Saturday, March 29, 2025

Tag: northern mindanao

4ID recognized as TESDA Northern Mindanao’s Best National Government Agency

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The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division was recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Northern Mindanao as its Best National Government Agency for its significant contribution to the implementation and development of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in the Region, which resulted in TESDA’s consecutive highest approval and trust ratings among government agencies in the country.

Said plaque of appreciation was received by Colonel Ted B. Dumosmog, the 4ID Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs (ADC RRA) during the 29th TESDA Anniversary Celebration held at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City on August 31, 2023. It was attended by the personnel and staff of TESDA Region 10 led by its Regional Director, Mr. Dan N. Navarro, other government agencies, and officers of the 4ID.

RD Navarro recognized the unwavering support of 4ID to all the TESDA programs and projects which greatly contributed to the endeavor of the organization in providing vulnerable sectors a better way to live.

Meanwhile, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, the Commander of 4ID also expressed his gratitude to TESDA Region 10 for acknowledging the efforts of the Diamond Troopers, a testament to strong collaboration in order to achieve a common goal – to sustain peace and development in communities, especially the geographically isolated and disadvantage areas. (4ID)

City Veterinary Office engages livestock production improvement through benchmarking

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In a dedicated effort to enhance the goat and carabao sector of the City of Malaybalay, the City Veterinary Office’s Malaybalay City Livestock Production Breeding and Training Center engaged in a benchmarking initiative

This endeavor, conducted on August 22, 2023, in Barangay Dalwangan, involved collaboration with the Northern Mindanao Crops and Livestock Research Complex – Livestock Production Division.

This aims to elevate the goat and carabao industry within the city. Recognizing the economic potential of these animals, the program seeks to bolster the local economy through increased milk and meat production, thereby benefiting local farmers and fostering economic self-sufficiency.

“We are not only tending to our livestock but also our traditions and economy,” as stated by the participant. The activity not only pays homage to ancestral practices but also aligns with the vision of Malaybalay as an Agro-Industrial hub. By nurturing the growth of the goat and carabao industry, the city takes deliberate strides toward achieving its aspiration of becoming a thriving agro-industrial center.

Leading the benchmarking were training instructors Alexis Flores II as the Center Chief and Phile Rae Bonggo as the Training Coordinator. Livestock Production Technicians Annabel Sia, Jack Gempisao, and Charlou Michael Dumindin accompanied them. Artificial Insemination Training Program Trainees include Faustino Belderol, Charlie Gil Tangi-an, John Ray Sagrado, Jun Mike Sagrado, Ronuel Damasco, John Rey Alesna, Jose Castro, and Robert Russell Marte. (LGU Malaybalay)

DA, PhilRice apprise Bukidnon LGUs on Masagana Rice Program

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – RFO 10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened the local government units of the province of Bukidnon for a coordination meeting on the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) on August 17 in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Around 20 LGUs attended the activity and were briefed on the program that prioritizes the welfare of the farmers, boosts the rice value chain, and improves agricultural production.

Sailila E. Abdula, PhD, Branch Director of DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) Midsayap and the Program Director of the Mindanao Cluster for the MRIDP discussed the program’s four core strategies: resiliency and stability in climate change adaptation; unity and convergence in farm clustering and consolidation; motivated and enthusiastic farmer-entrepreneurs in the rice value chain; and timeliness and relevant focus on digital transformation.

Significantly, convergence, cooperation, and stakeholder coordination will materialize the four strategies.

As he emphasized, the transformation of Philippine agriculture needs to focus on the market, innovations, scale, mainstreaming, and outcome.

In Northern Mindanao, the provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte will be pilot-tested in the program, being the rice producers of the region.

Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-RFO 10 Rice Program Focal Person, shared that in 2022, region 10 ranked fourth in yield per hectare, contributing 4.12 percent to the national production with a sufficiency level of 87.55 percent.

The province of Bukidnon’s 2022 production of 295,686 metric tons has a sufficiency level of 216.51 percent, while Lanao del Norte (2022 production) with 113,903 metric tons of production with a sufficiency level of 90.3 percent.

A provincial rice development plan will be crafted to provide direction in attaining the objectives of the program with the assistance of the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bukidnon, DA-10’s Field Operations Division through its Chief, Eduardo N. Pit, PhD and Provincial Operations Center in Bukidnon. (DA RFO-10)

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

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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

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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)

Mindanao power supply enough despite El Niño—DOE

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DAVAO CITY — The power supply of Mindanao will remain stable even during El Niño, an official of the Department of Energy (DOE)-Mindanao Field Office assured

During the Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on August 17, Engr. Darwin P. Galang, DOE-Mindanao Field Office senior science research specialist, said that a simulation conducted by the agency showed that the occurrence of El Niño will not adversely impact the grid owing to the other sources of power in Mindanao.

He pointed out, however, that “the occurrence of El Niño will affect the hydropower plants because there will be a reduction of their capacities when the rivers and lakes are dried up.”

Galang noted that the Mindanao grid has a diverse mix of power sources, and will not likely suffer from the impact of drought.

Based on the estimate of the DOE-Mindanao Field Office, the power supply would remain sufficient “even with a 50% to 70% reduction in the available capacities of hydropower plants in Mindanao.”

Engr. Nilo J. Geroche, also of the DOE-Mindanao Field Office, said the agency activated in July the Task Force on Energy Resiliency to monitor the power supply situation in the country and mitigate the impact of calamities, including El Niño.

The task force is composed of the DOE, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Energy Regulatory Commission, Inter-Agency Energy Contingency Committee, various groups in the energy sector, and agencies under the security cluster.

Geroche said the hydropower sources comprise 31.73% of the energy mix of Mindanao and contribute an average supply of 1,190 megawatts to the grid.

There is an excess supply of power on the island, with the available average supply estimated at 2,946 MW and an average demand of 2,051 MW as of August 15, according to Galang.

Geroche said that brownouts could have been caused by other factors on the transmission and distribution side, including insufficiency in the contracted power supply of some electric cooperatives and distribution utilities.

He said the problem of lack of contracted power may now be addressed by tapping into the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market where electric cooperatives and distribution utilities can buy power to fill the deficit.

In an advisory released by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last July 4, El Niño, which is characterized by fewer occurrences of rainfall and typhoons, is already present in the tropical Pacific.

It said that PAGASA’s climate monitoring and analyses indicate that “the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific that was established in March 2023 has further developed into a weak El Niño, which shows signs of strengthening in the coming months.”

It said that El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country that may adversely impact the different climate-sensitive sectors, such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, and public safety.

It added that the enhanced Southwest monsoon season (Habagat) may still be expected, which may result in above-normal rainfall conditions over the western part of the country. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Community-based tourism: Empowering communities towards sustainable tourism

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Recognizing the valuable role of community-based tourism organizations (CBTOs) in tourism development, the Department of Tourism is providing livelihood assistance to CBTOs to give them additional opportunities and be able to take part in propelling the country’s tourism industry to move forward

One of the recipients of the DOT’s livelihood assistance in Northern Mindanao is a community-based mountaineering club in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Founded in 2010 and driven by a strong sense of environmental protection, the Kalasanen Mountaineering Club (KMC) brings together mountaineers, hikers, and nature explorers who share the same goal of protecting and preserving the local natural spot.

According to the DOT, KMC was chosen because of the several climbs and outreach programs it initiated to provide children living in far-flung areas with educational supplies and raise funds to support the medication of a 64-year-old resident of Manolo Fortich with Parkinson’s Syndrome Disease.

Moreover, KMC plays a vital role in protecting Mt. Palaopao and the flora, fauna, and community around it, especially now that Manolo Fortich has been declared as the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary in Northern Mindanao following the discovery of eight (8) pairs of Philippine Eagles residing in the forests of the municipality.

With 27 members, the mountaineering club received a Basic Mountaineering Course worth P300,000 from the DOT. They were also given livelihood kits as part of the training. The kits included tents, rope, a cook set, burners, butane, a mountain bag, a compass, and a sleeping bag.

The ceremonial turnover of the livelihood assistance was held during the recent visit of DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco to the said municipality to inaugurate the first Tourist Rest Area in Northern Mindanao.

First DOT-assisted CBTO in Northern Mindanao

The Kalasanen Mountaineering Club is the first CBTO in the municipality to receive such assistance from DOT, although the Manolo Fortich municipal government recognizes ten CBTOs.

“Kami napuno og pasalamat sa higayon ug pagtagad nga gihatag sa amoa sa DOT, sa pagpangulo ni Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. Ang kani nga pag-ila dakong tabang sa among panginabuhian ug pagpalambo sa among adbokasiya nga maprotektahan ang atong mountain treasures ug makatabang sa mga isig katawo natong nanginahanglan. Salamat kaayo, Secretary Frasco. Kami malipayon ug mapasalamaton sa imong regalo sa amoang grupo. Ania kami para musuporta kanimo ug sa Department of Tourism para sa kalambuan sa atong turismo dinhi sa Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao, ug Pilipinas,” said KMC President Junell Wayan.

[We are filled with gratitude for the opportunity and attention given to us by the DOT, under the leadership of Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. This recognition is a great help to our livelihood and the development of our advocacy to protect our mountain treasures and help our fellow human beings in need. Thank you very much, Secretary Frasco. We are happy and grateful for your gift to our group. We are here to support you and the Department of Tourism in the development of our tourism here in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao, and the Philippines.]

KMC remains steadfast in its commitment to encouraging people to support their cause and invite more tourists to explore the beauty of Manolo Fortich through tree-planting activities and friendship climbs. (APB/PIA-10)

Bukidnon links up with gov’t agencies for El Niño strategy plan

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bukidnon provincial government is preparing for the possible effects of El Niño to prevent significant losses in the economy and agricultural lands

Personnel and officers of the local and provincial government Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (DRRMO) on Thursday conducted a dynamic simulation exercise here to harness their specific areas of expertise on disaster management.

Grouped into clusters, participants engaged in a series of purpose-driven activities not only in preparation for El Niño but also for other effects due to weather disturbances and man-made disasters.

The activities revolved around critical aspects, such as crafting realistic disaster scenarios, defining roles and responsibilities, planning for both pre-and post-disaster phases, analyzing resource requirements, and anticipating potential gaps that might arise during an actual emergency.

Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque, in his message during the activity, said the contingency planning is timely because of the looming El Niño season that will affect the country later this year and could extend to 2024.

“But as the saying goes, ‘those that fail to plan, plan to fail.’ We are therefore here today to plan,” he said.

The planning activity drew the support of the Northern Mindanao Offices of the Civil Defense (OCD-10) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-10).

OCD-10 Director Antonio Sugarol said the agency has always reached out to DRRMOs at the local government level as part of its mandate.

“Our collective efforts and cooperation will serve as a foundation for stronger communities,” he said.

DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho Mabborang said the planning comes at a time when there are “ever-increasing frequency and intensity” of natural hazards that remind the public and local governments of improving resilience and adaptability measures.

“Bukidnon is not immune to the challenges presented by hazards. Our shared responsibility is to equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge needed to confront these challenges head-on,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

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

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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)

N. Mindanao dev’t projects priority under DOST ‘iSTART’ program

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Development projects of local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao are the primary targets of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-based Development (iSTART) program

In a statement on August 03, DOST-Region 10 Director Romela Ratilla said iSTART seeks to synergize the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

“The iSTART program stands as a shining example of how science, technology, and innovation can transform lives and drive development,” she said.

Ratilla said the program is a DOST-led platform for strategically aligning the agency’s programs and projects with local development plans to support balanced development by accelerating regional growth through science, technology, and innovation (STI).

Among its specific objectives is to assist LGUs in developing a technology-based development plan for agriculture-based, manufacturing, and service sectors by engaging researchers, scientists, and engineers in the planning process.

The program also seeks to attract new technology-based investments per the validated plans in collaboration with the LGUs.

Ratilla said the DOST-10 trained local planning officers in the five provinces and four cities of the region are regularly apprised of the tools and processes for mainstreaming science, technology, and innovation in local development.

The Bukidnon Provincial Planning and Development Office’s representative, Norberto Baltazar said iSTART will provide insight into how the program can bring more value to LGUs.

“Together with DOST, we must pitch this to our local chief executives,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)