Tuesday, March 26, 2024

2 outstanding Manolo Fortich coops receive agri support

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Agriculture has provided agricultural assistance to two outstanding cooperatives in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

The DA-Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by its Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, has granted the two coops more than P4.78 million in agricultural interventions on December 4, 2023.
This comes after the Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative (MARBFC) and Bliss Lingion Multipurpose Cooperative (BLMC) won the coveted championship in the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), which is run in collaboration with the DA through its national Corn program’s Corn and Cassava Cluster Management Excellence Awards (CCMEA).
These awards acknowledge the commendable efforts of cluster organizations in promoting and developing the corn and cassava industries.
DA-10, led by Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, together with Manolo Fortich mayor Rogelio N. Quiño and Gemma G. Cania, municipal agriculturist, conferred a certificate of award amounting to P4,015,800 to MARBFC for being adjudged as the top corn cluster throughout the country.
The ceremony took place at the town’s gymnasium at the presentation of the town’s three-part food and nutrition-security contests.
Since its foundation over three decades ago, MARBFC has bolstered partnerships with various entities to assure maximum and sustainable production among its farmer members, as well as a guaranteed market for their harvest.
A hauling truck (P3.25-M), 100 bags of hybrid yellow (NK6410BGT) corn seeds (P600K), and 100 bags of complete inorganic fertilizer (P165,800.00) are on the group’s list of agri help.
BLMC, on the other hand, grew from a seven-member group to a 353-member group mostly engaged in cassava farming and inking marketing deals, which helped them earn the top prize for the best cassava cluster across all areas.
BLMC received a certificate of award in the amount of P765,800.00 from DA-10 RTD Madriaga and town officials for different agri inputs, including 100 bags of hybrid yellow (NK6410BGT) corn seeds (P600K) and 100 bags of complete inorganic fertilizer (P165,800.00).
In her message, RTD Madriaga emphasized the need to adopt the DA’s clustering model as a key strategy for modernizing and industrializing Philippine agriculture while improving farmers’ lives.
“Atong gi-aghat atong mga gagmay’ng mag-uuma nga maghugpong sila aron maka-access sila og dinagko nga assistance, diin ang ilang interventions nga ilang ma-avail dili lamang limited to seeds, fertilizers or garden tools, apan malakip na ang hauling truck, farm tractor, combine harvester ug uban pa,” Madriaga said.
With the poured assistance serving as government investments to the winning coops, she reminded the awardees saying “ampingan ninyo ang mga butang [agri interventions] aron molahutay kini ug dugay nga mapuslan sa mga miyembro sa kooperatiba ug aron mahimo kamong modelo sa inyong komunidad ug madasig pa ang ubang grupo sa Munisipyo nga molambo sab.”
Besides the presentation of the CCMEA honorees before their hometown, Mayor Quiño lauded them for bringing glory to the municipality, including those who have responded to the LGU’s-spearheaded contests such as the 1st Communal Garden, 2nd Gulayan sa Paaralan and 3rd Utanan sa Tugkaran contests, participated in by 45 schools and 22 barangays, for embodying the spirit of cooperative that contributes to Manolo Fortich’s quest in achieving food and nutrition security.
The local chief executive also commended their efforts as he recognized their integral role in the municipality’s success, and even urged them to continue supporting the government’s various development plans.
In addition, in mid-November in Quezon City, DA, and ATI formally recognized the champion clusters, with each receiving P2-M for the purchase of various agri inputs to help them expand their farming operations, livelihood, and income.
Other local officials gracing the event include Councilor Raquel Bayacag, committee chair on Agriculture; Councilor Elzevir A. Dagunlay, chairperson on the Committee on Farmers; Fe Q. Sangco, second place in the Search for 2023 NorMin Outstanding Rural Women, also from the said municipality; and Corn program staff from DA-10. (melbmadera)

San Fernando town gets P9.3M for INSPIRE program

DAR Northern Mindanao Regional Director Zoraida Macadindang announces the condonation of debts and fees for agrarian reform beneficiaries during the CORD launching in Bukidnon. (Photo: JMC/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

San Fernando town gets P9.3M for INSPIRE program

SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Fernando, Bukidnon will benefit from a Department of Agriculture (DA) livelihood initiative

In a press release, the DA has provided P9.3 million for the town’s Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program through its Regional Office 10.

On November 28, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and San Fernando Mayor Rogelio Yeke led the groundbreaking ceremony for the P5.5 million biosecure swine facility.

Collado stated that the facility is part of the INSPIRE initiative.

Pharmaceuticals and biologics worth P75K were also turned over on the same day.

Similarly, 300 head swine piglets (P2.3-M) and 550 bags of feed (P1.3-M) would be distributed upon the completion of the facility’s construction.

Collado added that the program focuses on increasing the swine and breeder base while also providing livelihood aid to its localities through swine production.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc said that the agri interventions offered will be managed by the LGU in order to help repopulate the province’s swine industry.

DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, staff from the Municipal Agriculture’s Office, and other LGU officials were also present at the event. (melbmadera)

Debt relief for 5,000 farmers in Bukidnon under new agrarian law

MALAYBALAY CITY (Dec. 01, 2023/PIA) – Over 5,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) will benefit from Republic Act (RA) 11953, known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (NAEA), following the recent launch of the Condonation Response Desk (CORD) by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Bukidnon

Regional Director Zoraida Macadindang of DAR-Northern Mindanao said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the NAEA into law on July 9 this year, which condones all loans, including interest, penalties, and surcharges incurred by ARBs from land awarded to them.
She said the CORD serves as a command center to expedite the processing of necessary documents for ARBs in the province’s 20 towns and two cities in compliance with the new law.
“The CORD aims to liberate ARBs from debt bondage, giving them leeway to boost productivity. Agrarian reform lawyers will be stationed at the quick response centers to aid in processing the applications of ARBs for debt condonation and amortization under RA 11953, or the NAEA,” Macadindang said.
The law’s benefits for ARBs include exemption from payment of estate tax and mandatory inclusion in the Registry System of Basic Sectors in Agriculture to give them easy access to support services of the Department of Agriculture.
Lawyer Mitchell Talatala, representing Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, said the city government wholeheartedly backs the DAR programs.
“The New Agrarian Emancipation Act has waived debts and fees, including real property tax condonations, for our agrarian reform beneficiaries. It made a significant impact on their lives,” Talatala said.
Meanwhile, DAR-Bukidnon Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Jammal Pangandaman asserted that the new agrarian reform law empowers farmers to affirm and protect their rights.
“Agrarian reform is not just a set of policies. It is a social justice movement. It revolves around empowering farmers, the marginalized, and landless individuals,” he said. (By Bernadith G. Epan edited by RLRB, /PIA-10/Bukidnon)

2 coops in Manolo Fortich honored

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In Manolo Fortich town, two of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10)’s assisted farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) were recognized after winning the 2023 Corn and Cassava Cluster Management Excellence Awards

The awarding ceremony was held at the Salvador H. Escudero Hall, National Meat Inspection Service, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City on November 17.

The awarded coops are Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative (MARBFC) and Bliss Lingion Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BLMPC).

According to a news statement from the DA, BLMPC won the Cassava cluster and MARBFC took home the Corn Management Excellence Awards.

MARBFC manager Evangeline P. Frasco expressed her gratitude in her acceptance speech for their FCA’s hard work being acknowledged and rewarded.

“Thank you, DA for the cash award where we can expand our inputs provision to our corn farmers where more funds mean more farms to be assisted, and an increase in the volume of production to satisfy our markets,” stated Frasco.

On the other hand, Dante M. Dosayco, BLMPC chairperson said, “We assure you (DA) that our future deeds will only get better. This is a token for our past efforts and also a push for our future endeavors.”

In the race for the corn excellence awards, Samahang Gumagawa Tungong Tagumpay MPC from Occidental Mindoro and Maningalao-Lingayao Agriculture Cooperative from Agusan del Norte are the first and second runners-up, respectively, behind MARBFC.

Meanwhile, the first and second runners-up in the cassava awards, respectively, are Villa Luna MPC of Isabela and Zamboanga del Norte Cassava Growers and Processors, Inc. of Zamboanga del Norte, behind BLMPC.

The DA stated that the two coops are their partners in the production of safe and quality corn and cassava, the promotion of the value chain approach, the growth of the corn and cassava sectors, and the provision of various services to their members by the cluster organizations

During the awarding ceremony, U-Nichols A. Manalo, national corn coordinator and OIC-Director of DA-Field Operations Service, read a message on behalf of Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, about how innovation, convergent efforts, and the adoption of farm clustering approaches play a critical role in advancing the corn and cassava sectors.

“We come together to celebrate the synergy between innovation, dedication, and collaboration among groups, individuals, and agencies,” she said.

The senator is also a strong supporter of farm clustering, claiming that it boosts output and ensures a steady supply of safe, high-quality agricultural products, as well as creating an enabling atmosphere for farmers to become more productive, innovative, and competitive.

Sen. Villar stated that she lauded farm clusters’ achievements, even describing them as drivers of economic growth and social development.

“Rest assured, I will continue to pursue legislative mechanisms and policies that will solidify the linkage of production and market access across our country’s rich and diverse commodities,” Sen. Villar says as she concludes her speech.

In addition to the honored farming clusters, the various technical working groups for corn and cassava clusters at the national and regional levels were acknowledged and awarded certificates.

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado leads the DA-10 delegation, which includes Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Corn focal person Richan D. Lacanaria, and Science Research Specialist II Mischelle F. Egama, who is also the former Cassava focal person, DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) – Regional Training Center Dir. Ma. Lydia Echavez, and Gemma G. Cania, Manolo Fortich’s municipal agriculturist.

Other national agricultural executives in attendance included Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, the newly appointed DA-ATI director, and Engr. Roger V. Navarro, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Undersecretary for Operations. (melbmadera)

DA grants certificate of accreditation to 5 NorMin’s FCAs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, grants the certificate of accreditation to five Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) across Northern Mindanao during the opening of the World Food Day celebration cum Young Farmers Challenge awarding on October 16

The FCAs granted with accreditation are Bliss Lingion Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; Kabangasan Mapua Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative of Balingoan, Misamis Oriental; Canitoan Multi-Purpose Cooperative of CdeO City; and Miarayon Highland Farmers’ Association of Talakag, Bukidnon.

Per DA Administrative Circular No. 3, Series of 2022, FCAs have complied and passed the requirements set forth by the agri department as beneficiary or implementing Civil Society Organizations (CSO) for the further development of the agri-fishery sector.

During the course of the evaluation, the validation team considered an applicant’s presence in its stated address and area of operation; with identified membership and leadership and organizational structure; in good standing with all government agencies from which they have received public funds with emphasis on not incurring default or delay in the liquidation of such; and they must have proven track record of performance and good standing in undertaking civil society works, among others.

“It is important to recognize these organizations to encourage people’s participation in agricultural development and for them to be given priority in receiving interventions from DA,” DA-10 Regional Technical Committee Chairperson for Accreditation of CSOs and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga further said. (DA RFO-10)

Malaybalay City coop acquires P3-M combine harvester from DA-NorMin

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Linabo Agrarian Reform Cooperative (LARC), a ninety-active-membered farmers’ group, is eyed to augment their productivity and income after being granted a combine harvester worth P3 million (M) from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado

On July 21, Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, Ph.D. together with Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM of DA-10, led in conferring the certificate of turnover thru the City Government of Malaybalay, helmed by Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran represented by its Chief Executive Assistant Anthony James Mondia, and finally, to the benefitting coop, LARC led by its Chairperson Aurelio E. Salem.

Pooled from CY 2022 funds under the agency’s Corn program, said unit is a grain crop, labor- and time-saving harvesting machine that combines reaping, threshing, cleaning, and bagging into a single operation.

It is targeted to serve LARC’s existing production area, which is composed of 236.7 hectares for corn, and 196.7 hectares for rice, with a potential area of 200 hectares.

Dr. Guzman urged them to value and maximize the use of said machinery by setting aside funds for its repair and maintenance, which would overall help elevate LARC’s operations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mondia noted the synergistic efforts – from the national, provincial, city, and down to barangay governments- to acquire a combine harvester unit that would directly benefit the farmers in barangay Linabo.

In response to the messages of support and anchoring on the coop’s mission of uplifting the life of its members and agrarian reform beneficiaries, LARC chairperson Salem is grateful that the government has seen its potential to manage the combined harvester.

Likewise, the coop head committed that under his wing, they will exercise responsibility, accountability, and transparency, in whatever available resources they have for the benefit of their members, fellow farmers, and their community.

Apart from the provided machinery, LARC has also availed other forms of assistance from DA-10, such as agricultural inputs and financial aid.

Now in its silver year, it continues to venture into production, processing, and marketing, with reach not just limiting to the locality but also in the cities of Valencia, Cagayan de Oro, and Iligan, and the towns of Maramag and Cabanglasan in Bukidnon.

Also supporting the cooperative during the turnover ceremony is the City Government of Malaybalay thru its agriculture and engineering offices, the local barangay of Linabo, and the Department of Agrarian Reform. (DA RDO0-10)

350 ektarya sa yuta, gi-award ngadto sa 237 ARBs sa Bukidnon

Kinatibuk-ang 350.0795 ka ektarya nga yuta ang gi-award ngadto sa 237 ka mga Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) sa probinsya sa Bukidnon

Ang awarding of Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) and E-Titles, gipahigayon niadtong Mayo 5, 2023 sa Kaamulan Open Theater, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Kini base sa pahibalo sa Provincial Government Unit sa Bukidnon.

Sa 286 ka mga titulo nga gitunol, 155 niini ang e-titles nga gitunol sa 129 ARBs gikan sa 17 ka Local Government Unit (LGU) sa probinsya, alang sa 197.1216 ektarya nga yuta ubos sa SPLIT Project sa Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Samtang, 131 niini ang CLOAs nga gitunol sa 108 ARBs gikan sa lungsod sa Talakag, alang sa 152.9579 ektarya nga yuta, ubos sa government-owned land (GOL).

Sa maong higayon, gitunol usab sa DAR ang Php3.2-Million nga kantidad sa Farm Machineries and Equipment ngadto sa mga ARB Organization, sama sa mobile corn sheller, farm tractor, multi-purpose shredder, corn mill, cargo trailer, mobile corn sheller, rice thresher ug agricultural fertilizer. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

DAR releases 1,847 CLOAs, ₱30.5M CLAAP aid in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY (Mar. 7) – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has distributed a total of 1,847 Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) to 1,705 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries from the province’s 20 towns and two cities.

DAR Sec. John R. Castriciones, led the distribution ceremony held at Kaamulan folk Arts Theatre, Kaamulan Park, Malaybalay City on March 6.

The total area in Bukidnon that has been distributed under the program is 1,331.7782 hectares.

Pangantucan town has 337 CLOAs, the largest that has 339 beneficiaries covering 60.4954 hectares.

But in terms of area, the largest land distributed is in Talakag town with a total of 202.0865 hectares with 251 CLOAs and 245 beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, DAR also turned over ₱30.5 million worth of Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for ARBs Project (CLAAP) in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In the press conference after the program, Castriciones said, in Region 10 a total of 2,168 hectares is the target for distribution.

He clarified that the 1,393 hectares or 68 percent of the total area for distribution are under Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) in the region.

Castriciones said CLOA cannot be sold or mortgage within 10 years of the release to beneficiary.

The agency emphasized that the distribution of CLOAs to the landless farmers provides security of tenure resulting to the increase of income, improved quality of life of ARBs and thereby, significantly contributed to the reduction of poverty in Bukidnon.