Saturday, April 20, 2024

Tag: Carlene C. Collado

RDC-10 economic dev’t committee approves DA-10 2025 proposed budget

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (March 03, 2024/PIA) — The Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-10 approved the P20.32 billion proposed budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 for the year 2025 on February 20

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said 24 percent of the said budget is proposed under Tier 1 of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), while the remaining 76 percent will be lodged under Tier 2.

 

As part of its priority programs for 2025, DA-10 seeks to fund catalytic projects such as farm-to-market road development; agricultural machinery, equipment, and facilities support services; irrigation network services; production support services; Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD); metropolitan and agri-based products cluster approach; corn processing center expansion; and biosecurity and climate-resilient production facilities.

 

According to Collado, the proposed budget is a product of consultative planning, encompassing the needs and priorities of the agricultural stakeholders in the region.

 

“We craft the budget using a bottom-up approach. The projects we propose are mainly based on the endorsement of the LGUs and the validated intentions we received from farmers’ cooperatives and associations in the region,” Collado said.

 

Statutory appropriation for gender and development, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and the youth, capacity development programs, and capacity building for devolved functions and services (Mandanas-Garcia ruling implementation) are also among the programs proposed for funding by the agency in 2025.

 

Under the proposed budget, DA-10 also seeks to complete the construction of its regional office, upgrade its research facilities, and establish a new integrated laboratory complex in the region.

 

This year, DA-10 secured a 19 percent GAA-approved budget from the RDC-10-endorsed budget proposal. (DA-10/PIA-10)

P100M Korean greenhouses in Bukidnon empower farmers, spark bounty harvest

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (29 January 2024/PIA)—The unveiling of P100 million Korean government greenhouse technology in Bukidnon marks a breakthrough in agriculture, sparks a bounty harvest, and improves farming techniques among the province’s high-value crop farmers

Packed with Korean tech, South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) donated the multimillion greenhouses to the Department of Agriculture in Region 10 (DA-10) to demonstrate effective methods for growing strawberries, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, leafy vegetables, and high-priced crops in Philippine soil.

In a strawberry farm tour following the turnover ceremony at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, last December, An Jae-rok, executive director of the Korean Agency of Education, Promotion, and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries presented how MAFRA’s Smart farm system gives farmers remote control over their greenhouses.

“In Smart Greenhouse, data is collected daily inside and outside the facility. There are sensors inside to check the amount of carbon dioxide, temperature, and air humidity. There are also sensors outside the greenhouse to check the rainfall, temperature, wind direction, and velocity,” he said.

Jae-rok said farmers need not worry anymore about the unpredictable weather and the backbreaking labor because farmers can easily monitor and adjust greenhouse conditions manually or remotely using the Smart Farm Mobile App with internet connectivity.

“This is unique. It gives us a chance to dream bigger, heaps of perfectly ripened strawberries at a time,” said Joel Rivera, a greenhouse farm adopter and red bell pepper farmer from Bukidnon, as he looked at the vibrant plants inside the facility.

Compared to traditional methods, which usually rely on manual labor and simple controls, greenhouses use modern irrigation and automation systems such as complex environment control and growth development information.

Finding new ways to produce more food

Cora Dumayaca, technical director for research and regulations for DA-Northern Mindanao, said the newly introduced greenhouse technology aims to provide innovative planting to increase productivity and ensure higher profits for Filipino farmers.

“It’s not just technology. It’s empowerment. This high-tech farming also combats climate change worries. Imagine vibrant strawberries thriving alongside climate-resistant leafy greens–that’s the future the government is building,” Dumayaca said.

She explained that Northern Mindanao’s agriculture department shared nearly 30 percent, while Korea’s MAFRA granted more than 70 percent of the project’s total cost.

Dumayaca reported that they had trained 70 Bukidnon farmers, extensionists, and other farmer organizations in nearby provinces on sustainable smart agriculture covering strawberries, cherry tomatoes, leafy vegetables, and potatoes.

“The project went beyond equipping 11 greenhouses with advanced technology. These serve as training hubs and show windows, crafting a Package of Technology (POT) as a roadmap for farmers to boost production through precision agriculture. The DA aims to inspire the next generation to adopt modern farming methods,” she added.

Yong Ho Jung, Korea’s director for international cooperation of MAFRA, said that by establishing smart farms in the Philippines, they have transferred proven Korean-style farm technologies adaptive to the Philippine climate.

“I thanked the Philippine government for its cooperation and interest in the project. These greenhouses mark MAFRA’s first Official Development Assistance (ODA) program on smart agriculture—a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries. We hope that our collaboration in agri-technology will help to modernize and develop the agro-industry sector through knowledge exchange, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, as well as the nationwide dissemination of smart farming in the Philippines,” Jung said.

Korea’s Smart Greenhouses at NMACLRC in Dalwangan, Malaybalay, was launched on April 1, 2022, with 11 state-of-the-art greenhouses across 4,250 square meter fields. Inside, rows of fruit-bearing strawberries and cherry tomatoes, including vibrant leafy greens and potatoes, flourish in precision-designed gardens.

With the ability to produce off-season crops year-round, the DA considers the project a step towards achieving self-sufficiency for the country. (JSA/RLRB/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

DA eyes 210 hectares hybrid upland rice demo farm in Bukidnon

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a bid to further boost Northern Mindanao’s local rice production, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado is eyeing the establishment of 210 hectares of upland hybrid rice production technology demonstration farm in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

In a coordination meeting held Tuesday, January 9, DA-10 laid down preliminary action plans together with the Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture’s Office, Malaybalay City Agriculture’s Office, Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative
(BUKTAMACO), Philippine Army, and the partner seed company, SeedWorks Philippines, to set the project in motion.

According to DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, this project is consistent with DA’s sustained effort to attain food security in the region.

She said that with the project, DA’s ultimate goal is to boost upland rice production in Bukidnon, as the pilot province.

Farmers will be introduced to hybrid upland rice production technology to help them increase their yield, particularly since conventional upland rice farming is pegged to yield only two tons per hectare or lower, the director added.

The demonstration farm will be established in three locations in Malaybalay City – barangay Uno, Sumpong, and Can-ayan, within the ancestral domain under the care of BUKTAMACO.

Before full-blown implementation, the project will undergo a trial phase by cultivating two-hectare flat and one-hectare sloppy upland production areas in said localities.

Joel S. Rudinas, DA-10 deputy director for Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), said the project will be implemented using two-pronged strategies – introduction of the hybrid upland rice production technology and preparation of the local farmers for increased production.

He emphasized the project is a breakthrough agricultural undertaking that can exponentially contribute to the region’s food supply on a phase-by-phase implementation, first by utilizing a pre-existing natural farming environment, and later on, introducing agricultural infrastructure for
expanded capacity.

For the first phase of implementation, DA-10 will be providing the required hybrid upland rice seeds, fertilizers as well as mechanized land preparation.

As their counterpart, the DA’s partners will shoulder the labor and maintenance, farm chemicals, technical and administrative assistance, and military support.

The trial demonstration farm will be planted by the end of this month. The project will be in full swing come 2024 wet planting season. (ATT)

Agri-10, exporter ink MOU for buckwheat production demo

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In a bid to open more science-based production technologies to augment farmers’ productivity and profitability, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Carmen Rise Exporters, Inc. (CSEI), an exporter of agricultural products to Japan, for the conduct of technology demonstrations for buckwheat (Soba) production in its research centers

Held on December 21 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado sign the MOU with Mr. Tetsuji Yukawa, CSEI manager, witnessed by Aleli Maghirang, agriculture attaché in South Korea and Japan, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, and the DA-Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance team headed by its chief, Angelita dela Cueva-Martir.

Said undertaking will help determine the adaptability and potential of growing buckwheat in the region by initially showcasing it through DA’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Dangcagan and at NMACLRC, both in Bukidnon province.

“With CSEI interested to invest in Soba, DA through our Research Division looks forward to establish, collect data, document and monitor the on-site trials, as we will jointly explore the said crop in the region.” Dir. Collado said.

With the techno demos eyed in the agri department’s grounds, CSEI will provide buckwheat seed or planting materials and other agricultural inputs as well as technical assistance, who will work hand-in-hand with the agri research personnel.

“The showcase will run for two [wet and dry] seasons, and in this span, we will be presenting the outputs to our stakeholders for farmers’ information and utilization, and importantly, as CSEI intends to buy the produced seeds from farmer-adopters.” the agri exec chief added.

Also in attendance are the Korean delegates, members of the DA-10 and Regional Management committees, for the simultaneous turnover of the project entitled “Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building in the Philippines” from the Korean government to the Philippines through DA, which is housed in the latter’s research complex here. (JLO)

MOA for Enhanced Kadiwa implementation inked

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) recently inks a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with farmers cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon for the implementation of the P25.5 million (M) worth of Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance program

The signing ceremony was held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Brgy. Dalwangan.
According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the said program aims to help facilitate food accessibility, quality, and affordability to consumers through partnerships with LGUs and FCAs, and improve the food distribution system at the same time.
Collado together with Mayor Anthony A. Uy og Impasugong and Mayor Ernie R. Devibar of Lantapan signed the agreement for the PhP5 million construction of trading posts in their respective localities, in the presence of their municipal staff.
The agri department also sealed a partnership with the Mindanao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MFARCC) of Magsaysay, and Kabangasan, Mapua Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community (KMDARC) of Balingoan, both from Misamis Oriental to finance each their
P3.5-M transport and delivery vehicle.
Further, Pangantucan, Maramag, Kalilangan Farmers’ Dairy Cooperative (PMKFDC) of Pangantucan and PITAC Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) of Malaybalay City, both from Bukidnon are set to avail P3.5-M for the purchase of a refrigerated van and equipment for the enhancement of their milk processing plant and P5-M for the purchase of a wing van,
respectively.
For the FCAs’ part, they have inked the agreement through their respective chairpersons: Romil Ravilla (MFARCC), Weny N. Enterina (KMDARC), Rodolfo Belleza (PMKFDC), and Christery May Dinoy (PITAC MPC).
As partners for the said program, all beneficiaries have at least 20 percent counterpart of the total project cost.
Locally funded for the current year, the Kadiwa program is implemented by DA-10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division. (TJTL/melbmadera)

DA releases P122-M agri support to Bukidnon farmers

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON (Dec. 14, 2023) — The Department of Agriculture (DA)-PhilMech has provided agri interventions worth nearly P122 million to 60 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), and local government units (LGUs) in Bukidnon

The turnover took place at this city’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Brgy. Dalwangan on December 12.
The beneficiaries received 94 pieces of agricultural machinery and rice production technology from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) and the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10).
The recipient FCAs and LGUs are from the municipalities of Malitbog, Cabanglasan, Impasug-ong, Lantapan, San Fernando, Damulog, Don Carlos, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Maramag, Quezon, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, and the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay.
The funding for these interventions came from the mechanization portion of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which is supported under RA 11203, otherwise known as the Rice Tariffication Law.
The interventions, which total P121,855,000, have been given to Bukidnon’s four congressional districts, according to Dr. Rodelio G. Idago, PHilMech Interim Director for Extension.
These include 29 units of floating tillers, 22 units of four-wheel tractors, 20 units of mobile rice mills, 16 units of rice combine harvesters, 15 units of rice threshers, four units of recirculating dryers, four units of hand tractors, three units of rice reapers, two units single pass rice mill, and one walk-behind transplanter.
According to Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 Regional Executive Director the said turnover of agri-machineries is in harmony with the agency’s thrust to boost the productivity and profitability of rice farmers in the country, including Northern Mindanao.
Based on data from the 2022 PSA, Bukidnon was the province that produced the most rice in Northern Mindanao, with an annual production of 295,686 metric tons, or over 63 percent of the total rice produced in Region 10.
Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, the acting provincial agriculturist of Bukidnon, along with Roan R. Fernandez of Impasug-ong, Coleen Ambos of San Fernando, Herberto L. Tan of Damulog, Merlyn C. Los Baños of Don Carlos, Armand S. dela Cruz (Maramag), Edgar A. Cantones (Kalilangan), Teodor B. Quirante III (Pangantucan), and other PHilMech employees have all backed the initiative. (GDA/melbmadera)

Bukidnon banana farmers trained on insect pests, disease management

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) of the Department of Agriculture RFO – 10 has trained Bukidnon farmers on Banana Insect Pests and Diseases Management on November 14-15 in this city

Eighteen Bukidnon banana farmers finished the two-day training at the Northern Mindanao Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City that immersed them in the field to properly identify friendly and non-friendly insect pests and diseases.

Further, they observed the various Biological Control Agents or Biocon in RCPC to demonstrate the management and production of the technology.

Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca highlighted the need for banana farmers to be part of associations and cooperatives to access and benefit various DA programs and projects.

Importantly, she added that it will diversify and be certified through Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) certification, which will potentially be greenlit to market security.

Speakers from DA-RFO 10 focused the discussion on the banana industry roadmap; potential products and market trade and value chain; and, the importance of good agricultural practices, including farmer certification through PhilGap.

Center Chief, Lucille T. Minguez hopes to instill a resilient mindset and commitment among farmers, empowering them to seize every learning opportunity for prosperity and reach their full potential.

RCPC is the arm of DA dedicated to the production and promotion of Biological Control Agents (Biocon) in the region, which are friendly organisms that feed (Earwig, Lacewing, Eocanthecona furcellata) parasitizes (Trichogramma) and infect diseases (Metarhizium anisopliaea, Trichoderma harzianum, Beauvaria bassiana) to insect pest enemies.

The training was made possible through the effort of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado. (PR)

DA-10 pushes for reliable, responsive Bantay Presyo Monitoring System in NorMin

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — To improve its price monitoring in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) held its year-end assessment for data contributors to the Bantay Presyo Monitoring System (BPMS) on November 16 in this city led by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado

The assessment, spearheaded by the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, served as a venue for data contributors from Region 10 to report on their provinces’ price data submissions and share best practices for increased responsiveness to concerns resolution and improved data collection and reporting.

Jenny D. Alcobilla, section chief of Agribusiness and Industry Support Services (AISS), stressed in her message that the knowledge and information exchanged during the event will lead BPMS administrators to ensure a more reliable and responsive implementation of the program in Northern Mindanao.

In response to the issues and concerns reported by data contributors concerning 11 public markets in the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental, the AMAD-AISS provided recommendations and suggestions to effectively address the same.

Moreover, three top-performing data contributors of the BPMS were also recognized, such as from the local government units of Ozamis City in Misamis Occidental, San Fernando in Bukidnon, and Gingoog City, in Misamis Oriental.

The event was supported by the Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon represented by Engr. Arlene Almo, and AMAD staff. (GDA)

DA-10 pours P533-M agri interventions, services to Bukidnon in Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — In consonance with the national government’s efforts to ensure ease of access to government assistance and services in the countryside, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) participated in the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) on November 11 to 12, 2023 at the Bukidnon State University, in this city

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez led the turnover of agricultural interventions and financial support, worth more than P533 million to Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque and to the farmers and farmers’ cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) in the province during the opening program of the BPSF.
According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the agency’s participation in the BPSF manifests its commitment to empowering farmers in Northern Mindanao by providing support through its programs and services.

Furthermore, he said that the interventions and financial assistance turned over during the BPSF form part of DA’s thrust towards a ‘Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya, Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas’.

Said agri-interventions include funding support for the establishment of an INSPIRE swine production facility and a postharvest facility for corn in San Fernando and Dangcagan towns.

The Department also distributed hybrid rice seeds and fertilizers benefitting a total of 14,198 rice farmers, as well as Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seeds to 200 corn farmers in the province.

Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance program of the Department, a cash assistance of P5K each was also granted to 18,831 rice farmers in the province, tilling land of less than two hectares.

DA also turned over tractors, harvesters, hauling trucks, plastic crates, and other farming equipment and supplies to select FCAs in the province.

Regional winners of the Young Farmers Challenge 2023 were also awarded financial grants of P150K for the Start-Up category and P300K for the Upscale category.

Moreover, services such as the distribution of vegetable seeds through the agency’s High-Value Crops Development Program, as well as the Kadiwa ng Pangulo spearheaded by the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, were also offered to walk-in consumers during the two-day fair.

Also present in support of the event were DA-10 Executive Assistant III Joel S. Rudinas and Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM. (DA RFO – 10)

Agri-10 conducts Young Farmers Challenge regional judging for start-ups

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), spearheads the regional judging for the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) for the start-up category at the agency compound here

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the YFC start-up is a competitive financial grant assistance program for youth who wish to engage in new or start-up agri-fishery enterprises, encouraging such sectors to pursue careers in agriculture.

Some 14 individuals have pitched their business model canvass; 10 have presented for the production category and four for processing.

Of whom were qualified at the regional level competition after being hailed as provincial winners representing Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Misamis Occidental.

Out of the presenters, only seven will be adjudged as winners: three from the processing category while four will be coming from the production category, with one slot added to the latter in the absence of an entry for digital agriculture.

Regional awardees will receive an additional financial grant of P150K on top of their previous grant, amounting to P80K for winning at the provincial level.

Another P300K also awaits those who will move to the national level of the YFC start-up competition.

The panel of judges is composed of DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca, Executive Assistant III, Joel S. Rudinas, and Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council – 10 Chair Nilda B. Salas. (DA RFO-10)