Monday, December 16, 2024

Tag: Food Security

Demo farm showcases drought-tolerant hybrid rice variety in Buk’non upland area

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — A demonstration farm in Sitio Incalbog, Can-ayan, featuring the hybrid rice variety TH-82 NSIC Rc350H, has showcased resilience amid the El Niño phenomenon, highlighting its potential to thrive within an upland ecosystem

This was underscored during a culmination program of the techno demo on August 22 in the said city.

This was led by the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) in partnership with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon province and Malaybalay City agriculture offices, and SeedWorks Philippines, Inc.

Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-10’s Rice program focal person, emphasized the importance of introducing the hybrid rice technology in upland conditions and engaging members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), especially in their ancestral areas with limited rice cultivation.

Launched last February 8, the planted rice variety was initially expected to be harvested by the third week of May, but faced a 58-day delay in maturity due to a significant lack of rainfall from March to May, albeit yielding 2.2 tons per hectare based on crop cut results after receiving rainfall in June.

For his part, Emmanuel F. Piñol, former DA Secretary and an early supporter of the initiative, lauded the demo farm’s success as a significant milestone for Philippine agriculture.

“The ability of this rice variety to survive drought and continue growing, despite a delayed maturity period, underscores its potential to revolutionize rice production in upland areas,” Piñol remarked.

“This breakthrough could allow us to cultivate rice in areas previously reliant on irrigation,” he added, while further noting that it is pivotal in easing the reliance on rice imports and addressing the need to feed the growing population by expanding and improving available tribal areas of the country for rice production.

The demo farm, covering 3,000 square meters, is a precursor to developing the 300 hectares within the BUKTAMACO ancestral domains, which overall seeks to implement sustainable farming practices tailored to upland environments, at the same time bolstering food security in the region. (BJCE)

Bukidnon’s commitment to NorMin’s Development: A roadmap to progress

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The provincial government of Bukidnon, led by Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, has strongly affirmed its commitment and support for the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Plan (NMRDP) 2023-2028

It was reiterated during the NMRDP 2023-2028 Roadshow on September 5 at the Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

In his message, Governor Roque emphasized the province’s determination to excel in governance and regional progress.

He urged all agencies to follow the “game plan” outlined in the NMRDP and work together as a united force to achieve the province’s goals and contribute to the broader ambitions of AmBisyon Natin 2040.

“Bukidnon is fully committed to following this game plan because we recognize its immense benefits for our province and the whole region. As an agricultural province, our goal extends beyond merely modernizing agriculture; we aspire to bring about a transformative change for our farmers,” Roque said.

The NMRDP 2023-2028 has identified several priority areas for development in Bukidnon. These include public health, education, the creation of livable communities, ensuring food security and proper nutrition, modernizing agriculture and agri-business, revitalizing industry, promoting trade and investments, improving transportation, enhancing water resources-related facilities, and addressing various social, economic, macro, and infrastructure sectors.

Dreaming big for Northern Mindanao 2040

Regional Director Myla Faye Aurora B. Cariño of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 and Vice Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC-10) articulated the region’s vision for 2040.

She emphasized the goal of establishing Northern Mindanao as a center for inclusive growth, with a primary focus on enhancing major gateways, ensuring agricultural sustainability, and fostering industrial development, all while prioritizing the people’s welfare.

“We want Region 10 to be an international gateway, leading agricultural hub, and major industrial, tourism, and trade center in the Philippines,” Cariño said.

The NMRDP 2023-2028 serves as a roadmap for Northern Mindanao to regain its path to progress and continue reducing poverty and unemployment during the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Construction begins on trading post in Malaybalay City

Posted on by cmn

The construction of a trading post in Purok 2, Barangay 9, Malaybalay City, has commenced, marking a significant milestone for the city’s economic development. With an allocated budget of Php 5 million, the project aims to enhance the local trading system and promote inclusive food supply chains

The trading post, which is being implemented and funded under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program, will serve as a central hub for farmers, vendors, and consumers to engage in trade.

SOV Builders and Construction Supply Corporation, the contractor responsible for the project, has been awarded a contract amounting to Php 3,937,554.24. The project is expected to be completed within the stipulated timeframe of 135 calendar days.

The Notice to Proceed was issued on June 23, 2023, giving the contractor the green light to initiate construction activities. The trading post is expected to be fully operational by November 4, 2023.

The trading post will facilitate transactions between farmers and buyers and promote direct consumer engagement. This will give consumers access to fresh, locally sourced produce while supporting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in the city.

The construction of the trading post aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and inclusive economic development. Through the Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program, the DA, in coordination with partner agencies, aims to empower farmers, improve food security, and enhance market

access for agricultural products. (LGU Malaybalay)

DMPI mipasalig nga motuman sa mga lagda sa lokal nga kagamhanan

Posted on by cmn

Mipasalig ang Del Monte Philippines, Incorporated (DMPI) nga motuman sa mga lagda sa lokal nga kagamhanan, human gidapit sa 27th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), atol sa Committee

Hearing sa Committee of the Whole, niadtong Marso 7, 2023 sa SP Session Hall, Capitol Compound, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Nasayran pinaagi sa sunod-sunod nga monitoring sa City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), nga pipila ka mga gi-alegar nga kalapasan ang nahimo sa DMPI, lakip na ang dili awtorisadong pagpalapad niini sa ilang pineapple plantations sa pipila ka mga barangay sa syudad sa Malaybalay, sukwahi sa nakalatid sa ilang Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Nahibaloan usab nga pipila sa ilang operasyon ang wala makakuha ug clearances o endorsement gikan sa mga hingtungdang barangays ug sa LGU-Malaybalay, ingon man napakyas kini ug kuha sa mga clearances gikan sa City Planning alang sa zoning certification ug sa City Agriculture’s Office alang sa food security purposes and sufficiency, hinungdan nga wala sila mahatagan ug business permit.
Gani, sunod-sunod nga mga resolusyon ang gipalabang ni 2nd District Board Member Nemesio B. Beltran, Jr., aron hangyoon ang Multi-partite Monitoring Team (MMT) ug Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgrO), nga imbestigahan ang maong kalapasan sa mga resolusyon ug ordinasa sa SP ug sa Sangguniang Panlungsod sa Malaybalay City, aron matuki kini sa
hawanan sa SP. Sa moang pagdungog, gibutyag ni Atty. Marco Parpan, Legal Counsel sa DMPI, nga kasamtanangan na silang naglihok sa pag-comply sa gikinahanglang mga rekisitos ug nagpasalig nga makigkooperar sa City ENRO, aron hingpit masunod ang mga lagda sa lokal nga kagamhanan, diin andam usab ang City ENRO nga tabangan sila niini nga lakang, sanglit nahimo usab silang kaabag sa kalambuan, ilabi na sa job opportunities niini sa probinsya. Giklaro usab ni Ms. Maria Anita L. Fernandez, City ENR Officer nga dili lamang DMPI ang ilang gitutokan, apan ang tanang plantasyon nga naglihok sa syudad, aron masiguro nga nagsunod kini sa mga ang environmental mitigations ug malikayan ang posibling pagbaha sa umaabot. (PR)

DA-NorMin confers P3-M farm tractor to Baungon town cooperative

Posted on by cmn

BAUNGON, BUKIDNON – Eyed to boost the land preparation activities of corn and cassava farmers for better crop yield and favorable soil environment, the agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) under the management of OIC-RED Carlene C. Collado, turned over recently P3 million worth of corn-funded farm tractor to Phil. Agro Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PAMC) in barangay Imbatug, this town

Held at a PAMC residential area in Mandu, the certificate of turnover was handed over by DA-10 through Corn focal person Richan D. Lacanaria to the Local Government of Bukidnon headed by Mayor Rogelio D. Jaraula and Municipal Agriculturist Janel C. Redondo, and to PAMC manager Deodato V. Galaura, Jr., in the presence of local and coop officials and members, and other regional and municipal agri staff.

According to PAMC manager Galaura, the conferred farm machinery is for priority use of the 56-membered coop engaged in the rotational farming of corn and cassava, covering 94 hectares and a potential area of around 30 hectares.

Likewise, the coop official added that it would enable them to thoroughly conduct their land preparation activities, paving way for more efficiency in the ensuing stages of their corn and cassava production.

“Kung tsada ang pag land prep, mosunod na dayon ang uban operation [in farming]. Dako kaayo kini nga katabang sa pag-abot ani na makinarya,” the manager remarked.

Meanwhile, being at the helm of Baungon town, Mayor Jaraula conveyed his gratitude to the agency, as this is a meaningful addition to PAMC.

“Dako ako pasalamat sa DA-10 sa pagtugyan niini nga tractor kay dako kini’g makatabang satong mga mag-uuma. Since grant mani, wala may nagasto, savings na ninyo ni. Puhon, ipakita ninyo sa DA kung pila ang inyong nakita.” the local chief executive said, posing a challenge to the coop.

Similarly hoping for the advancement of the farmers’ group, Baungon MA Redondo reminded the beneficiaries to set aside funds for the repair and maintenance of the farm machinery at the same time accord special rates for the coop members in its utilization.

For the agency’s part, Corn coordinator Lacanaria extended his congratulations to PAMC for being one of the unit recipients, factoring in the limited funds and overwhelming requests for the availment of a farm tractor.

“As a government investment, hopefully, the value of the project mabalik sa atoang cooperative by using it and engaging it into a business enterprise [through servicing],” he pointed out.

He pinned his hope that the coop will sustain itself in growing corn and cassava, and serve as a ‘big brother’ for other nearby farmers’ cooperatives, associations in their locality, and other adjacent towns, becoming a staunch partner of DA in its bid towards food security and sustainability. (JLO/DA-10)

Robredo expands feeding program to cover food security, poverty alleviation

Posted on by cmn

Vice President Leni Robredo wants her feeding program to target problems in food security and poverty alleviation as these are linked to malnutrition and mental deficiencies among children aged five and below.

Robredo said that hunger and food security have always been one of the “basic thrusts” of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), which is why they are aiming for the program to become “sustainable.”

“Pero (But) how sustainable are they? Naalis mo sila sa (You take them away from) malnutrition, after a few months bumalik, kasi hindi mo naman na-address iyong (they’re back because you didn’t address the) root cause. Ang (The) root cause poverty,” Robredo said on the sidelines of her October 17 visit to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

She went there for the establishment of a community kitchen and garden, and the supplementary feeding program for undernourished children. Her office distributed vegetable seeds and garden tools to the beneficiaries so they can grow their own food.

“So sa akin, kung mayroong mga (For me, if there are) malnourished children, dapat ang inaasikaso hindi lang iyong mga bata. Pero ang inaasikaso iyong (we should be caring for not only the children. We should also address the) family na mabigyan sila ng maraming (to give them) opportunity na makaangat-angat sila sa buhay para iyong mga anak nila hindi maging (to rise from poverty so their children will not become) malnourished,” she added.

Bukidnon is among the top 36 provinces in the country with high levels of stunting among under-five children.

Stunting is when the child has a low height for their age due to malnutrition, repeated infections, and poor social stimulation.

The local government unit (LGU) in Malaybalay has reached out to the OVP to help address the problem so, in 2018, the OVP turned over P2 million to the LGU of Malaybalay City.

Robredo’s office said the program served 724 undernourished children ages 6 to 59 months and decreased the percentage of undernourished children in targeted barangays by 88 percent—from 724 to 93.

“The OVP also distributed vegetable seeds and garden tools to the select beneficiaries and were able to establish and monitor 50 communal gardens,” it added.

More than the stunting prevalence rate, Robredo is equally alarmed because malnourishment affects the mental faculties of the children and this is “irreversible” after the age of five.

“Kapag napabayaan natin iyong (When we neglect our) malnourished children na nakalampas na silang limang taon, hindi na natin sila binibigyan ng (when they’re over the age of five, we are not giving them an) opportunity makilaban sa mundo, eh. Pero na-affect iyong kaniyang capacity dahil sa (to survive in the world. His capacity is affected because of) malnourishment—sa pagiging malnourished niya. So iyong programa namin mas (for being malnourished. Our program is more) comprehensive,” the vice president explained.

The OVP’s feeding program is also being done in Panay Island, Iloilo province, Northern Palawan, and areas in Mindanao, among others.

The 120-day feeding program in Malaybalay started in November and ended in January, but Robredo said the food security and poverty alleviation program, which will ensure access to healthy food for the children, will continue.

According to the OVP, the “significant change in the malnutrition rate in the city” has a positive impact on the health and well-being of the beneficiaries where more than 88 percent are no longer malnourished “and will be able to safely play outdoors and develop practical life skills.”