Manticao AMIA village to benefit from agri-inputs

MANTICAO, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) program turned over agri-inputs to the AMIA village in Upper Malubog, Manticao, Misamis Oriental on February 26-27.

Interventions turned over include: 10 bags Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) corn seeds, 50 packets Pinakbet vegetables seeds, and 150 forage seedlings, received by Kauyagan Farmers’ Association thru President Noel Roquiño and Upper Malubog Abaca Farmers Association thru President Michael Madrina, in the presence of Municipal Agriculturist Clevic Irish L. Habil.

The said initiatives aimed to assist farmers in overcoming weather-related challenges, enhancing production, and minimizing the risks of low yields.

AMIA village is a community-based approach initiated by the DA through its AMIA program to strengthen the resilience of farming communities to climate change. It aims to introduce climate-resilient agricultural practices and offer support services to help mitigate effects of climate change. # (AMBM/Photo credits: AMIA 10)

Agri-10 hosts YFC upscale judging, strengthening young agripreneurs’ enterprises

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To address the need for expanded financial resources among previous Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardees, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), conducted the YFC Upscale regional level judging on March 7, here.

The YFC Upscale component is designed to help past awardees enhance their agribusiness ventures by upgrading equipment and assets, developing new product lines, improving market reach, and securing necessary permits and licenses, among others.

Said competition is open to all previous YFC Start-Up awardees at the provincial, regional, or national level, the criteria of which are centered on creativity and innovations, enterprise performance, social responsibility, business viability, and business sustainability.

Outstanding agri-fishery enterprises will be selected by the regional panel of judges to receive a 300k financial grant, with the highest-scoring enterprise advancing to the YFC Upscale National Competition.

Enterprises that participated in the regional judging include:

Bukidnon
The Ton Potato Agribusiness OPC (YFC 2022 Provincial Awardee)
Anitu Forest Food Processing (YFC 2022 Provincial Awardee)

Misamis Occidental
OZ Fresh Greens Hydroponics (YFC 2023 Provincial Awardee)

The participating enterprises were assessed by a panel of judges from the DA-10 and the Department of Trade and Industry 10 (DTI-10). The winners are set to be announced, after which the top awardee will proceed to prepare for the national competition where they shall receive an additional financial grant of 500k.# (EJLG)

DA-10 drives agro-modernization, gathers local agricultural and biosystems engineers

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), hosted a forum on February 28, with the aim of accelerating agro-modernization in Northern Mindanao and providing employment prospects for recent Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Licensure Examination (ABELE) passers.

Before the local Agricultural and Biosystems engineers, the DA-10 urged the creation of ABE offices/units among the local government units for easier facilitation on the availment of agricultural machinery, equipment, and facilities, as stipulated in DA Memorandum Circular (MC) 41, Series of 2024.

Engr. Mary Ann C. Adella, Engineering Plan, Design, and Specification Section chief of DA-10 RAED detailed the MC, which outlines the “General Guidelines on the Provision of Agricultural Machinery, Equipment, and Facilities for FY 2024 Onwards”, stressed the importance of establishing ABE offices/units within LGUs to secure the necessary agricultural provisions for the farmers in the region.

To date, 9 NorMin LGUs have enacted ordinances establishing ABE offices/units, with 8 already institutionalized plantilla positions for Agricultural and Biosystems engineers.

In a separate discussion, Engr. Romil G. Española, Program and Management Section chief, provided updates on the Local Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Plan (LAFMP), highlighting that 52 LGUs have submitted drafts, with Malaybalay City’s plan already approved. The LAFMP serves as a roadmap for integrating mechanization strategies into local agricultural development.

Meanwhile, Engr. Janice P. Vargas, Standard Regulation and Enforcement Division chief of the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, underscored the critical need for compliance in mechanization projects, noting the accreditation processes and quality assurance measures in line with the bureau’s regulatory functions.

Through this forum, the DA-10 aims to guide all LGUs in establishing ABE offices and ensure Agricultural and Biosystems engineers are equipped to address the evolving demands of agro-modernization, helping shape the future of agriculture in Region 10.

Also present at the forum were Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers – Region 10 (PSABE-10) President and DA-10 RAED chief, Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, Professional Regulatory Board – ABE Member Engr. Caesar Joventino M. Tado, and other DA-10 officials. # (BJCE)

Php49 MSRP for premium imported rice recommended for NorMin’s major cities

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The DA-Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) will recommend Php49/kilo Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for imported rice (5% broken) in four major cities in the region – Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Valencia and Malaybalay, following the Bantay Presyo Consultative Forum, Tuesday, March 4, here.

The forum convened the region’s rice importers, wholesalers and retailers, government regulatory agencies, Northern Mindanao Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC-NorMin), and the concerned city local government units to assess the present rice price and supply situation to set a cap to the selling price of premium imported rice in public and private markets in the aforesaid cities.

In January this year, the DA started to impose Php58/kilo MSRP for premium imported rice sold in the National Capital Region (NCR) following an extraordinary hike in rice prices despite decline in world market prices and import tariff reduction.

The issuance of the DA Administrative Circular No. 3, series of 2025, subsequently lowered the imported rice MSRP to Php52/kilo in NCR in mid-February. Starting March 1, the DA further slash the MSRP in NCR to Php49/kilo.

In an attempt to comply with the prevailing MSRP on imported rice (5% broken), the DA-NorMin through its Bantay Presyo Monitoring Team in consultation with rice stakeholders, Local Price Coordinating Council of Cagayan de Oro City, City Agriculture Office of Malaybalay, and Iligan City, resolved to recommend to the DA-Central Office the enforcement of Php49/kilo MSRP for imported rice in the subject localities while Valencia City will still have to conduct a stakeholders consultation meeting to be able to recommend the MSRP for their city.

The proposed MSRP was derived after a consensus on the analysis and discussion of the rice price trend, cost structure and impact to rice importers, wholesalers and retailers.

Prior to its executory enforcement, the proposed MSRP will undergo final validation by the DA warranting the availability of affordable rice for the Filipino consumers while maintaining a fair trading environment for rice industry stakeholders. # (ATT)

DA-10 joins planning for Bukidnon coffee Arabica roadmap

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON —The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, joins the conduct of a planning workshop for the Bukidnon Consortium of Coffee Cooperatives and Associations (BCCCA) on March 3 to 4, at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, Dalwangan, here.

The activity aims to come up with a detailed implementation plan for the 500-hectare Arabica coffee planting target for 2025 and strengthen collaboration with key industry partners, with the BCCCA as the lead implementer of the Bukidnon coffee Arabica roadmap.

Through its High Value Crops Development Program, the DA-10 supports the coffee industry by funding capacitation activities and the implementation of various production and processing projects.

Also joining the activity are the Department of Trade and Industry -10, the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Bukidnon, different coffee farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), and other DA-10 staff.# (CRS)

DA-10, NEDA convene for remote sensing tech for rice prod’n monitoring and forecasting

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To improve the accuracy and reliability of rice production monitoring and forecasting, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) met with the National Economic and Development Authority – Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment Staff (NEDA-ANRES) for a consultative meeting on March 3 at the agency compound.

The meeting focused on NEDA-ANRES’ ongoing study, “Optimizing the Use of Remote Sensing in Rice Production Monitoring and Forecasting (OUR RiceMaF),” which aims to enhance data harmonization, supply estimation, and forecast validation.

Key discussions included synchronizing data sources, refining rice supply estimates and projections, identifying gaps and limitations, and strengthening collaboration with data providers to improve the accuracy of yield forecasts.

NEDA-ANRES tapped the DA-10 to participate in the study due to its use of remote sensing technology as a key data source for monitoring rice production in the region.

With representatives from the DA-10’s Field Operations Division (FOD), both parties tackled on the Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM), a satellite-based monitoring system used by the DA to track rice production.

The dialogue revolved on the PRiSM’s accuracy and timeliness in generating crucial data on planted rice area, seasonality, yield, and crop risks.

Launched in 2014, PRiSM is the first satellite-based rice monitoring system in Southeast Asia and has been a model for other countries in adopting technology-driven agricultural solutions.

By leveraging remote sensing technology for rice production monitoring, the agency enhances data-driven decision-making, improves yield forecasting, and strengthens food logistics aligning with the DA’s 10-point agenda particularly to advance digitalization in agriculture.

This supports the department’s goal of ensuring a stable food supply, modernizing the agricultural sector, and promoting efficiency across the rice value chain.

As part of the ways forward, DA-10 and NEDA-ANRES plan to hold another meeting to further develop strategies that contribute to data-driven agricultural planning and policy-making, ultimately benefiting local rice farmers and strengthening food security in the region.# (EJLG)

DA-NorMin joins women’s month celebration

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In recognition of the invaluable contributions and achievements of women across all sectors, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) joins the celebration of the National Women’s Month this March.

This year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas ng Bagong Pilipinas,” aligns with the core goal of RA 9710, which aims to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equal access to resources and opportunities.

As part of the celebration, the agency organized a Walk of Fame honoring the winners of the regional and national Outstanding Rural Women search for FY 2021-2024, including:

Gerlie T. Vedra (2021): 1st place (regional) and 4th place (national)
Veronica I. Lastima (2022): 1st place – (regional) and 6th place (national)
Mylin V. Tayapad (2023): 1st place (regional) and (national)
Fe Q. Sangco (2023): 2nd place (regional)
Conception L. Ompoc (2024): 1st place (regional)
Venus C. Mariano (2024): 2nd place (regional)

The department, represented by Gender and Development (GAD) focal person, Berna Rhoda P. Barnido, also attended the kickoff ceremony spearheaded by the Gender Advocates NorMin, Inc. (GANI) in partnership with the Regional GAD Committee Region-10 (RGADC-10) and other line government agencies.

Through the DA-10’s GAD lead and participation, other activities are lined-up to commemorate such observance include the conduct of a photo contest, edible urban gardening training, and outreach program. # (MAC)

Agri-10, DAMPC promote urban gardening at Bayanga School

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In a bid to empower local communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a training on Urban Gardening as part of its Adopt-a-School initiative with a partner cooperative, at Bayanga Elementary School on February 26, in Brgy. Bayanga, here.

Through the agency’s National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) in collaboration with the DA Multipurpose Cooperative (DAMPC), students were briefed on the importance of gardening in an urban setting and its nearby areas, in attaining food security and improving nutrition.

Led by NUPAP-10 Alternate Focal Person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, the activity also provided students with hands-on experience in planting different types of vegetables in small spaces to maximize limited resources.

Apart from the urban gardening demonstration, the DA-NUPAP 10 and the DAMPC represented by its Committee members and board of directors headed by its chair, Juliet B. Araos, likewise provided agricultural inputs. These include vegetable seeds, fruit tree seedlings, organic fertilizers, and gardening tools equipping the students for future agri-related projects.

Through the synergistic efforts between the DA-10 and DAMPC, the event targets to inspire the younger generation to pursue farming initiatives. # (AMBM, Photos supplied)

R-10’s organic agri proposals undergo deliberation

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON — Aimed at strengthening and empowering existing organic practitioners’ and farmers’ groups, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the Organic Agriculture (OA) program hosted the conduct on the finalization and deliberation of Organic Agriculture Livelihood Project (OALP) proposals for FY 2024-2026 recipients from February 25 to 28, in Dahilayan, here.

The activity sought to assess and discuss the different ideas and plans of the attending five farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) together with the assisting local government units (LGUs), as contained in the project proposals in implementing OALPs.

Per Memorandum Circular No. 45, Series of 2022, the OALP serve as a business integrator for organic farms, supporting input producers and suppliers, providing farm services, and acting as the consolidator and marketing arm for organic produce and products.

Invited were Malou Deriquito-Yasona, Development Management Officer III , and Lois Daniel Jacela, Project Development Officer I of the national OA program, who served as resource speakers and panelists for the said activity, promoting for a common understanding among the participants on project planning and aligning all efforts toward scaling-up organic agriculture in Northern Mindanao.

Drawing from the team’s expertise, the initiative is seen to thoroughly review the various aspects of the submitted proposals, considering their opportunities and challenges, with input from the concerned FCAs and the support of their respective LGUs.

Representatives from the LGUs of Bukidnon province, Malaybalay City, and Magsaysay town, and farmers from the Malaybalay City Organic Farmers’ Association (MACOFA), Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Multipurpose Cooperative (MINFARCO), Bahandi sa Bukid Association (BUKAS), Balingasag Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture (BISA), and the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese were in attendance.# (MAC/Photos supplied)

RAFC-NorMin backs Panguil Bay Dev’t Council reactivation initiative

The Northern Mindanao Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC-NorMin) expressed its support for the reactivation of the Panguil Bay Development Council (PBDC) in a consultative meeting recently held in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

The founding of the PBDC was attributed to the protection of the rich aquatic resources of Panguil Bay, which are of high economic significance for the fishery sector of the region.

After being dormant for some time, the PBDC reactivation this year is being spearheaded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10) and the Provincial Local Government of Lanao del Norte together with other key government and private organizations.

As an advisory body advocating the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk, the RAFC-NorMin is eyeing strategic collaboration to rally government and private stakeholders’ support in promoting sustainable fishery industry development for the benefit of the coastal communities dependent on the Panguil Bay’s resources.

Apart from the PBDC reactivation, the RAFC-NorMin’s consultative meeting also serves as an avenue for the discussion on the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), programs and projects of the DA-Region 10, as well as updates and major issues and concerns of the different RAFC-NorMin’s sectoral committees, Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Councils (PAFCs) and Highly Urbanized Cities Agricultural and Fishery Councils (HUCAFCs).

Chaired by Nilda B. Salas, the RAFC-NorMin regularly convened for its consultative meeting to tackle pressing regional agri-fishery issues warranting policy resolution recommendation for the DA and other concerned government instrumentalities. # (ATT/Photo Credits: RAFC-10)