CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Another personnel adds to the growing list of public servants as a newly appointed employee of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) took his oath of office on February 17 in Cagayan de Oro City.

John Carlo C. Hera, a former Contract of Service (CoS) worker under the Integrated Laboratory Division, has been appointed as Agriculturist I (SG 11) to be assigned under the Regulatory Division.

Hera is the 29th employee who has been sworn into office for this year. # (CRSeraspe)

Farmers from Kibawe town receive a total of P18.4 M agri-interventions from the agriculture department to augment their production and income.

Farmers from Kibawe, Bukidnon received a total of P18.4 million agri-assistance from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) on February 16, 2021.

Among the interventions, totaling to P17.8 million, include agri-equipment from DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), livelihood projects, assorted vegetable seeds, cash and fertilizer subsidy, and organic composting facility from DA banner programs.

In addition, DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Kristine Y. Evangelista, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Municipal Mayor Reynaldo S. Ang Rabanes signed a Memorandum of Agreement with four cooperatives for the agency’s Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program worth P600,000. Through this, every cooperative will receive P150,000 in support to their operations.

Municipal Agriculturist Remedios R. Toñaco shared, the interventions will greatly benefit the farmers’ production.

Also gracing the event is Senator Lawrence “Bong” T. Go who also gave out food packs, vitamins, face masks and face shields, bicycles, computer tablets and shoes to select participants.

Aside from DA, other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Health (DOH) also attended the event and provided their respective interventions. # (AMBManto)

DA enjoins the local governments to enhance their biosecurity, monitoring and surveillance measures against ASF via BABay ASF in a media interaction held over the weekend.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY– Coined as BABay or Bantay ASF sa Barangay, the Department of Agriculture (DA) eyes to cascade the ASF control program at the village levels to improve the biosecurity, monitoring and surveillance measures against the viral hog disease.

Initially apportioned with P1.5 billion, Dr. William C. Medrano, DA undersecretary-designate for livestock explained, this [BABay ASF] is the latest national platform in all of the bolstered measures and strategies of the department to effectively prevent and control the spread of ASF.

“Dito sa bagong programa ay kailangan na po nating paigtingin ang role ng local government units (LGUs) dahil po ang LGUs, especially the municipal, city and even at the barangay level, sila po are considered as our frontliners, first responders in cases of [ASF] outbreak,” USec Medrano emphasized, in a press briefing Saturday hosted by the City Government of CdeO with DA Chief William D. Dar for a regional visit.

Likewise, he pinned his hopes for LGUs to fast track the adoption of the program thru the issuance of ordinances for institutionalization, as the national government thru DA has already in the pipeline the provision of test kits, personal protective equipment and disinfection systems, capacity building, among others.

The DA official’s statement is also opportune as Region 10 declared its recent confirmed ASF cases in Brgy. Jampason, Initao and Brgy. Pagawan, Manticao of Misamis Oriental; and barangays Mambuaya and San Simon in this city on Wednesday.

Following standard protocols, Carlene C. Collado, regional executive director of DA-10, meanwhile reported, the depopulation of hogs within the 500-meter radius from ground zero is ongoing, noting 250 heads of hog were already culled in barangays Mambuaya and San Simon, and another 264 is underway.

“As indemnification assistance, DA will be giving out P5,000 per culled hog. We are also committed in providing alternative livelihood assistance to these [affected] barangays. Sa mga hog farmers, basin naa sila’y gustong i-propose nga other livelihood and other ruminants projects. Magbigay lang ng letter of intent, so that we can help them to start anew,” Collado underscored.

For hog raisers under the green zone or ASF-free areas, however, the director urged them to have their stocks insured thru DA’s attached agency, Philippine Crops Insurance, Corp., as coverage is pegged at P10,000.00 each, should hogs be culled due to ASF.

Similarly, both the city governments of CdeO and Misamis Oriental have committed, as well, to help affected hog raisers in their respective areas.

“We will also provide P2,000.00 per culled hog on top of the P5,000.00 compensation from the national government. Hopefully, this will cushion the impact that the culling of hogs may produce,” Oscar S. Moreno, the local chief executive of CdeO City pointed out.

Faced with challenges on ASF and in filling up the pork supply in Manila, Secretary Dar further urged for the various hog industry key players to join the government in addressing these concerns.

“Gusto po kaming makiusap sa mga magbababoy sa Northern Mindanao na tumulong po tayo sa pagsugpo ng ASF. Tutulong din po tayo na kung pwede, na may surplus, na ibenta ang mga ito sa Manila. Nandiyan ang DA-10 na tutulong kasi magbibigay kami ng transport assistance na P21.00 kada kilo,” the agriculture secretary appealed.

Accordingly, the subsidy will aid in having a landed farmgate price of P165.00 to the country’s capital. # (JLO)

Cagayan de Oro City, February 15 – Following the release of a price ceiling for pork and livestock products effective Thursday, February 11, retail vendor representatives from major public markets here, met earlier afternoon with the officials and staff from DA-Regional Field Office 10 and concerned attached agencies, for a harmonization in its implementation.

Primarily, the group sought to lower the set price ceiling for liveweight hogs, which is currently pegged at P165.00 per kilo.

According to them, this will enable market retailers to comply with the imposed price cap for pork products (prime cuts at P265.00, other parts at P165.00 and entrails at P50.00), and to gain enough profit margin.

As said actions entail the collective decision of the Local Price Coordinating Council, the body recommended for a thorough review of their presented hog retail computation by technical experts on February 17, should any changes be considered will be presented before the Regional Bantay Presyo Team. # (JLO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – One newly promoted and three newly appointed employees of the agriculture department in Region 10 (DA-10) took their oath of office on February 11, 2021 at the agency compound, here in this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado administered the oathtaking ceremony, in the presence of concerned division chiefs.

Listed below are the newly promoted and appointed DA-10 personnel with their corresponding positions and assignments:

Promoted

1. Shem C. Salon – Accountant III (SG 19) Administrative and Finance Division

Newly Appointed

1. Dryan Anthony D. Illana – Market Specialist I (SG 11), Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division
2. Xyra Jane L. Desoyo – Administrative Aide IV (SG 4), Administrative and Finance Division
3. Jan Marrielle S. Salugsugan- Administrative Aide IV (SG 4), Administrative and Finance Division

Said oathtaking rite marks the fourth batch for the department this year, bringing the total to 28. # (JCAnito)

Agri secretary Dar leads the relaunching of KDK which is held every Saturdays at XHS. KDK is an enhanced marketing initiative that directly links farmers and fishers to consumers, where agri-fishery and other food products, basic necessities and other prime commodities are being sold at affordable prices.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 13 – Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar led the relaunching of the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita at Diskwento Karavan (KDK) at Xavier Heights Subdivision (XHS), Upper Balulang, Carmen, of this city.

KDK is a beefed-up marketing initiative that directly links local farmers and fisherfolk to the consumers, where agri-fishery and other food products, basic necessities and other prime commodities are being sold at reasonable prices.

In his message during the program, the DA chief acknowledged, that at the height of the coronavirus-triggered quarantines, Kadiwa became one of the most important programs of the department in providing access to fresh, quality, nutritious, safe and affordable food products.

“Kami ay nagagalak na nandito ang Kadiwa sa [XHS]. Kasi nakikita po natin na yung mga iba’t-ibang produkto ng mga magsasaka ay dito dinadala at ibinebenta. It is such a good arrangement na nawawala na ang traders in between.

Kasi dapat naman ang ating mga magsasaka at ang mamimili [ang consuming public] ay sila po yung makikinabang nang mas affordable na presyo [na mga bilihin] at ating magsasaka at mangingisda ay mas maganda na rin po yung kita nila,” the agri secretary remarked.

While Kadiwa is being adopted as a marketing initiative even before the pandemic, Dar reported, that it has gained ground starting March of last year, generating P8 billion in sales nationwide.

In partnership with Xavier Heights Subdivision Homeowners Associations, Inc. (XHSHAI), the Kadiwa first had its stint in said subdivision in April last year until it has become a staple in the ensuing months up to the present.

“We are proud to have patronized the produce of our local farmers and fishers, who have regularly exhibited in our KDK every Saturdays. The conduct of our KDK is the longest running [in CdeO City], and as of December 31, 2020, we have contributed to over 3.5 million in sales,” Rhobert C. Maestre, XHSHAI president bared.

Seeing on how the Kadiwa is being institutionalized at the subdivision level, the DA official went on to commit and elevate the KDK, “We will always nurture our partnership with various stakeholders in the value chain para sa ganun ay ang tinatawag natin na win-win arrangement ay mangyayari.”

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, DA-Regional Field Office 10 under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado mainly provided logistics support, especially on the transport of goods from the production areas of farmer- and fisher-producers to the different Kadiwa outlets.

Aside from XHS, ongoing Kadiwa operations also include those at Forest View Homes Subdivision and La Buena, Gran Europa every Saturdays.

Among other officials joining the relaunching include Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Reveree Niño Contreras, DA Undersecretary-Designate for Livestock William Medrano, DA Assistant Secretary Noel O. Reyes and CdeO City Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya.# (JLO)

Aimed at protecting consumers from soaring prices, the government thru DA releases the price cap list for select commodities such as pork prime cuts, whole chicken, beef rump, beef brisket and chicken egg.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 10 – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) has set a mandated price ceiling for pork and livestock products to be implemented in major public markets in the city.

Effective February 11, price cap for select commodities is as follows:

• Beef rump (lean meat) – P340.00
• Beef brisket (meat with bones) – P250.00
• Pork Prime cuts – P265.00 Other parts – P165.00 Entrails – P50.00
• Whole Chicken (fully dressed/kg) – P155.00
• Chicken Egg (medium size/pc) – P6.00

In a recent media interaction, Carlota S. Madriaga, regional technical director for operations of DA-10 explained, that the established price ceiling, especially on pork is a result of a series of consultation with stakeholders from the government and private sector alike.

This came about to protect consumers from soaring pork prices, at the same time stabilize its supply and prices amid the current African Swine Fever (ASF) threat and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Atong gi-tan-aw ang detailed costing from production at the farm level, so that we can establish the farmgate price, next at the post-production level, which includes slaughtering, processing, permits, etc., and further down to the market aron makita kung pila na dayon ang selling or retail price sa atong mga karneng baboy sa kamerkaduhan, including also the farmgate price sa live hogs,” the director reported.

(We went through the detailed costing from production at the farm level, so that we can establish the farmgate price, next at the post-production level, which includes slaughtering, processing, permits, etc., and further down to the market to come up with a reasonable selling or retail price for pork products in the market, including also the farmgate price of live hogs.)

Data referred by the director includes the price monitoring of DA-10’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division for the period of November 2020 to January 2021, including reports from hog raisers, meat vendors, local governments, Philippine Statistics Authority and DA attached agencies thru the National Meat Inspection Service and Bureau of Animal Industry – Veterinary Quarantine Services.

“Mag-agad ang presyo sa atong karneng baboy sa pagpapalit nila sa liveweight [hogs],” Madriaga said.

(The setting of pork prices is dependent on the procurement price of liveweight hogs.)

Also contributory to the increase in the price of liveweight hogs, the DA official expounded, “Naa nay nadugang ang atong producer nga risk factor tungod sa hulga sa ASF nga maoy nakadugang sa costing at the production level. Ang ilang biosecurity measures, nga wala kaayo na nila gi-impose sauna, grabe na ka strikto karon nga ultimo hog raisers dili gani basta magpasulod og bisag kinsa lang, ang ilang disinfectants, ang insurance premium nga ila pod ibutang sa ilang mga stocks aron naa sila’y makuha na coverage if ever maigo sa kalamidad o ASF.”

(Our producers have taken on an added risk at the production level trigged by ASF. They have tightened their biosecurity measures, the use of disinfectants, and securing insurance coverage for their stocks, should these be affected by any calamity or ASF.)

On how long the imposed price cap will be implemented, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado clarified, “Kini atong price ceiling is good for a period of 60 days. If ever nay pagbag-o sa atong presyo, then mag-convene usab ang Task Force Bantay Presyo para ma-amend nato ang atong price ceiling.”

(Our price ceiling will be enforced for a period of 60 days. If ever there are changes, the Task Force Bantay Presyo will once again convene to amend the price ceiling.)

“We are here to protect the interest of consumers, but we also cannot do away in protecting the business side. Kay kung mawala ning ga-supply, ang consumers mag-suffer man sab. Kinahanglan gyud nga dunay balancing act ug ang cooperation and understanding from the public,” Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy, head of the CdeO Price Coordinating Council concluded.

(Without hog and pork supply, consumers will also suffer. We need to have a balance and the cooperation and understanding from the public.) # (JLO)

Extending support to stabilize local retail price of pork in Metro Manila, DA-10 and NORMINHOG send off 580 hogs to the country’s capital with the government providing P21 per kilo as transport assistance.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in coordination with Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Association (NORMINHOG) send off 580 heads hog to Metro Manila on Tuesday, February 15.

Leading the activity were DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness Marketing, Kristine Y. Evangelista with DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and NORMINHOG representatives Daisy C. Taga-an and Grant Amoncio.

The initiative is to provide transportation assistance to local hog raisers in stabilizing local retail price of pork in Metro Manila based on the memorandum issued by DA Secretary William D. Dar in support to the imposition of Executive Order 124 of President Duterte on the mandated price ceiling on select pork and chicken products in the National Capital Region.

Collado said, “This is the first shipment of hogs for Metro Manila after the government set the price ceiling. DA will provide P21 per kilo as transport assistance and we are hoping that this will continue after the 60-day period, and Northern Mindanao can share in sending live hogs to Metro Manila.”

Eight hog vans containing an average weight of 107 per kilo per hog are expected to arrive in North Port, Tondo, Manila on February 17 in the afternoon, via Oceanic Container Lines, Inc. which are intended for Metro Manila.

“Although VisMin has been sending hogs last year, but because of the price ceiling and the buying capacity of the consumers, DA stepped in again, this time through transport assistance. The department is shouldering the expense of the logistics, bringing the hogs from CDO to Metro Manila para our meat dealers can get it at farm gate price,” ASec Evangelista explained.

She added, Sec. Dar has also been talking to hog raisers all over the country to augment supply in Metro Manila that used to come from regions 4A and 3 that were affected with African Swine Fever (ASF).

The transported hogs were from the commercial farms of NORMINHOG members which include Opol Chona’s farm, MG farm, D&C farm and Shamus farm.

NORMINHOG President Leon G. Tan shared, their shipment is the answer to DA Sec. William D. Dar’s call on patriotism.

“This is the support for the Filipino people from the Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Association in Northern Mindanao. This will not be the last and hopefully we can support more,” Tan concluded.

NORMINHOG is an association of hog growers in Northern Mindanao with a total registered member of 30 commercial farms.

The activity was facilitated by the DA-10 AMAD and DA-Bureau of Animal Industry – National Veterinary Quarantine Service (DA-BAI-NVQS).

Also present was NICA 10 Director Manuel Orduña. # (ATCabig)

DA-10 RED Collado administers the oathtaking ceremony of the mid-level employees of the agency.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Nine employees of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) have been sworn into their newly promoted positions and appointments in compliance to Executive Order 292.

On February 10, 2021 at the agency compound, a simple oathtaking ceremony took part with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado as the administering official of the seven newly promoted and two newly hired personnel of the agency.

The agri executive, in his message, reminded the newly promoted of their task as food security frontliners.

“So much is expected from you especially now that the pressing issues are basically agri concerns that need our proactive stand and doubling our efforts,” Collado challenged.

Granting of the promotions, he added, serves as a recognition and commendation for their hard work towards achieving a more broadly representative, service-driven public service.

“May you not lose sight with your commitment and integrity in delivering your public services. Continue to uphold the mandate of DA with a demonstrated vision, because the success of our agency is the direct result of your dedication,” the agency head further remarked.

Included in the roster of the newly promoted and hired staff with salary grades (SG), ranging from 11 to 18 are the following:

1. Gay Nanette R. Aleria – Senior Agriculturist (SG 18)
2. Milamar R. Aragua – Science Research Specialist II (SG 16)
3. Genevieve E. Casiño – Science Research Specialist II (SG 16)
4. Mae Odimyrl A. Morales – Science Research Specialist II (SG 16)
5. Wendelyn T. Toraja – Science Research Specialist II (SG 16)
6. May Shell E. Tumilap – Science Research Specialist II (SG 16)
7. Bernard H. Ramos – Farm Superintendent II (SG 15)
8. Anna Marie V. Galicia – Agriculturist I (SG 11)
9. Johnson C. Petalcurin – Agriculturist I (SG 11)

Said ceremony marks the second batch for the agency, following the promotion and appointment of 15 DA-10 personnel last January, bringing the total, so far, for the year 2021 to 24.

Also witnessing the rite are DA-10 Regional Technical Director and Placement and Selection Board (PSB) Chair Carlota S. Madriaga, other PSB members, division chiefs and DA-10 staff. # (JLO)

Led by Agri chief William D. Dar, DA pours in P513-M worth of agri interventions to Bukidnon province headed by Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Around 18,134 farmers and 1,145 farmer associations and cooperatives in the province of Bukidnon received P513 million worth of agricultural interventions from the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday, February 12.

DA Secretary William D. Dar led the distribution of agri-related livelihood interventions worth P197.10 million to Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr. which includes agri-machinery and technologies in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Of the P197.10 million, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) distributed P150.19 million worth of agri machinery under the mechanization component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

Dar also turned over P315.2 million infrastructure development projects composed of 5 units multi-purpose drying pavement with shed, 1 unit solar powered irrigation system, 1 unit warehouse and 20.41 kilometers farm to market road.

“We want to work with you to see to it that the farmers and fisherfolk, together with the agripreneurs will now make the possibility in unlocking agriculture potentials of the rural areas,” the agri chief conveyed.

He was supported by DA Undersecretary for Livestock William Medrano, Usec for Regulations and Infrastructure Zamzamin Ampatuan, ASec for Media Affairs Noel Reyes, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga. # (ATCabig)