Friday, November 15, 2024

Tag: Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Awareness seminar on food safety, regulations held

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), staged an awareness seminar on food safety and regulations on August 15 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in this city

During this time, the agency apprised almost 50 local farmers and agri-enterprises from the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Lanao del Norte on key concepts and relevant laws on food safety.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, AMAD Assistant Division Chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe emphasized its importance for local stakeholders engaged in producing agricultural commodities and food products.

“[The DA] conducts this seminar annually because we handle food, and therefore, it is our commitment to our consumers that what we deliver is safe and free from foodborne diseases,” Caraballe said.

Through Republic Act No. 10611, otherwise known as the ‘Food Safety Act of 2013’, the DA and its attached regulatory agencies, bureaus, and corporations are identified as food safety regulatory agencies (FSRAs) responsible for the implementation of laws, standards, and programs on food safety in the primary production and post-harvest stages of the food supply chain.

Said regulatory agencies include the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Plant Industry, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority, Sugar Regulatory Administration, and the National Dairy Authority.

Underscoring the role of the local government in the implementation of food safety laws, Andrew M. Calimutan of the Office of the DA Assistant Secretary for Policy and Regulations said that the Department, through the aforementioned regulatory agencies, continues to engage and assist LGUs in the formulation of local ordinances on food safety.

Further, he said that the agency is presently revisiting its regulatory policies to ensure that they are retrofitted to current industry and trade standards and remain in service to consumer and food safety interests.

Under RA 10611, DA conducts training for local producers and food business operators on food safety to ensure their compliance with industry standards, including the Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Code of Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).

Market Specialist IV Irish O. Ativo from the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service said that these standards and compliance certifications provide a competitive advantage for food business operators, as they allow for market expansion and build consumer trust and confidence in their products.

During the session, the farmers were also kept abreast of practical food handling practices for agricultural produce, salient information on the Participatory Guarantee System, and a comprehensive review of the activities and services offered by the Food Safety Operations Unit of the BPI-Plant Product Safety Services Division.

They were also briefed on the strategies for marketing GAP-certified products through the Department’s KADIWA marketing program.

In closing, Caraballe urged the participants to apply what they had learned throughout the session to their respective enterprises and agricultural production, highlighting its implications in building public trust, consumer safety, and food quality and nutrition.

The said activity is in line with the Department’s refined thrusts toward a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’ under the leadership of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. (GDA)

BFAR debunks rumors of HIV-infected fish, seafood being sold in Normin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-10 on Wednesday said there is no truth to rumors being spread online that HIV-infected medical waste that was found dumped in waters in this region has contaminated fish and seafood being sold in markets

“We want to emphasize that consuming fishery products is safe and poses no risk of contracting HIV. HIV is a virus that primarily spreads through specific human bodily fluids, such as blood, sexual fluids, and breast milk, and is not transmitted through the consumption of food, including fish and seafood,” BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward Yasay said.

Recent misleading social media posts have been circulating online, suggesting that HIV-infected medical tools found in the waters of the region (with no particular location specified) are causing seafood to carry the virus. BFAR-10 clarified that these claims are false and unsubstantiated. The Department of Health Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) has verified that there is no basis for such allegations.

In addressing public health concerns, Yasay emphasized that it is vital to rely on credible sources and accurate information.

“We encourage all consumers to be vigilant about the information they encounter online and to consult reputable health organizations and authorities for accurate and trustworthy information regarding public health and food safety,” he added.

BFAR-10, through its Fisheries Integrated Laboratory Section (FILS) and Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit (FIQU), is fully committed to ensuring the safety and quality of fishery products available in the market. Fisheries inspectors and stringent regulatory measures are in place to monitor and regulate seafood, ensuring it meets the highest safety and hygiene standards.

Yasay urged the public to continue trusting fishery products as a safe and nutritious source of food. He assured that BFAR-10 remains dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of consumers and ensuring that the region’s fishery products meet the highest standards of safety and quality. (RTP/PIA-10)

21st AFC Congress: Tapok Mag-uuma 2023 gipahigayon

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Ang City Agriculture Office (CAgO) sa pakigtambayayong sa City Agriculture and Fishery Council (CAFC) nagsaulog sa ika-21 ka tuig sa AFC congress niadtong Oktubre 18, 2023 sa Kaamulan Folk Arts Theatre, Malaybalay City

Ang kalihokan nagdala sa tema “Saka Ta Agri-preneurs.”

Ang tinuig nga kalihokan mihatag og dungog ug pag-ila sa mga paningkamot ug bililhong kontribusyon sa mga mag-uuma sa dakbayan. Mao usab kini ang higayon nga maipakita sa Malaybalay Agri-preneurs ang ilang produkto ug negosyo.

Ang Tapok Mag-uuma 2023 gisugdan sa isa ka motorkada ug gisalmotan sa 459 ka partisipante nga gilangkuban sa BAFC Chairperson matag barangay, duha ka miyembro matag sektor, ug mga empleyado sa CAgO.

Gisalmotan usab sa uban pang ahensya sa gobyerno nga direktang nalambigit sa pagpalambo sa agrikultura sa dakbayan sama sa Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) ug lain-laing buhatan sa Lokal nga Pangagamhanan sa Malaybalay.

Atol sa maong programa, si CAgO -OIC Engr. Richard B. Leono miabi-abi sa mga halangdong bisita alang sa ilang hingpit nga suporta.

Sumala pa ni Leono, pinaagi sa pagtinabangay, ang CAgO nakab-ot sukad niadtong Septyembre 2023 sa kinatibuk-ang 33,409 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa humay, 85,330.31 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa mais, 318,592.96 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa high value commercial crops, 49.50 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa tilapia, ug 49.50 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa hito.

Dugang pa, iyang gipresentar ang usa ka video gamit ang kabag-ohan sa teknolohiya nga nagpakita sa lain-laing mga programa, proyekto, ug mga kalihokan nga gipahigayon sa CAgO nga nakatampo sa maong mga kalampusan.

Ang keynote speaker nga si Dir. Famelah Racquel D. Villanueva sa DTI nipaambit og mensahe pinaagi sa usa ka panultihon nga nagkanayon “Begin with the end in mind”. Gihatagan niya og gibug-aton ang kahulogan niini nga may kalabutan sa tema sa kalihokan nga konektado usab sa Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Week nga naay tema nga “Upgrade, Upskill, ug Upsize MSMEs.”

Gidasig niya ang mga mag-uuma aron kini magmalampuson. Gipaambit niya nga ang kalampusan mahimong makab-ot pinaagi sa pag-adopt sa teknolohiya, pagpadayon sa edukasyon ug pag-uswag, market diversification, financial accessibility, sustainable practices, kolaborasyon ug networking, ug needs analysis. Gitapos niya ang iyang mensahe pinaagi sa pagpaambit usab sa usa ka kinutlo nga nag-ingon “Ang katuyoan nga wala’y plano usa ra ka pangandoy.”

Si City Councilor Alan Ryann O. Legaspi isip Committee chair sa Agriculture nipaambit sa iyang mensahe nga nakasumite na og tulo ka ordinansa alang sa machineries profiling, organic-certified farmers, ug livestock registration. Iyang giawhag ang Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs) ug 4H Youth Clubs nga mosumiter og project proposal aron siya makagahin og pundo alang kanila.

Samtang si Acting Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Lilith M. Turan nagpahibalo sa mga programa, proyekto ug aktibidad nga giabag sa Provincial Agriculture Office para sa dakbayan karong tuiga sama sa Bahay Kubo Project, Organic Farmers Assistance, Kadiwa, dugang Php 2.00 nga umento sa presyo sa humay, Young Farmers Challenge, ug Sustainable Land Management.

Highlight sa “Tapok Mag-uuma 2023” mao ang presentasyon sa 22 ka mga resolusyon nga i-endorso sa CAFC gipangulohan ni Chairperson Leonard O. Leyros. Lakip sa resolusyon mao ang abaca isip flagship program sa Lokal nga Pangagamhanan ug alang sa paghatag og inputs sa lain-laing ahensya alang sa nasangpit nga tanom.

Gisumite usab ang mga resolusyon alang sa Malaybalay City Agri-preneurs Association, Malaybalay City Corn Growers Association (MCCGA), Malaybalay City Fisherfolks Association (MCFA), Malaybalay City Rural Improvement Club (MCFRIC), ug Agri-based Cooperatives.

Ang paghatag ug Plaque of Appreciation ug Recognition sa Active Rural Based Organization gihatag dayon ngadto sa lain-laing mga mag-uuma ug organisasyon matag kategorya. Ang mga awardees mao ang mosunod: Mr. Cerilo Arocha alang sa Rice Farmer Category (Barangay Linabo), Ms. April B. Malatamban alang sa Organic Agriculture Category (Simaya), Ms. Lourdes Limbu alang sa High Value Commercial Crops Category (Miglamin), ug Ms. Anna Paula Chiong alang sa Agri-preneur Category (Barangay 1).

Gidunol ang award sa Outstanding Rural Women nga sila si Ms. Maria Celsa G. Embudo sa Barangay Bangcud, Ms. Vicenta P. Tejada sa Barangay Managok, ug Ms. Francis B. Malatamban sa Barangay Simaya.

Giila ang mga kabatan-onan kinsa mao ang 4H Club scholars sa Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) nga sila si: Ms. Careen C. Elloren (BS-Agriculture, CMU), Ms. Jenerose D. Callejas (BS-Agriculture, CMU), ug Mr. John Chris Ramirez (BS-AgEcon, CMU).

Nahimong awardee ang 4H Youth Interns gikan sa Taiwan nga sila si: Mr. Jason Gonzales sa Barangay Linabo ug Mr. Randy Donque sa Barangay Imbayao.

Pasidungog ang naangkon gikan sa atong certified organic farmers nga sila si: Ms. Francis B. Malatamban sa Anpas Farm, Simaya, Ms. Everly G. Ampalaya sa Green Wonder Farm, Sinanglanan, ug Mr. Reynaldo Gil G. Lomarda sa Umanika Farm, Barangay 10.

Dungan nga kompetisyon ang napahigayon para sa 4H ug RIC. Ang 4H winners mao sila si Mr. Khiersten Abyin Calderon sa Barangay Bangcud alang sa Poster Making Contest, Mr. Greggy Amarga sa Barangay Bangcud alang sa Dish Gardening, ug Dalwangan National High School alang sa Mini Blog. Para sa RIC, ang mga mananaog mao sila si: Ms. Delia Lizada sa Barangay Bangcud ug Ms. Veronica Gargar sa Barangay 1 alang sa Dish Gardening, RIC Kulaman alang sa Exhibit ug display sa mga produkto, RIC Casisang alang sa Cooking Contest, ug Barangay Aglayan RIC alang sa ang presentasyon sa video.

Ang presentasyon sa lain-laing mga ahensya gipasiugdahan sa hapon sa DOST, NDA, PCA, PHILFIDA, ug BFAR diin ang mga partisipante nagpadayag sa lain-laing mga pangutana. Gisundan kini sa Search for Ms. 4H 2023 ug Ginang RIC 2023. Nahimong Ms. 4H 2023 si Ms. Kathrina Delos Reyes sa Barangay Managok ug Ginang RIC 2023 si Ms. Juvelyn L. Revisado sa Barangay Sumpong.

Ang kalihokan gitapos sa 4H Youth Club Candle Lighting Ceremony nga nagsimbolo sa mga paglaum, ug pangandoy sa kabatan-onan alang sa kalamboan sa tibuok nasud. (LGU Malaybalay)

200K Tilapia fingerlings libreng gihatag sa PGB

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Libreng gihatag sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) pinaagi sa Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO), sa pakigtimbayayong sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ang 200,000 nga tilapia fingerlings

Sa pahibalo sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Probinsya sa Bukidnon, ang maong mga isda gipanghatag kaniadtong Abril 12, 2023 sa Capitol Compound, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon ngadto sa mga kooperatiba o mag-uuma nga adunay fishponds.

Niabot sa 120,000 tilapia fingerlings ang gihatag sa gipahigayon nga ceremonial distribution, dungan sa 80,000 tilapia fingerlings ngadto sa mga agriculture offices sa matag lungsod ug syudad sa probinsya kinsa maoy mag distribute ngadto sa uban pang benepisyaryo. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)