On April 15, R-10 stages the Food Security Summit gathering industry leaders and key stakeholders to tackle issues and concerns besetting the agri sector and translating these into action plans towards a food secure and resilient Philippines with empowered and prosperous farmers and fisherfolk.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – After the conduct of a series of its provincial editions, the agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) staged the Regional Food Security Summit on April 15, in the city to foment development to the country’s agricultural and fishery sector.

Bearing the theme: “Food for Today and Beyond: Transforming Philippine agriculture”, said activity gathered industry leaders and key stakeholders to tackle issues and concerns besetting said sector towards a food secure and resilient Philippines with empowered and prosperous farmers and fisherfolk.

“Such effort is geared to continue in boosting and developing the agri-fishery sector through the cooperation, coordination and collaboration of the local government units (LGUs) and the private sector’s industry players,” said DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado before the summit delegates attending virtually and on-site.

Mustered participants included officials and representatives from DA’s Regional Management Committee and line agencies, LGUs, the private sector, agricultural and fishery councils, other government agencies and the academe.

Discussions centered on identifying action plans to level up the region’s priority commodities such as swine, corn, rice, goat, free range chicken, sugarcane, aquaculture and capture fisheries under DA’s ‘new normal’ direction or its twelve key strategies.

The cited inclusive approach includes the expansion of farm clustering and social protection measures; implementation of province-led agriculture and fisheries extension systems; construction of agro-industrial business corridors; consolidation of infrastructure investments; upgrading of postharvest, processing, logistics, and marketing support; and adoption of digital agriculture.

Also, it covers the aggressive pursuit of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures; escalation of global trade, export development, and promotion; intensification of food safety protocols and regulations; mobilization and empowerment of partners; promotion of ‘ease of doing business’ and transparent procurement; and support for strategic communications.

RED Collado also emphasized, the solicited inputs at the regional level heeds to the focus of the current administration in adopting the whole-of-government approach to aid in the crafting of a national food security plan.

While recognizing the challenges affecting the agri industry, ranging from the onslaught of African Swine Fever, upsurge in pork prices, drop in the farmgate buying price for rice and corn, harmful algal bloom occurrence, among other concerns which are exacerbated by pandemic, he highlighted in putting premium of providing food for the Filipino people.

“Consumers should have continuous flow of food while producers should have continuous productivity, unhampered movement of agricultural commodities, accessibility and price stability,” he added.

All these, the agri executive further noted, will help pave the way for NorMin in pursuing major programs and activities towards contributing in the country’s bid of a modest agri-fishery sector growth pegged at 2.5 percent. # (JLO)

The agri dept in NorMin observes the FFM by staging the conduct of the KDK at its agency compound. Of which, various agri-fishery products and essential goods are up for sale at reasonable prices.

Cagayan de Oro City, April 15 – The Filipino Food Month (FFM) 2021 kicks off today, showcasing Northern Mindanao’s various agri-fishery products, thru the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa at Diskwento Karavan (KDK).

The two-day activity is spearheaded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in celebration of FFM, at the same time to promote local products and by-products of the region’s farmers and fisherfolk.

Aside from fresh vegetables, fruits, poultry and dairy products, other manufactured essential goods are also sold in said Kadiwa at reasonable prices.

Leading the ceremonial cutting of ribbon was DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, with AMAD OIC-Chief Larry E. Paraluman.

The month of April is declared as Filipino Food Month per Presidential Proclamation No. 469 on April 13, 2018.

Participating the said market are the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Trade Industry, Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives, San Miguel/Purefoods, Miarayon Highland Farmers Association, Tagpuangi Farmers and Fisherfolk Assoc., Farmgrown Assoc. of Claveria, ANT Products, CNQ Agriventures, Manzano Farm, Fivel and Big 8, and the Vitalized.# (EMBentulan)

In support to EO 70, DA-NorMin launches its ‘One DA’ adopt a community in sitio Kalhaaan, Minalwang, Claveria, MisOr on Wednesday, April 14.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support to EO 70 or institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao launches the ‘One DA’ adopt a community in sitio Kalhaan, Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado who also chairs the DA Regional Management Committee in Northern Mindanao led the launching on Wednesday, April 14 together with DA attached agencies and line bureaus in Northern Mindanao in partnership with the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and the municipal and provincial local government units.

The historic event as Collado shared, unifies DA and its attached agencies and line bureaus with its commitments in rehabilitating sitio Kalahaan which has a great potential in the farming industry with its rich agricultural land.

Lt Col Ricky Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58th Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA described sitio Kalhaan with 200 hectares potential agricultural area as conflict resilient community with former rebels among some of the 150 individuals (33 displaced households) in the community.

In which, the ‘One DA’ provided assistance comprising 275 packs 5-in-1 vegetable seeds and 10 bags open pollinated variety corn seeds.

The National Food Authority 10 provided 30 packs of rice at 5 kilograms per pack, and 250 bottles of fresh milk from the National Dairy Authority 10.

Also, the Philippine Coconut Authority 10 turned over 150 pieces coconut seedlings and 100 pieces abaca seedlings from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority.

The Bureau of Animal Industry-National Veterinary Quarantine Section offered drugs and biologics for livestock and fresh fruits from the Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Service and food packs from the National Irrigation Administration.

Apart from the turned over assistance, Collado committed for P2 million worth of solar powered irrigation system (SPIS) for irrigation and potable water and agri production inputs of said area.

The ‘One DA’ program pursues for an inclusive approach on the key strategies of DA to accelerate the transformation towards a modern and industrialized Philippine agriculture.

The ‘One DA’ has pledged its commitments which include agri production inputs, livestock (carabao), coconut and abaca seedlings, tilapia fingerlings and feeds, aqua farm techno demo, forage planting materials, extension support trainings and insurance for farmers in areas that are engaged in crops and livestock production.

MGen Andres C. Centino, Commanding General of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army said, the government continually aim for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace through the Whole-of¬ Nation approach.

He added, to prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities, facilitate societal inclusivity, and ensure active participation of all sectors of society in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda.

Meanwhile, Jofilo T. Pinaandel, IPMR leader of sitio Kalhaan expressed, “Ang programang ‘One DA Adopt a Community’ ay magdadala sa amin tungo sa maunlad, produktibo at mapayapang pamumuhay. Alinsunod sa tradisyon ng aming kultura, at sa tulong ng DA kami’y makapagtatanim na angkop sa aming klima at lupa. Sa paglago ng aming kabuhayan sa pagsasaka, mapagtapos namin sa pag-aaral ang aming mga anak.”

The event was supported by Misamis Oriental Governor Vincente Yevgeny Emano, Claveria Municipal Mayor Meraluna Abrogar, officials of PA, Regional Director PBGen Rolando B. Anduyan of PRO 10, among others.

Member agencies of One DA in Northern Mindanao include the ATI, ACPC, BSWM, BFAR, BPI (PQS, NSQCS, SPAL), BAI-NVQCS, FPA, NMIS, NDA, PCIC, NFA, PCC, PhilFIDA, PhilRice, PhilMech, NTA and SRA.#(ATCabig)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) joins the nationwide celebration of the High Value Crops (HVC) Week with the theme: “Kabuhayan ay Paunlarin, Katawan ay Palakasin, High Value Crops ay Itanim” as it kicked off on April 12, 2021, here in the city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga officially opened the celebration in Region 10.

RED Collado shared, said celebration is anchored in recognizing the significance of high value crops, ranging from fruits, vegetables, industrial crops and even ornamentals.

The weeklong observance comprises a lineup of activities geared towards the promotion of the HVC Development Program and its potential impact to food security and stability.

HVCDP is one of the banner programs of DA mandated to contribute to the attainment of food self-sufficiency, economic growth, and enhancement of consumers’ health and welfare with focus on the production, processing, marketing and distribution of high value crops. # (JCAnito)

QUEZON, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga recently convened with the Department of Tourism Region 10 and various government agencies in Region 10 in Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

Said intervention is part of DOT’s agri-cultural tourism assessment/evaluation in emerging tourist attractions in the province of Bukidnon.

DOT laid out their plans for development interventions and to ensure a safe, convenient and enjoyable stay of both foreign and local tourists in the country through the support and assistance of government agencies in the region.

Different agencies bared interest in supporting DOT in to ensure tourism resiliency, sustain inclusive development for farming and fishing communities and hasten tourism recovery amid the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Collado expressed, “DA is willing to assist the local government units of potential farm-tourism destinations for the development of the tourism industry in Region 10.”

Regional directors and assistant regional directors of ELCAC member-agencies were also present during the event. # (IMJuntahan)

The agri dept in NorMin led by RED Collado expresses its continuous support to agri-tourism in Region 10 in an assessment/evaluation tour program in emerging destinations/attractions in Bukidnon province on April 5-7, 2021.

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) continues to strengthen its collaboration with the Department of Tourism – Region 10 to support both the agriculture and tourism sectors in Northern Mindanao.

To provide quality service to tourists in the region, DOT-Regional Office 10 headed by its Regional Executive Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan, conducted its Assessment/Evaluation Tour Program in the emerging destinations/attractions in Bukidnon province on April 5-7, 2021.

The program in partnership with DA and other national government agencies, also supports the mission of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NFT-ELCAC) which aims to implement an efficient instrument for the whole-of-nation approach to realize the goal of the Filipino people to attain inclusive and sustainable peace.

Further, said program is in line with the agency’s aim to showcase the best technologies to farmers, students, tourists and entrepreneurs and provide agri-interventions to implement agri-programs in partnership with various stakeholders.

Also present during the event were DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga to assess and evaluate identified tourism destinations to improve competitiveness of Philippine tourism and agriculture industry. # (IMJuntahan)

DA-NorMin breaks ground to signal the construction of its P4.9-M Integrated BioCon Lab at RCPMC in Bangcud, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on March 29, 2021.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) breaks ground for the construction of the P4.9 million Integrated Biological Control Laboratory at the Regional Crop Pest Management Center (RCPMC) in Bangcud, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on March 29, 2021.

Dr. Luz I. Guzman, RCPMC chief said, that having the laboratory is a dream of every RCPMC.

“We would like to house all biological control agents that we rear in one building. This is where our clients, the farmers, could walk around and see how these look and work through glass panels,” she added.

Dr. Guzman emphasized the importance of biocon agents amid the ongoing health crisis.

“Biocon agents are agriculture’s natural defense in managing pests on crops. It is considered as one of the safest and best alternatives to chemicals. With this, we can help in producing healthier food for our country, also as defense against the current harsh environment brought by the pandemic.”

Meanwhile, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that the groundbreaking ceremony is a historical event for RCPMC.

“After 40 years, this is the first major project of RCPMC. We are hoping that through this project, it will initiate further development of the station. This is just the start, as more projects will be coming because we do not want RCPMC to be left behind.”

Said project is funded through the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) under the Integrated Laboratory Division.

Bayanihan 2 is the government’s second relief action intended for the country’s defense against health and economic challenges triggered by the COVID-19 crisis. # (CSeraspe)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) joined the celebration of the 2021 National Women’s Month with the theme, “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!” on March 30, 2021, here in the city.

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 227 which provides the observance of the month of March as “Women’s Role in History Month”, the celebration highlights women’s role in contributing to a more improved, industrialized and globally competitive agriculture to aid the economy to bounce back from the ongoing pandemic.

Cora A. Dumayaca, DA Women Employees Association chair commended the efforts of the modern Juanas, braving amid the pandemic to continue helping food security frontliners in the region.

In her keynote speech,  Atty. Kristine E. Yuzon-Chavez focused on women empowerment by promoting their sense of self-worth, their ability to make their own choices, and their right to influence social change among themselves, including others.

She also emphasized on how the country is faring on gender equality and eliminating gender biases in the workforce.

Also reinforcing the discussions, Jasmine Ranao of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, tackled on the salient provisions of RA 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children, real-life situations and experience of law offenders, which would allow women to protect themselves despite public notion of vulnerability.

Part of the event also included in equipping participants on basic first aid, which was presented by Peter Paul T. Plaza, EMT, Oro Rescue 9000 training director.

Said activity was participated by representatives from the various women farmer’s associations of CdeO City, staff and Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons of DA-10 and its attached bureaus and agencies. # (JCAnito)

DA led by ASec for Agribiz and Mktg and other Oro officials hands over the certificate of commitment worth P1-M to CAFAMCO for the enhanced Kadiwa grant, which will provide financial support to scale up the Coop’s Kadiwa operations.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Kristine Y. Evangelista of DA led the turnover of the certificate of commitment for the P1 million enhanced Kadiwa grant to the Canitoan Farmer’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CAFAMCO).

On Thursday, ASec Evangelista together with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and CdeO City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno handed over said certificate to CAFAMCO thru its Chair Lucas W. Faborada.

Under the Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program under the Agriculture Stimulus Package Bayanihan II, the Cooperative will be granted with financial support for their working capital (P240,000), hauling vehicle (P670,000) and ancillary equipment (P90,000).

“CAFAMCO will have access of the Type A financial grant package under the enhanced Kadiwa to finance their value-adding activities as assemblers of farmers and fishers’ produce such as procurement, aggregation and pre-processing,” RED Collado explained, where said intervention will be lodged.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic where mobility of goods and people were limited, the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program continues to provide a beefed-up marketing scheme where producers are directly linked with the consuming public, making available food commodities at reasonable prices to consumers.

Since April last year, CAFAMCO has served as one of DA-10’s regular Kadiwa suppliers, participating in the different rolled out Kadiwa outlets by the agriculture department and the Agricultural Productivity Office of the city government of CdeO.

At the onset in the implementation of community quarantines, Faborada has conveyed relief, that despite the pandemic, they were still able to earn a living from farming thru the Kadiwa.

“The Program remains to aid farmers like us to survive during this health crisis. Primarily, our members were able to sell their products and earn decently,” he relayed.

He further went on pinning his hopes in scaling up their Kadiwa operations with the financial grant package under the enhanced Kadiwa.

“On behalf of our members, we are thankful to DA for conferring us with this assistance for it will greatly help us in our operations, especially on the transportation aspect,” Faborada added.

Aside from reaping their own harvests in barangay Canitoan, CAFAMCO also buys the produce of other farmers, among them from adjacent barangays, namely: Pagatpat, San Simon, Iponan and Baikingon.

“Through this intervention [financial grant], the Cooperative will be capacitated and become reliable food commodity suppliers to consumers to sustainably operate the Kadiwa stores,” Dir. Collado concluded. # (JLO)

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Kristine Y. Evangelista visited the Misamis Oriental Provincial Agricultural Development Complex (MOPADC) in Ane-i, Claveria, Misamis Oriental with Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Provincial Operations Center Chief of Misamis Oriental Nilda B. Salas of DA-Regional Field Office 10.

On Thursday, Mis. Or. Provincial Agriculturist Apollo Pacamalan presented the province’s agricultural development program in promoting agricultural partnership, collaboration and investment.

He also briefed them on the seven-hectare MOPADC which envisions to house the embryo culture facility, integrated coconut processing plants and greenhouse, which are promising endeavors in addressing post-harvest losses, value-adding needs of the farmers and fisherfolk and the agri-preneurs in the province.# (ATC)