisory portal training and survey, in the province of Camiguin.

In a bid to promote Climate-Resilient Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducts various Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) Program activities, in the province of Camiguin on April 2-3.

Spearheaded by AMIA-10 focal person Carmelito R. Lapoot and Project Leader Joel J. Gabo, the team conducted an Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal (ACAP) Training cum Updating of Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) gathering 16 participants from the agriculture and planning offices of the provincial and municipal governments of Camiguin.

Said group was briefed on Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal (ACAP), a digital service designed to provide agricultural and other relevant stakeholders with timely and relevant information and updates concerning climate and weather.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado shared that the interventions under AMIA aim to capacitate and empower farmers through modern technological advancements, enabling them to access advisory services tailored fit to their geographical locations and crop types.

In addition, the team also conducted a Climate Information System (CIS) and Climate Risk Assessment (CRA) survey in its AMIA village in Alangilan, Sagay to collect data to help improve the system as well as in the attainment of AMIA’s goal of building climate- and economic shock-proof farming and fishing communities.

Meanwhile, Senior Agriculturist Fedil A. Tapales of the Camiguin Provincial Agriculture Office conveyed that the training is opportune and will help farmers in their locality, as the information and updates can be used as guide for their planting calendar.# (AMBM with reports and photos from AMIA-10)

Agri-10 focuses on the invaluable contribution of farmer- and fisher-producers in its Filipino Food Month celebration kickoff.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Recognizing local and national cuisine as important elements of Filipino heritage, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) formally launched the Filipino Food Month (FFM) celebration in Northern Mindanao, on April 8, at the agency compound, in this city.

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 469, series of 2018, the DA is joined by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Department of Tourism – Philippines in cooperation with the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement in a monthlong celebration of local and national culinary traditions that fosters a renewed appreciation for Filipino culture.

Consistent with this year’s theme, “Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago”, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the celebration does not only recognize the contribution of local farmers and fisherfolk in food production, but also invites the youth, particularly young farmers, to participate in nurturing our culinary heritage and achieving national food security.

In a special talk, Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association Vice-president and professional chef Cathy Dano underscored the invaluable role of farmers and fisherfolk and their efforts to bring fresh, local ingredients and produce, thereby taking part in shaping regional and local culinary favorites.

She also expressed optimism in the adoption of emerging technologies and agricultural processes to revitalize food production such as vertical farming, hydroponics and aquaponics, natural farming, integrated farming systems, and the use of precision farming to complement existing production practices.

“Let us continue to explore, savor, and share the flavors of Filipino cuisine, ensuring that our culinary heritage thrives for generations to come,” Dano said.

Capping off the commencement activity, DA Undersecretary for Operations Engr. Roger V. Navarro enjoined DA personnel to join and support the current administration in its programs, especially on digital transformation and mechanization, to empower local farmers and transform the agri-fishery industry for enhanced food production.

In line with the monthlong celebration, DA-10 through AMAD is set to conduct various activities at the agency compound, including talks on consumer awareness (April 15) and anti-illegal real estate practices (April 22); FFM 2024 Trade Fair (April 15 to 16); and a division-wide Adobo cooking competition (April 30).

DA-10 is also set to showcase local food processors and producers in the 16th Philippine Food Expo on April 12 to 14 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, and the FFM 2024 Fair on April 26 to 28 dubbed ‘Ang Sarap: Philippine Food Festival’ at the SM Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.# (GDA)

DA-10 supports the P300-M proposed Integrated Water System of LGU Tangub.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado vowed to support Tangub City’s proposed Integrated Water System in a meeting with Tangub City Mayor, Sabiniano S. Canama on April 3, at the agency compound in this city.

According to Collado, the water system project will be included as a sub-project under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-up for 2024.

As transpired, the construction of Integrated Water System Level II was endorsed for the second prioritization run with an estimated project cost of P300 million.

Said project offers alternative water and sanitation services for rural communities experiencing water scarcity, and is expected to benefit 10K households.

Canama said the project will greatly help Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the hinterlands.

“I am grateful for this opportunity since the water system will provide our IPs with access to clean water and effective farming irrigation, both of which will support the community’s economic stability,” he said.

With the agency’s commitment to the project, Collado urges the city government to create a City Project Management and Implementation Unit (CPMIU) to fast-track the preparation of documentary requirements for the PRDP scale-up proposal.

Canama also expressed his intent to avail other agricultural infrastructure projects such as cold storage, and other DA interventions that could boost the agriculture sector of the city.

Also present during the meeting are DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operation Carlota S. Madriaga, Michael A. Varquez, PRDP Rural Infrastructure Engineer, Emerson C. Dablo, Tangub City Planning Coordinator, and Vilmar A. Matalines, OIC-City Engr. # (RDME)

Agri-10 supports the 89th IB’s initiatives in a fight against insurgencies.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- In aid to fight against insurgency, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the 89th Infantry “Makatao” Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division on April 5.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Field Operations Division Supervising Agriculturist Chona H. Nacalaban and HVCDP Focal Person Kersten S. Pagalan turned over vegetable seeds such as pole sitao and kangkong (15 foil packs at 1kg each), squash (45 tin cans at 100g each), pechay (15 tin cans at 100g each), ampalaya (45 tin cans at 50g each) and tomato (30 tin cans at 25g each).

89th IB Community Development Officer Cpt. Kevin B. Bautista shared that they will be distributing said provisions to farmer associations in San Fernando and Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

“Nagkakaroon ng insurgency because of poverty, and mostly in our area are farmers, so we would like to help them. It is in development projects like these that we are able to opt them to be pro-government,” Bautista added. # (AMBM)

Agri-10 aids in boosting the high value crops production in Kalilangan town through the installation of a Solar-powered irrigation system.

KALILANGAN, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado through its High Value Crops Development program (HVCDP) turned over the Solar-powered Irrigation System (SPIS) to the Sitio Danao High Value Crops Farmers Association, Inc. (HVFAI) on April 4, in Sitio Danao, Barangay Malinao, in this town.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over the said infrastructure worth P 1,012,221 to the Municipal Government of Kalilangan through Mayor Raymon Charl O. Gamboa, and to the HVFAI through its Chairperson, Manuel F. Suganob.

The SPIS, with a solar array of 12 panels and pump power of 5 horsepower (hp), can irrigate at least 10 hectares of the identified 50-hectare rainfed production area for high value crops in Sitio Danao.

Through this configuration, the irrigation system is geared at enhancing cropping intensity and crop yield, ultimately benefiting the association’s production of high value crops such as sweet potato, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and white potato.

During the ceremony, RTD Madriaga expressed her optimism for the project and its impact on the local production of high value crops in the area.

“We are thrilled that this facility was established here, an expansive area where so much potential lies for a bigger production of high value crops. May this inspire a stronger cooperation between the DA and the local government unit (LGU) and a shared interest in providing more assistance to our farmers here,” Madriaga said.

After citing the agency’s various interventions through the HVCDP and the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), including the provision of equipment and infrastructure (greenhouses), RTD Madriaga urged the association to actively work with the LGU to communicate their organization’s needs to the DA through a Letter of Intent.

In his message, Sitio Danao HVFAI chairperson Suganob conveyed his thanks to the agency and described the established facility as a timely provision for their association, comprising some 182 member-farmers.

“Our association is very grateful to have been chosen as one of the recipients of this new Solar-powered Pump Irrigation System (SPIS) from the DA. This provision will greatly help our association, more so now that we are experiencing the effects of El Niño,” Suganob said.

Further, he assured their organization’s responsibility to ensure that the facility remains in good condition.

Present in support of the turnover ceremony were Municipal Board of Agriculture Chairperson Loido L. Padsing, Municipal Agriculturist Edgar A. Cantones, DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division – Program and Project Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, HVCDP Assistant focal person and Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, association board members, and DA-10 staff.# (GDA)

DA-10 through its Corn program turns over the P3.25-million hauling truck to the Kauyagan Savers MPC on April 1, at the Impasugong Municipal Hall. 

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – To ensure support for the group’s efficient supply chain management, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Corn program turned over the P3.25 million (M) hauling truck to the Kauyagan Savers Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) on April 1, at the Municipal Hall here.

Representing DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM and Corn focal person Richan D. Lacanaria handed over the certificate of turnover and key of responsibility to the Local Government of Impasugong through Mayor Anthony A. Uy, and finally, to the benefitting group, the Kauyagan Savers MPC through its General Manager, Imelda H. Esteban.

With a six-metric-ton carrying capacity, the intervention is also aligned with the current agriculture secretary’s medium-term plan to boost agricultural productivity, lower food costs, attain food security, and advance the agri-fishery sector.

“This [the hauling truck] will help modernize and industrialize the agriculture chain in an inclusive way to enhance productivity, uplift rural people from poverty, improve livelihood and increase farmers’ income,” Lacanaria cited.

According to Kauyagan Savers MPC manager Esteban, the conferred transportation vehicle is for the priority use of the 250 farmer-members of the coop as of year-ended, who are engaged in the production, consolidation, and marketing of corn.

Aside from corn, they are currently consolidating coffee and abaca, which are coming from the indigenous people communities in the upland areas of the town and its adjacent municipality, Sumilao.

“We are an agri-based coop, and among our major services is into savings and credit, but we [coop] thought there is a need to enhance our agricultural enterprise because many of our members are into farming,” the coop official said, adding that their scope of membership and operations is province-wide, with focus on the mentioned two towns.

Likewise, the manager conveyed their gratitude for the provision, citing that collaboration and shared vision with the national and local governments in seeing the coop members enjoy a better quality of life, have been the key in providing the unit to the Kauyagan Savers MPC.

With the addition of the turned-over facility, she shared that the coop is set on embarking on brighter prospects, which include being an assembler for cassava, and at the same time, extending help for the vegetable gardeners in the locality to command fair prices for their produce.

For the agency’s part, Lacanaria lauded the cooperative, even more so that they are one among the recipients of the five hauling truck recently granted by the Corn program, and underscored in sustaining the government’s investment to them by apportioning a pool for funds to ensure the repair and maintenance of the unit.

“This victory [turnover of hauling truck] is not only for the employees and officials of Kauyagan, but for all the members of coop. Let us patronize the services and products of our coop and also follow the policies set forth by it.” Esteban remarked while enjoining her fellow coop members to help it thrive in the years to come.

Formed in 2044 with only 27 members, the Kauyagan Savers MPC is previously known as the Kauyagan Savers Cooperative. Chaired by Paul Richard A. Paraguya, it has now grown to around 2,600 members with additional services such as loans, bill payments, ATM services, and educational assistance.

Supporting the ceremony were Impasugong municipal agriculturist Engr. Roan R. Fernandez, in the presence of local and coop officials and members, and other regional and municipal agri staff. # (JLO)

DA-PRDP 10 holds a preconstruction conference for the coco sauce processing and marketing subproject in Magsaysay town.

MAGSAYSAY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Another IREAP facility is underway as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, conducted a Preconstruction Conference (PreCon) for the Coconut Sauce Processing and Marketing subproject on March 19, 2024, in this town.

Funded under Additional Financing 2 and the European Union, the subproject, which is the first of its kind in Northern Mindanao, is valued at Php 23,511,962.42 includes processing machinery and equipment, delivery vehicle, and the construction of the coconut sauce processing facility.

The Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (RPCO 10) team leveled off with the Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MINFARCCO), Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Misamis Oriental, LGU Magsaysay, Barangay LGU of Cabubuhan, and the contractor on policies and requirements from each component and unit.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and DA-PRDP 10 SES Unit Head Cora A. Dumayaca encouraged the stakeholders to raise any concerns to the team to have a smooth process in complying with the documentary requirements needed for the implementation of the SP.

“A checklist is provided to see if there are still requirements that need to be provided. I hope we can comply with all of these documentary requirements,” said RTD Dumacaya.

She further encouraged everyone to voice out concerns on the implementation of the subproject, with PreCon as an avenue to discuss the agreements and how to accomplish the target timeline.

Meanwhile, Romel C. Ratilla, MINFARCCO Chairman, shared that the SP will help the cooperative to bounce back their operations since they have been heavily affected by the pandemic.

“COVID-19 affected our operations, but we have high hopes that through this subproject, we can recover our loss from the pandemic. We have gone through so much to have this subproject approved; our vision is finally becoming a reality.”

With the subproject, the cooperative aims to expand the coconut sauce processing and marketing activities.

PRDP’s interventions will aid in increasing the volume and improve the coconut syrup outputs leading to more opportunities for their members. #