Agri-10 honors agri-achievers to kick off 2026 Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) kicked off the 2026 Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month (FFM) celebration on Monday, May 4, by recognizing exemplary young farmers and farmer cooperatives in Northern Mindanao.

The DA-10 recognized the remarkable feat of the region’s Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) agri-entrepreneurs during the 2025 YFC Season 5 National Awarding, where Jieselle Bheb Vicariato, the young mind behind the Golden Goat Ranch was named a National Awardee under the Start-up Category, while Edrea Mae T. Onduran was recognized as a National Nominee under the Upscale Category.

The agency also recognized outstanding Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) for their exemplary contributions to the region’s agricultural development, food productivity, and food security.

Among the lauded FCAs were the Paiwaig Lalawan Communal Irrigators Association, Inc., San Martin North Main Canal Irrigators Association, Large Animal Raisers Association; NORMINHOG; NORMINEGG; Lirongan High Value Vegetable Farmers Association, Inc.; Balugto Hope Agroforestry Association; Agay-ayan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BMMPC), Candiisan Diversified Farm, and Inhandig Tribal Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

As part of the FFM kickoff ceremony, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan spearheaded the distribution of assorted vegetables to the agency’s employees.

These initiatives underscore the DA-10’s ensuing commitment in reinforcing the roles of its workforce in the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable agricultural development, while reinforcing solidarity with the farmers and fisherfolk, who remain at the core of the country’s food production system. # (NQA)