On July 21, Talara and Enteria take their oath of office to assume their positions in DA-NorMin, before administering officer, RED Collado.

Ailene B. Talara and Angelica Alma B. Enteria officially took oath as Science Research Specialist II and Administrative Assistant III, respectively, before Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on July 21, 2021.

Previously designated as SRS I at DA-Caraga, Talara will be assigned at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) under DA-10’s Research Division.

On the other hand, Enteria, a former contract of service worker, will assume her position under the Office of the Regional Director.

Also witnessing the ceremony are Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, OIC-Administrative and Finance Division Chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse along with the division chiefs and staff. # (AMBManto)

On July 16, DA-NorMin caps its first batch of ASF indemnity assistance distribution to the affected barangays in CdeO.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 637 hog raisers received P10.81 million worth of African Swine Fever (ASF) indemnity from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 as the agency capped the first batch of ASF payout in 17 barangays in Cagayan de Oro City, Friday, July 16.

The DA indemnifies P5,000 for each pig culled on account of the ASF contagion.

Aside from the DA’s payout, the hog raisers also received P2,000 cash assistance from the City Government of CdeO earlier this year.

The indemnity rollout is undertaken in close coordination with the City Agriculture Office, particularly in registering the bonafide hog raisers to DA’s official farmers and fishers’ registry, Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.

Validation of the ASF-affected areas and profiling of hog raisers are jointly conducted with the City Veterinary Office.

The DA is optimistic such assistance will help hog raisers to start alternative livelihood as means to recuperate from the ASF infestation, especially since they are temporarily prohibited to raise hogs until their area is cleared for swine repopulation.

Elsira Niebla, a 51-year-old hog raiser from Barangay Tumpagon said the P10,000 indemnity she received out of two pigs culled is helpful enough for a livelihood amid the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic.

[Pasalamat mi sa DA. Bisan tuod gikuha ang among baboy, gibayaran mi para makabangon mi sa among panginabuhian. Akong gamiton kini nga hinabang para mag.negosyo sama sa pagpangompra sa lubi og saging.]

“We are very grateful of DA. Although our pigs were culled, we were paid so that we can go on with our livelihood. I am planning to use the assistance in trading coconut and banana,” Niebla averred, saying that she will be raising pigs again once they are permitted.

The first two ASF cases in CdeO City were reported in barangays San Simon and Mambuaya and this was confirmed on February 8 this year, following the issuance of confirmatory laboratory test result by DA-10.

Thereafter, the cases ballooned, affecting 17 barangays in the city and resulted to depopulation of a total 3,783 hogs, as of date.

“We are concerned that our hog raisers’ livelihood was compromised, but we have to do what is best to protect the region’s hog industry,” said DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado.

“As for now, we will be implementing recovery programs that would help our hog raisers, especially the backyard raisers, to gain their livelihood. Part of the program is strict implementation of the Bantay ASF sa Barangay and the rollout of Swine Insurance Program of the Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp.,” Director Collado furthered.

Currently the DA-10 is processing the second batch indemnity worth P6,650,000 for the 1,330 culled hogs of 306 hog raisers in the city. It is eyed that the fund will be ready for release within the third quarter of the year.

Meanwhile, Director Collado is calling out the support of the region’s hog industry stakeholders to beef up the DA’s campaign to contain the ASF infestation in the region.

“To contain and manage the spread of ASF requires immediate and coordinated action,” he stressed.

“And so we are calling for the continued support and active participation of the hog raisers, the private sector and the local governments in the implementation of DA’s projects and programs to revitalize Northern Mindanao’s hog industry,” Director Collado concluded.# (ATalib)

DA-10 and Ketkai’s collab for ‘Farm to Market’ showcase aims to provide access to fresh agri-produce at reasonable prices. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -To provide access to fresh agricultural produce at reasonable prices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) partnered with Limketkai Center as they open the ‘Farm to Market’ on July 15, 2021.

On the conceptualization of the event, Remy Lou Hojas-Along, lease marketing officer, shared “In celebration of Nutrition Month this July, we decided to collaborate with DA-10 to provide fresh fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products to mallgoers straight from the farmers themselves. This is also our help to farmers for them to gain a market despite this pandemic.”

Spearheaded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-10, the agency tapped exhibitors such as the Miarayon Highland Farmers Association, Farmgrown Association of Claveria, Manzano Farm and CNQ Organic Supplements.

Other exhibitors also include Mommy Sha Tablea, Jangkoy Marketing, Herbs & More by Urban Greens, Bukidnon Milk Company – CDO and RTB Variety Store.

Minda L. Agbo of MIHFA expressed her gratitude for being invited to the agricultural showcase, “We thank DA-10 and Limketkai for this initiative as it helped us gain an outlet for our products; thereby creating more livelihood opportunities for our members of the association.”

Said trade fair will run from July 15- 31, 2021 at the Limketkai Center Rotunda. # (AMBManto)

Fire victims from the city of Cagayan de Oro received food packs and assorted vegetable seeds from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) on July 15, 2021.

A total of 18 beneficiaries each received a food pack containing Adlai cookies, Adlai cereals and fresh bananas as well as assorted vegetable seeds.

Field Operations Division Chief Luisito S. Ofngol encouraged the beneficiaries to venture into urban gardening, especially during this pandemic and to submit proposals to the agency for other possible assistance. #

On July 9, the agri dept in NorMin gives out the indemnity assistance to ASF-affected hog raisers in barangay San Simon, CdeO City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 9 – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) paid off a total of P2.38 million for the African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected hog raisers in barangay San Simon.

Said indemnity payment were given to 130 hog raiser-recipients of the barangay at P5,000 for every culled hog.

Dr. Julesben Caesar C. Maquiling of DA-10 noted, that San Simon is one of the 16 barangays of CdeO where hog depopulation was conducted as measure to prevent ASF infestations in other farms.

Ammabille Y. Fernandez, one of the beneficiaries, who have received P25,000 in exchange of her five culled pigs said, the amount she received will be added for the capital of her small store while she temporarily stops from her piggery business.

Meanwhile, San Simon Brgy. Chair Fernando C. Edrolin expressed his gratitude to DA-10 for the cash assistance given to his constituents who primarily source their income from backyard hog raising.

Edrolin remarked, that the barangay continuously supports DA-10’s campaign against the spread of ASF by prudently guarding their areas to control the movement of live hogs and its by-products.

He further urged the ASF-stricken hog raisers to venture into poultry, livestock raising and other livelihood projects to sustain their daily needs.

Next week, DA-NorMin is set to proceed in other barangays in the city to continue the distribution of indemnity payments.# (EMBentulan)

On July 8, corn farmers from the 2^nd district of MisOr receive hybrid corn seeds from DA-NorMin to help augment their production and income.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Corn farmers of the second district of Misamis Oriental received hybrid corn seeds from the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao to increase their production and income.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, representing Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over 200 bags amounting to P1 million to Rep. Juliette T. Uy of the second district of Misamis Oriental on July 8 in Villanueva town.

RTD Madriaga encouraged the farmers to plant hybrid corn seeds with an average yield of 6-7 metric tons per hectare and resistant to pests and diseases.

Each bag at 9 kilograms can be planted to a half-hectare, and basically used for industrial purposes like feeds.

Edgar C. Alimbog, a corn farmer for 26 years from barangay Kimaya of Villanueva town shared, “Ang natangap naming hybrid corn seeds ay malaking tulong lalo na ngayon na hirap makabili dahil sa pandemic. Dahil nito, mapanatili ang pangkabuhayan naming mga magsasaka.”

Rep. Uy motivated the farmers to engage in entrepreneurship aside from farming to earn more income.

Second district encompasses the city of El Salvador and the municipalities of Alubijid, Claveria, Gitagum, Initao, Jasaan, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Manticao, Naawan, Opol, Tagoloan and Villanueva.# (ATCabig)

ASF-affected farmers from Initao, Manticao and Libertad of MisOr province claim their indemnity assistance on July 7. Months prior, hog raisers in said areas have subjected their animals for depopulation at P5,000 per culled hog to help the government curb the spread of the hog viral disease.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) recently released the African Swine Fever (ASF) indemnification payment worth P5.93 million to Misamis Oriental province.

On July 7, about 319 hog raisers from three towns of said province received such financial aid, covering Initao with with P2.805 million (168 farmers); Manticao with P3.070 million (149); and Libertad with P55,000 for 2 farmers.

Hog raisers whose animals were depopulated to prevent the spread of the viral disease got P5,000 for every culled hog.

“This [indemnification payment] is a big help for you [affected hog raisers] to start anew with your chosen alternative livelihood and as source of income for your daily needs,” said Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-10 MisOr Provincial Operations Center Chief who represented DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

Such was realized, the agri official added, with the assistance from the provincial and municipal governments.

She shared, that with the agency’s continued partnership at the local levels, more agri-interventions are yet to come thru availment from DA’s banner programs – rice, corn, high value crops and livestock, and other special projects.

On top of DA-NorMin’s indemnification assistance, the provincial government of MisOr headed by Gov. Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano also provided ready-to-lay ducks and sacks of feed to the affected farmers as start-up for another livelihood option.

On resolving ASF, which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial governor added: “The solution lies within all of us. We, in the government, requests for all of your full cooperation to early on recover from these threats.”

In doing so, this would pave the way for MisOr to bounce back its economy, he concluded.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Marly Patnulag of barangay Jampason, Initao expressed, that it was worth it in heeding to the call of the government.

“Initially, it was hard to give up my raised hog to be culled, as way to help curb the spread of the disease [ASF] in our barangay. However, they [national and local governments] have assured us [affected hog raisers] that they will provide indemnification for such. Truly, they have fulfilled their promise.” she said.

Since early Tuesday, July 6, DA-10 has already paid out P6,290,000 worth of indemnification assistance to 343 affected hog raisers, with the first leg of its distribution in Laguindingan town. # (JLO)

Twenty-four hog Laguindingan town hog raisers receive the total indemnification fund in the amount of P360,000 from DA-NorMin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 24 hog raisers from the municipality of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental received the African Swine Fever (ASF) indemnification fund in the total amount of P360,000 from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10).

On Tuesday, July 6, 2021 affected hog raisers from Barangays Kibaghot and Poblacion each received P5,000 per culled hog to recover from the losses of said disease.

DA-10 OIC-Regulatory Division Chief Audy G. Maagad, who represented Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, emphasized the importance of prevention and reporting of the incidence to immediately stop the spread of said viral hog disease.

Meanwhile, Laguindingan Mayor Diosdado T. Obsioma extended his gratefulness for the cash assistance, and encouraged residents to use the money wisely for other livelihood endeavors.

Hog raiser Benjie M. Suminlao accounted, that he will be using the indemnity fund for other livestock, “Since it may take a while before we can start raising hogs again, I will be using the money to buy vitamins for my cattle, goats and chickens.”

Said event marks the first leg of cash distribution for MisOr affected hog raisers. # (AMBManto)

DA holds the first ever Women Agribiz Summit which underscores the efforts of women in creating a mark in the agribiz industry with help from government agencies. 

Benchmarking from empowered women of today, the Department of Agriculture (DA) staged recently the first ever Women Agribusiness Summit: “Women in Agriculture Break Barriers”, a town hall consultation, held at the BSWM Convention Hall, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City and via virtual platform.

Organized by the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Program Directorate Office and Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, said event highlighted the efforts of women in partnership with DA, its attached bureaus and agencies, including other government agencies in helping them create a mark in the agribiz industry.

Moreover, it forms part as one of the preparatory activities of the 2021 United Nations (UN) Food System under the Thematic Area of GAD to be convened in September, this year.

In her opening remarks, Evelyn G. Laviña, undersecretary for high value crops and chairperson of GAD Focal Point System expressed, “women all over [the country] who are in agriculture and agribusiness never surrendered to the debilitating and paralyzing effect of the pandemic to the simple Filipino people and their livelihood.”

She added, that instead the innate strength, determination and resilience of Filipino women found an unexpected stage to manifest itself in an incomparable manner, breaking barriers and helping transform the Philippine agriculture during COVID-19 and beyond into a dynamic and resilient sector essential for the country to speed up recovery by ensuring strengthened food value chains and a vibrant rural economy.”

USec. Laviña furthered, that the event aims to share the invited outstanding women’s success stories for others to draw inspiration from, underscoring what they’ve accomplished, how they’ve hurdled challenges amid the ongoing pandemic and accessed government services to enhance their entrepreneurial activities.

Accounting their feats were Jade Calingasan of Woodybag Mushroom Farm (mushroom and alamang production); Ma. Frances A. Rubio of Greenlife Coconut Product Philippines (virgin coconut oil and other coco-based products); Christina O. Generoso of Pinagdanlayan Rural Improvement Club Multipurpose Cooperative (ginger and turmeric brew); Cherrylyn S. Mendoza of Moolk Creamery, Corp. (dairy products); and Marites Benico of Pinagbuklod na Adhika Multipurpose Cooperative (brown rice and rice brew).

DA Secretary William D. Dar reiterated, that said affair also highlights on working towards the adopted fifth goal of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which is the enforcement of gender equality.

While efforts are being done by gender advocates globally, the DA chief equally recognizes in bridging the gaps to address such goal in the society.

“We know that one of the gender issues that surfaced in studies is women’s lack or limited access to services that will improve their productivity and income and this is being given primordial consideration in the crafting of the yearly GAD plan and budget of the department,” the secretary pronounced.

Some P5.51 billion were allocated by DA-Central Office, its regional field offices and bureaus out of the consolidated budget of P32.41 billion from the General Appropriations Act, while DA’s attached agencies and corporations have also apportioned amounts for GAD activities in accordance with their mandated functions, Dar reported.

“With one resolve [by the One DA family], we continue our quest to empower women. We have made sure that the registry of farmers and fisherfolk reflects is disaggregated into male and female, so much so that we will be able to project in our planning and implementation women’s inclusion in the targeted beneficiaries of DA’s various services,” he added.

The agri secretary also noted, that registration is still ongoing and he extends his hopes that more will register and be able to access government services that would aid them in their agri-fishery based activities and enterprises.

For Northern Mindanao, DA-10 facilitated the attendance of around 15 delegates on-site in the city of Cagayan de Oro from its employee’s association, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance and Field Operations divisions. #(JLO)

DA-NorMin train 20 agri-technicians from different LGUs on AI for small ruminants. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Twenty agriculture technicians from the different local government units in Northern Mindanao undergo a ten-day basic training course on artificial insemination (AI) for small ruminants starting July 5, 2021.

“The training will equip the technicians with different skills and techniques in AI,” said Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of the Department of Agriculture-10 during its opening program at the department’s Malaybalay Stock Farm in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Through DA-10’s Livestock Program, the training aims to capacitate the technicians in handling AI in goats to perform activities in the field using the highly technical small ruminant AI technique.

Collado added, it will enable them to train goat raisers in their respective locality on goat production, and eventually achieve DA’s main objective on increased livestock production in the region.

“Artificial insemination is a breeding method used to avoid inbreeding which causes poor growth and prone to transfer of diseases,” according to Johnson C. Petalcurin, Regional Artificial Insemination Coordinator of DA-10’s Livestock Program.

He explained that it is also the easiest way of increasing and upgrading small ruminants in the locality and increase farmers profitability.

The ten-day training will allow the participants to do actual insemination and pregnancy diagnosis on small ruminants and estrous synchronization in their assigned area of coverage. #(ATCabig)