Sunday, April 21, 2024

DA-NorMin holds annual R4D review

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Research Division, spearheaded the agency’s Research for Development (R4D) Review on October 2-3 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan

Evaluators from the Northern Mindanao Research Development and Extension Network (NOMIRDEN) member agencies reviewed the 12 presented research studies/projects, comprising 10 completed and two ongoing.

The annual R4D review mainly aims to evaluate the methodology used in research projects, the attainment of objectives, and the generation of comments and suggestions to the identified challenges affecting research project adoption.

The proposed research projects include crops, developmental research, integrated farming systems, pest and nutrient management, value-added products development, adaptability yield trials, technology adoption, and other fields of studies concerning the agriculture sector.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado extended his gratitude to the evaluators for their time and effort in helping the agency’s research initiative be approved until submission to the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) based on the evaluations.

“DA management is fully supportive of our research initiatives, and hopefully, all of these proposals will contribute to an empowered research and development system, which will lead to expanded economic opportunities for those who engage in agriculture and fisheries, particularly small and subsistence farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.

Dir. Collado challenged the researchers to transfer the products of technology down to the farmers’ level and hoped that the personnel could identify success stories from their studies.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared the significance of generating scientific findings and their relevance to the mandates and thrust of DA, which is food security.

“As One DA, we will invite other Regional Management Committee (RMC) members to present for the next research review so that we can really have that One DA system,” she conveyed.

Closing the activity is the awarding of the best research papers, of which Maridith A. Flores, Senior Science Research Specialist of DA-10 Research division, won first place for her study, “Market-driven Varietal Testing and Validation for Effective Positioning of Varieties in Target Rice Ecosystems and Seed Chains in Region 10.”

Placing second and third were Berly F. Tatoy, PhD, Research Center for Hilly Land Development chief for her study, “Surveillance, Monitoring and Management of Arthropods and Diseases of Corn in Mindanao,” and Carmelito R. Lapoot, NMACLRC chief for the “Soil Health Management for Sustained Yield of Cassava”, respectively.

The three best research paper awardees will advance for presentation and competition to this year’s regional research symposium annually conducted by the Northern Mindanao Consortium on Agriculture, Aquaculture Research and Development (NOMCAARD).

The panel of Evaluators were Elmer E. Enicola of the Institute of Plant Breeding – University of the Philippines – Los Baños (IPB-UPLB); Floro V. Dalapag of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC); Mercedita G. Barbarona and Lydia E. Tiongco of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Maria Estella B. Detalla, PhD and Lowella R. Angcos, PhD of the Central Mindanao University (CMU); and Ma. Estrella Luz Penaloza of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

DA-10 RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca supported the activity with the Research Division and its research stations. (DA RFO-10)

P1.89-M cattle feedlot to boost production, quality stocks in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen the production of cattle in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) breaks ground for the construction of the P1.89 million (M) worth cattle feedlot at the agency’s Malaybalay Stock Farm in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the facility provides a controlled environment for raised cattle to receive a balanced and nutritionally optimized diet to promote rapid growth and weight gain.

The facility has a total land area of 356.38 square meters with a capacity of 60 heads and is funded under the Livestock Program 2023 headed by its focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga added that the facility aims to improve the operation of the farm and boost the production of quality stocks which will be used for distribution to target beneficiaries regionwide.

Supporting the ceremony were DA-10 RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna, and other of the agency’s personnel. (DA RFO-10)

Agri-10 extends mentoring assistance to 2023 Young Farmers Challenge Upscale applicants

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) conducted its mentoring and coaching for applicants of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) 2023 Upscale Competition on September 13 to 15

Facilitated by the division’s Agribusiness Promotion Section, two agri-fishery enterprises from barangays San Simon and Pagatpat in CdeO City, and three from the municipalities of Impasugong, Kadingilan, and Valencia City in Bukidnon, received mentorship on enterprise implementation and the optimization of resources in response to growing market demands.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that through the mentoring assistance, the Department works closely with agri-fishery enterprises to build on their existing goals and objectives, and innovate their products and services, aligned with the rationale of the program.

Said enterprises also received suggestions on the necessary refinements to their business plan and pitch deck before the YFC competition proper slated later this year.

The YFC-Upscale Program is an initiative of DA for previous YFC awardees which aims to upscale the operations of their existing agri-fishery enterprise, invest in new technology for product development, and generate employment through the provision of additional capital in the form of competitive financial grant assistance. (DA RFO-10)

OneRicePH held in Valencia

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Research Division, conducted recently a field day on OneRicePH: Expanded On-farm Technology Demonstration for the wet season, in Barangay Kahapunan

According to PhilRice Central Office representative Pinklet Athen Canilang, OneRicePH is a collaborative project of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), DA, and the local government units (LGUs) to unify rice breeding dissemination strategies that will increase genetic gain and improve grain quality and nutrition.

“The project aims for the development of a product concept for target rice market segments and the establishment of a national breeding network,” she said.

With a total area of 5.1 hectares implemented by co-operators, comprising of a seed grower and three farmers, said techno demos showcased inbred rice varieties such as NSIC Rc 512, NSIC Rc 506, and NSIC Rc 508, which are intended for irrigated lowland ecosystem.

The performance of the said varieties as a result of also employing optimum nutrient management and associated rice cultivation technologies, was witnessed and evaluated by farmer representatives of the different 13 Irrigators’ Associations in the city.

Initially, the results of the participatory varietal selection were presented, yielding higher results compared to the targeted 7.50 tons per hectare.

Maridith A. Flores, senior science research specialist and OneRicePH focal person of DA-10 remarked that the activity also paves the way to showcase the benefits of using recommended rice varieties and their yield potential, streamlining the country’s rice breeding strategies and variety dissemination.

Likewise, supporting the activity are Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna and Provincial Operations Center-Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM of DA-10, Mayor Azucena P. Huervas, City Councilor Rogelio P. Hera, committee on agriculture, and other City LGU Valencia officials and staff. (DA RFO-10

AEWs trained in Hydroponics vegetable production

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To promote hydroponics among farming communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado held training for hydroponics vegetable production at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

The training brought together 28 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from the different municipalities and cities of Bukidnon through DA-10’s Various Production Support Services (VPSS).
According to DA-10 VPSS focal person Marnelly Ann P. Flores, the activity will equip the trainees with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and manage hydroponic vegetable production and enable them to convey the advantages of the technology to their fellow local farmers.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga expressed her gratitude to the participating AEWs for attending the training, “I am thankful that you are here to learn the technology firsthand, and I hope you’ll use it in some creative way in your endeavor.”

Hydroponics expert Jerwin B. Quiñal, owner of Quiñal Hydroponics Farm and Supplies, shared the principles and concepts of hydroponics technology, Plant Nutrients Solutions, Pest and Disease Management, and other types of hydroponics, among others while also engaging them in a hands-on activity.

Present during the activity are DA-10 Field Operations Division (FOD) chief Eduardo N. Pit, Ph.D., Provincial Operations Center (POC)-Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and other DA staff. (DA RFO-10)

Exit con for participatory monitoring, tracking of projects conducted in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) conducted an exit conference for the joint Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and AFCs to monitor and track the progress of DA-funded programs and projects on September 1, 2023, in this city

Said conference aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in implementing various DA-funded agricultural and fisheries projects.

The provincial AFCs of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental presented their respective updates.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized the significance of the participatory approach in promoting inclusivity and empowering local communities.

“The joint effort between PCAF and AFCs has allowed us to gather valuable insights directly from the communities that are benefiting from our programs. Feedback enables us [in the agency] to make informed decisions and adjustments to serve better the needs of our farmers and fisherfolk in Northern Mindanao,” said Director Collado.

During the conference, participants reviewed the outcomes of the Participatory Monitoring Process, which involves engaging local communities and stakeholders in assessing the impact and effectiveness of DA-funded initiatives.

This ensures that the interventions provided align with the needs and priorities of target agri-fishery communities.

The body further agreed that DA must revalidate the projects monitored, particularly those with issues and concerns that must be addressed.

Present during the activity are Cyril L. Soliaban, officer-in-charge, deputy executive director of PCAF, RAFC 10 chair Nilda B. Salas and staff, DA-10 officials and programs staff, and other AFCs across NorMin. (DA RFO-10)

Agri NorMin set to distribute over 3K cash cards to rice farmers

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado will distribute another 3,115 Farmers’ Interventions Monitoring Cards (FIMCs) to eligible rice farmers in Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental this month

William B. Parantar, Northern Mindanao area manager of the Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (USSC), turned over the FIMCs to DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca, Monday, August 14, at the DA Compound in Cagayan de Oro City.

All NorMin rice farmers entitled to the Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance (RFFA) as provided under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), shall be given the FIMC as their identification and cash card for the electronic rollout of the RFFA.

Pursuant to the RTL, qualified rice farmers shall receive a Php5k cash subsidy annually until the year 2024.

In partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and USSC, DA-RFO 10 has distributed a total of 31,583 FIMCs in the region to date.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Agricultural Engineering Division chief, Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, Administrative and Finance Division chief, Patrick Ian F. Pedarse and Rice Program focal person, Chona H. Nacalaban were also in attendance during the turnover of the FIMCs. (DA RDO-10)

Agri NorMin capacitates local farmer technicians on hydroponics

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To promote the adoption of vegetable production through hydroponics, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) capacitates Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) on August 10-11, 2023 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Spearheaded by the Various Production Support Services (VPSS), around 56 LFTs from the region gathered for the package of technology training on hydroponics.

Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo from the agency’s High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) demonstrated how lettuce can be grown in styrofoam boxes by using a nutrient solution.

Further, the LFTs were briefed on their duties and responsibilities as extension workers in promoting and disseminating technologies and submissions of monthly reports. (DA RFO-10)

DA, NorMin LGUs ensure compliance for fund transfers, liquidations of agri projects

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In an effort to ensure compliance with existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations for fund transfers and liquidations of agricultural projects granted to Local Government Units (LGUs), the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, holds its annual LGU Coordination Meeting recently at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops Livestock Research Complex, in this city

Spearheaded by the DA-RFO 10’s accounting section, the coordination meeting is an avenue for bilateral dialogue to address challenges encountered by DA and the LGUs in terms of inventory and liquidation of agri projects funded under the agri department’s banner programs and special projects this year and the preceding years.

Some 207 LGU accountants and agriculturists from the provinces of Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental attended the meeting.

DA-RFO 10 Administrative and Finance Division chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse said the meeting aims for DA and the LGUs to level off on a mechanism for optimal utilization of DA funds.

He also acknowledged the LGUs’ roles as DA’s partners in extending its services to the peripheries of the agriculture sector to provide sufficient and affordable food for all.

Ways forward for the resolution of identified issues in complying with the reportorial requirements and timelines for the submission thereof were consensually agreed upon in the meeting and adopted as guidelines in accounting and liquidating DA projects granted to the LGUs and their constituents. (DA RFO–10)

DA turns over P7-M village-type dryer to Cabanglasan town coop

CABANGLASAN, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over a P7 million village-type dryer (VTD) to Cabanglasan Agrarian Reform Cooperative (CARC), of this town

On August 4, 2023, DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD, and Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, handed over the key of responsibility to CARC president Orlando T. Adaptar.

According to Guzman, the project aims to help corn farmers reduce postharvest losses and improve grain quality for high market prices, thereby increasing farmers’ productivity and profit.

“I’m looking forward to this project being sustained. DA is always here to support and is willing to give more projects through the endorsement of the local government unit,” Guzman conveyed.

Funded under the agency’s corn program, the VTD includes one unit corn on cob dryer with 20 metric tons of capacity; one unit corn sheller with 2.5 metric tons per hour shelling quality; one unit recirculating batch grain dryer with 12 metric tons of holding capacity; and a multi-fuel biomass furnace and bagging bin, among others.

Likewise, the VTD’s shed has a floor area of 375 square meters that can fully accommodate the dryer, sheller, furnace, and other accessories.

Cabanglasan has an estimated area of 7,108 hectares for yellow corn and 274 hectares for white corn, with around 5,000 corn farmers.

Furthermore, Cabanglasan Mayor Lolita N. Bullecer urged the farmers to use the facility with care and continuously maintain it in order to provide development for farmers’ profit and satisfaction.

Also present during the activity is Cabanglasan Municipal Vice Mayor Renante V. Inocando, REE, with local officials and DA-10 staff. (DA RFO–10)