Thursday, May 09, 2024

Agri-10 sets up Onion derby in agency’s research stations

To encourage farmers to venture into Onion production, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducts an Allium ceremonial planting in its research stations on August 2-4, 2023

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA, said that this marks the first Onion derby in the region and aims to find the best onion varieties in each area, showcase technologies, and expand production areas in the region.

Spearheaded by its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), a total of five seed companies will be showcasing their technologies on onion production in DA-10’s research stations, namely: Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Dangcagan, Bukidnon, Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) in Claveria, Misamis Oriental and Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

“We support DA-10’s initiative as it is beneficial for consumers and farmers alike since onion is an essential spice that we use daily,” shared Andre Abonitalla, Kaneko Seeds Assistant Manager for Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, harvesting and Farmers’ Forum to present derby results and recognize best-performing varieties is scheduled on November 7-9, 2023, for RCUD, RCHD, and NMACLRC, respectively. (DA RFO-10)

DA-10 exec director apprises IP farmers to avail DA’s programs, projects

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened on July 21, with the Talakag Living Waters Agro-Forestry Farmers Association (TALIWA FA), at the agency’s compound in this city to discuss appropriate agri-assistance to help augment the FA’s farm production

The TALIWA FA is a newly-formed association of 60 farmers, primarily indigenous peoples (IPs) from the Talaandig and Higaonon tribes of Bukidnon.

Dir. Collado discussed with the group the DA programs and projects they can avail through the DA’s Rice, Corn, Livestock, High-Value Crops Development, and Organic Agriculture programs as well as other special projects of the Department.

He also detailed the agency’s SOPs in granting DA interventions to eligible recipients. Mr. Kennek Suarez Lake, Interim President of TALIWA FA, particularly requested from DA the grant of draft animals (horses, cows, water buffalo), livestock (pigs, goats), vegetable and corn seeds, organic fertilizers, agricultural training, irrigation system, storage facility, and mechanical equipment.

To be eligible DA beneficiaries, Dir. Collado urged the FA to enroll its members in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and closely coordinate with their Municipal Agriculture Office to guide them toward growing as an association. (DA RFO-10)

Pangantucan town receives P14.5-M agri assistance from DA-NorMin

PANGANTUCAN, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), under the helm of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over and committed various agricultural interventions to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pangantucan during the 25th Farmers’ Week celebration (Silver Anniversary) on June 27, 2023, at the Municipal Grounds, Poblacion here

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over the certificate of turnover amounting to P14,588,508.00 of agri assistance from the agency’s different banners and special programs.

According to RTD Madriaga, said intervention aims to modernize and industrialize agriculture’s value chains in an inclusive way to enhance productivity, uplift rural people from poverty, improve livelihoods, and increase farmers’ income.

Included in the package of agri assistance are the following: Rice Program (P5,961,936.00): Public Hybrid Seeds, Commercial Hybrid Seeds, Inbred Rice Seeds, and Inorganic Fertilizers; Corn Program (P6.7-M): Hybrid Yellow Corn Seeds, Inorganic Fertilizer (14-14-14), Bio-N Fertilizer; Livestock Program (P1,385,512.00): Forage Seeds, LN2 Tank, Semen Straws, Native Swine, Free Range Chicken, Duck, and Village-type Feed Mill with Multi-Crop Drying Pavement.

Further, the assistance comprises the following: High-Value Crops Development Program (P212,350.00): Mini Chainsaw, Technology Demonstration for Coffee and General High-Value Crops; Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase 1 (P328,710.00): Hybrid Yellow Corn Seeds, Complete Fertilizer, Urea Fertilizer, Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) Vegetable Seeds (Pinakbet), OPV Vegetable Seeds (Sinigang), Vitamin A, D and E, Vitamin B Complex injectable, Ivermectin injectable, Wound Spray; Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (P75K): Egg Layer Production Package.

Likewise, Dir. Madriaga also handed over the certificate of commitment to LGU Pangantucan for the Integrated National Swine Production Initiative for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program Swine Clustering, consisting of 1 unit Biosecured and Climate-Controlled Finisher Operation Facility, Swine, Feeds, Weighing Scale, Drugs and Biologics, overall costing P5.5-M.

Meanwhile, Municipal Vice-Mayor Manolito G. Garces extended his gratitude to DA and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), one of its attached corporations, for supporting their Municipality, especially their farmers.

“It is very timely and relevant, as we also celebrate our Farmers’ Week here in our Municipality. This intervention will surely benefit our farmers by boosting their agricultural productivity, and we, in the LGU, will also take part in achieving our goal of sustainable agriculture,” the Pangantucan official remarked.

On the other hand, RTD Madriaga also expressed her appreciation to LGU Pangantucan, including the participating Rural-based Organizations (RBOs), Farmers’ Cooperative Associations (FCAs), and barangay councils for supporting activities that honor farmers for their tireless efforts in providing food for our everyday needs.

Further, she urged the farmers to continue their hard work and for the LGU to continue supporting them by patronizing their produce, encouraging them to work more efficiently with their farming operations.

During the event, Bukidnon PCA Division Chief I, Ma. Chyrelyn A. Pace also turned over 50 pieces of coconut seedlings (Catigan Dwarf) and bared other interventions their agency can offer.

Also gracing the event is the DA-Provincial Operations Center in Bukidnon, LGU officials, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, and the Provincial Local Government of Bukidnon. (DA RFO-10)

Manobo-Matigsalug tribe association receives P613K agri-interventions from DA-10

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) program, turned over P613K worth of agricultural interventions to the Minole Tigwahanon Manobo Matigsalug Tribe Association (MINTIGMAMATA) of San Fernando, Bukidnon on May 11, 2023

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga conferred the turnover certificate to Datu Martin P. Dagoluan, MINTIGMAMATA chair.
The roster of agri-interventions comprises cattle (10 heads), piglets (6 heads), forage seedlings (100 pieces), free-range chicken (2 packets), cacao certified seedlings (100 pieces), upland rice seeds (8 bags), Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seeds (7 bags) and organic fertilizer (35 bags).
According to RED Collado, the interventions intend to strengthen the agricultural and livelihood sectors of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and assist its surrounding communities.
“Isip usa ka lumad nga nagbarog sa naghimo og panginabuhian sa tribo, ako nagpasalamat sa DA-10 sa dakong suporta nga gihatag. Kini dako na og tabang sa mga miyembro alang sa pagpanginabuhi matag adlaw,” said Datu Dagoluan.
[As an IP who stands for the livelihood of the tribe, I thank DA-10 for the great support it has given to the members for their livelihood.]
4Ks Focal Person April Grace M. Racines also detailed that the project is funded under various banner programs and special projects of the agency, namely: Livestock, High-Value Crops Development, Rice, Corn, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), and Balik Probinsya Bagong Pagasa (BP2).
Together with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and other partner organizations, the DA-4Ks was developed to advance food security and improve livelihood opportunities to improve the welfare and living standards of tribal people. (MPMTablon/DA RFO-10)

RCPC technical staff upskill for standardization, prod’n of biological control agents

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – To ensure the production of quality fungus which will be distributed to the local farmers in Northern Mindanao, some technical staff of the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) of the DA-RFO 10 underwent training in Central Mindanao University

Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado stressed that the production and distribution of the quality fungus could be the basis for the management protocol and its application in the field.

Lucille T. Minguez, RCPC Chief along with the seven technical staff under the Entomopathogen and Trichoderma laboratories conducted spores counting and dilution technique necessary for standardization in the production of Biological Control Agents (BCAs).

Dr. Carolina Amper of the Plant Pathology Department, College of Agriculture in CMU discussed and demonstrated the spores counting of Trichoderma harzianum using a heamacytometer.

The standardization of spore suspension is vital in conducting pathogenicity and inoculation of BCA by determining the population.

Dr. Amper demonstrated the proper dilution techniques to determine the counting of colonies on plates necessary for the isolation of inoculum for soil-borne pathogens. (DA RFO-10)

DA fosters local production of veggie seeds for increased food sufficiency, income in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, received an assortment of vegetable (ampalaya, pole sitao, cucumber, okra, upo) seeds from the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) last March 31, 2023, at the agency compound, in this city

The said provisions were handed over by IPB Director Dr. Fe M. dela Cueva and received by DA-10 consultant Joel S. Rudinas on behalf of RED Collado.

The Bureau of Plant Industry Region 10 (BPI-10) OIC-Manager Arnold dela Cruz also supported the said activity.

According to Rudinas, the seeds are in support of the agency’s bid to stimulate local production of vegetable seeds, concomitant with its goal to ensure food security and sufficiency, high-quality yield, and increased income of farmers in the region.

“The sample seeds we received from IPB will be thoroughly studied in our [research] stations for us to determine its performance,” Rudinas said.

With feedback from local farmers here and through the close coordination of DA and IPB, Rudinas is optimistic about breeder seeds with properties that are resistant to challenges in climate and tailor-fit to the agricultural conditions of Region 10.

The breeder seeds, Rudinas said, will be reproduced and distributed by DA to barangays and sitios that are part of 4th, 5th, and 6th class municipalities.

“We want to have a network of seed production and local seed availability. It is our hope that eventually, these communities we provide seeds will develop their own seed systems, securing their own source of seeds, food, and income,” he added.

For her part, IPB Director dela Cueva said they are eager to support DA-10 for the success of this endeavor, including hosting capability-building training for seed reproduction. (DA-10)

 

DA-10 supports small-scale gardening, food security efforts in Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over an assortment of vegetable seeds to the Office of Congressman Jonathan Keith T. Flores of the 2nd Legislative District of Bukidnon province, at the agency compound on April 3, 2023

Through the agency’s High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), a total of 150 vegetable (chopsuey, sinigang, garden salad) seed packets were handed over by DA-10 OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca and Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo of HVCDP under the Field Operations Division in support of the lawmaker’s bid to promote backyard gardening in the said district.

Further, the said provision is expected to aid in ensuring a stable and sufficient supply of healthy food for residents of said province. (GDAndres/DA-10)

DA to strengthen halal industry in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), under the helm of DA-10 OIC Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, welcomed DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns and for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, during his visit on March 10, 2023 at the agency compound

The DA-10 Regional Agricultural and Engineering Division (RAED), Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), and the Livestock Program convened with the DA official to discuss halal production and its market demand in Northern Mindanao.
Recognizing the growing population of Muslims and their demand for halal-certified products, DA USec Ampatuan underscored that halal production should be vigorously pursued in the region, as it plays a major role in improving food safety and quality, as well as in providing employment opportunities for communities locally.

The undersecretary added that it will also help promote cultural awareness and understanding between different religious groups.
To meet said demand, DA-10 assures to strengthen its production of beef, goat, and chicken, as these are among the most popular types of halal meat. Of which, priority for production are those high-density cities in NorMin, where Halal sections in different markets are eyed to be established.

Overall, to strengthen the Halal industry, the body looks forward to the construction of a village-type Halal slaughterhouse to be designed by RAED; the establishment of a Halal multiplier farm courtesy of the Livestock program; and the continued conduct of a series of Halal production workshops to be spearheaded by AMAD. # (RDMElloren/DA RFO-10)

Agri 10 turns over P3.53-M worth of machineries, equipment to Maramag town-based coops

In line with the goal to strengthen farm mechanization and promote farm efficiency in the country, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) led by OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over recently P3.53-million worth of farm machineries and equipment to two farmer coop, associations in barangay La Roxas, Maramag, Bukidnon

Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, Ph.D. handed over the certificate of turnover to the La Roxas Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LRMPC) and Bangkal Pigsabuwahan Farmers and Workers’ Association (BAPFWA).

The said machineries and equipment will be used for their activities from land preparation to postharvest, where LRMPC primarily produces corn and cassava while BAPFWA grows high-value crops and vegetables.

The LRMPC received a Corn Program-funded, P3-M worth farm tractor unit with implements such as a harrow, disc plow, and trailer, and a P300K-valued corn sheller.

On the other hand, BAPFWA received a hand tractor multi-cultivator unit costing P230K funded by the High-Value Crops Development Program.

Guzman reminded the beneficiaries to appropriately utilize the interventions by the members which will be shared with other fellow farmers in their respective communities.

The DA official further assured them that DA-10 will continue to provide and strengthen agricultural development and upliftment in the livelihood of farmers.

BAPFWA president and LRMPC member Robert L. Baguegue also extended his gratitude to DA-10 and acknowledged the local government of Maramag’s support, saying it helped them qualify for a downpour of agri interventions from among the 20 municipal barangays.

Baguegue added that they will also set policies for the use of said units for members and non-members alike in barangay La Roxas.

Maramag municipal agriculturist Arman S. dela Cruz likewise encouraged the members of both FCAs to continue to be attentive to the needs of their fellow farmers.

Dela Cruz, together with other LGU personnel, further assured to support the FCAs by continuously assisting them with the availment of various programs and projects that can be accessed from DA-10. # (RLTolentino)

The Provincial Price Coordinating Council convened on February 28, 2023, at the PPDO Conference Room, Malaybalay City to discuss its programs, projects, and activities in 2023.

The local price coordinating councils (LPCCs) in the country is tasked to monitor the supply and prices of basic food items, as well as enforce the suggested retail price (SRP) and ‘price freeze’ policies in their respective localities.

LPCCs could also send recommendations to the National Price Coordinating Council regarding price ceilings for certain commodities in their respective localities.

The above-mentioned activity was attended by the majority of the members of the Council including the LPCC representatives from different cities and municipalities. (DA RFO-10)

Agri dept 10 links Bukidnon onion farmer to Cebu market

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To meet the market’s increasing demand for red onions, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of OIC–Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado administered the market linkage and sale of ‘Red Pinoy’ onions to SariSuki Cebu on January 27, 2023

With help from DA’s recently turned over delivery truck to the local government of Sumilao, Bukidnon dubbed as the ‘Kadiwa on Wheels’, Joseph G. Aguilar, an onion farmer from barangay Kisolon, was able to transport 1 ton of his produce overall costing to P200K (at P200 per kilo) to the CdeO City port, which was later on shipped to Cebu.

On such initiative, RED Collado said that the agency through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) vigorously pursues the facilitation of linkages of farmers and fisherfolk enterprises (FFEs) and other agri-based MSMEs with consumer markets and institutional buyers.

Through DA’s Kadiwa displays, individuals, especially those farmers’ cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) may sell their harvest at competitive prices with an assured link to a market; thereby, ensuring the quality and freshness of their agricultural produce.

The said shipment was also assisted by the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Service Cagayan de Oro through its OIC-Manager, Arnold S. Dela Cruz.

Ahead of Aguilar’s Cebu market, he has also sold 1,488 kilos of red onions amounting to P431,781 to Gaisano Mall Malaybalay City on January 20. (MPMTablon/DA-10)