Friday, November 22, 2024

Tag: northern mindanao

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)

2 coops in Manolo Fortich honored

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In Manolo Fortich town, two of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10)’s assisted farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) were recognized after winning the 2023 Corn and Cassava Cluster Management Excellence Awards

The awarding ceremony was held at the Salvador H. Escudero Hall, National Meat Inspection Service, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City on November 17.

The awarded coops are Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative (MARBFC) and Bliss Lingion Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BLMPC).

According to a news statement from the DA, BLMPC won the Cassava cluster and MARBFC took home the Corn Management Excellence Awards.

MARBFC manager Evangeline P. Frasco expressed her gratitude in her acceptance speech for their FCA’s hard work being acknowledged and rewarded.

“Thank you, DA for the cash award where we can expand our inputs provision to our corn farmers where more funds mean more farms to be assisted, and an increase in the volume of production to satisfy our markets,” stated Frasco.

On the other hand, Dante M. Dosayco, BLMPC chairperson said, “We assure you (DA) that our future deeds will only get better. This is a token for our past efforts and also a push for our future endeavors.”

In the race for the corn excellence awards, Samahang Gumagawa Tungong Tagumpay MPC from Occidental Mindoro and Maningalao-Lingayao Agriculture Cooperative from Agusan del Norte are the first and second runners-up, respectively, behind MARBFC.

Meanwhile, the first and second runners-up in the cassava awards, respectively, are Villa Luna MPC of Isabela and Zamboanga del Norte Cassava Growers and Processors, Inc. of Zamboanga del Norte, behind BLMPC.

The DA stated that the two coops are their partners in the production of safe and quality corn and cassava, the promotion of the value chain approach, the growth of the corn and cassava sectors, and the provision of various services to their members by the cluster organizations

During the awarding ceremony, U-Nichols A. Manalo, national corn coordinator and OIC-Director of DA-Field Operations Service, read a message on behalf of Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, about how innovation, convergent efforts, and the adoption of farm clustering approaches play a critical role in advancing the corn and cassava sectors.

“We come together to celebrate the synergy between innovation, dedication, and collaboration among groups, individuals, and agencies,” she said.

The senator is also a strong supporter of farm clustering, claiming that it boosts output and ensures a steady supply of safe, high-quality agricultural products, as well as creating an enabling atmosphere for farmers to become more productive, innovative, and competitive.

Sen. Villar stated that she lauded farm clusters’ achievements, even describing them as drivers of economic growth and social development.

“Rest assured, I will continue to pursue legislative mechanisms and policies that will solidify the linkage of production and market access across our country’s rich and diverse commodities,” Sen. Villar says as she concludes her speech.

In addition to the honored farming clusters, the various technical working groups for corn and cassava clusters at the national and regional levels were acknowledged and awarded certificates.

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado leads the DA-10 delegation, which includes Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Corn focal person Richan D. Lacanaria, and Science Research Specialist II Mischelle F. Egama, who is also the former Cassava focal person, DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) – Regional Training Center Dir. Ma. Lydia Echavez, and Gemma G. Cania, Manolo Fortich’s municipal agriculturist.

Other national agricultural executives in attendance included Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, the newly appointed DA-ATI director, and Engr. Roger V. Navarro, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Undersecretary for Operations. (melbmadera)

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)

DOH-10 urges public to buy generic medicines, same quality but cheaper

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The generic drugs have the same quality and effectiveness as the branded versions because they go through similar regulatory processes at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they are cheaper, said an official from the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM)

In Talakayan sa PIA: Konsultayo Series at SM CDO City Uptown, Dr. Steffi Grace Enon, medical officer of DOH-CHDNM, said generic medicine has the same active ingredient as the branded version, so it has the same effect.

Why is there generic medicine?

The Generics Act of 1988 ensures that all Filipinos have access to affordable and effective medicines.

Enon shared that there are two main types of medicines. The first is innovator medicine, which is made by pharmaceutical companies that are the ones to create the medicine first for a specific disease. They also apply for patents for the drug, which means they have the sole right to make and sell the drug. But after a few years, with the patent expired, other manufacturers can then create the same drug.

According to Enon, all generic medications on the market underwent and passed the FDA process, while our generic medications met the same standards of quality as branded medications.

DOH-CHDNM is requiring pharmaceutical companies to do mandatory generic labeling. “Tanan tambal dapat nakasulat didto ang generic nga ngalan [All medicine should have a generic name],” said Enon.

They are also reminding physicians and doctors to include in their prescriptions the generic name of the drug.

Lastly, DOH-CHDNM also reminds pharmacies to do generic dispensing or substitution. This means that when a patient goes to the pharmacy and asks for a generic prescription, he or she should be given the generic version of the drug.

There is also the Cheaper Medicines Act, which was issued in 2008 and is an amendment to the Generics Medicine Act.

The goal is to ensure there are generic versions available on the market. The Cheaper Medicines Act intends to lower the prices of medicine even more.

There are various ways to implement the law, Enon said. There is a maximum retail price, and there is a price cap for medicines that belong to the top-burden diseases in the Philippines, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer, among others.

Second, there is a suggested retail price (SRP) for essential and emergency medicine.

“Mandated tanan nato drugstores and pharmacies, mag-submit sa Department of Health sa ilang presyo sa mga tambal [We have mandated drugstores and pharmacies to submit to the Department of Health the prices of their medicines],” said Enon.

Third is the drug price reference index. Basically, this is a list of the prices of medicines for bidding from the government.

“Kung mupalit ang isa ka government facility or agency, mu-abide gyud sila ani nga presyo [If a government facility or agency will buy, they need to abide by the set price],” added Enon. (JMOR/PIA-10)

BFAR debunks rumors of HIV-infected fish, seafood being sold in Normin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-10 on Wednesday said there is no truth to rumors being spread online that HIV-infected medical waste that was found dumped in waters in this region has contaminated fish and seafood being sold in markets

“We want to emphasize that consuming fishery products is safe and poses no risk of contracting HIV. HIV is a virus that primarily spreads through specific human bodily fluids, such as blood, sexual fluids, and breast milk, and is not transmitted through the consumption of food, including fish and seafood,” BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward Yasay said.

Recent misleading social media posts have been circulating online, suggesting that HIV-infected medical tools found in the waters of the region (with no particular location specified) are causing seafood to carry the virus. BFAR-10 clarified that these claims are false and unsubstantiated. The Department of Health Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) has verified that there is no basis for such allegations.

In addressing public health concerns, Yasay emphasized that it is vital to rely on credible sources and accurate information.

“We encourage all consumers to be vigilant about the information they encounter online and to consult reputable health organizations and authorities for accurate and trustworthy information regarding public health and food safety,” he added.

BFAR-10, through its Fisheries Integrated Laboratory Section (FILS) and Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit (FIQU), is fully committed to ensuring the safety and quality of fishery products available in the market. Fisheries inspectors and stringent regulatory measures are in place to monitor and regulate seafood, ensuring it meets the highest safety and hygiene standards.

Yasay urged the public to continue trusting fishery products as a safe and nutritious source of food. He assured that BFAR-10 remains dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of consumers and ensuring that the region’s fishery products meet the highest standards of safety and quality. (RTP/PIA-10)

LTFRB to go after ‘colorum’ PUVs in N. Mindanao

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The new chief of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Northern Mindanao (LTFRB-10) has vowed to go after “colorum” public utility vehicles (PUVs) across the region

In a media briefing here Wednesday, LTFRB-10 Director Abosamen Matuan said they will actively operate on the road against unregistered PUVs following reports that “colorum” vehicles are operating in increasing numbers.

“We also need to increase the number of present enforcers who will be deployed,” Matuan said.

Matuan assumed office in late October this year, succeeding former director Amenodin Guro.

Matuan said they are still in transition and the additional personnel doing field duties will be hired gradually, especially with only seven field officers currently employed.

The LTFRB central office allocated PHP14.6 million for Region 10 this year, with PHP4 million set aside for personal services. (PNA)

Locally-developed drones mimic birds, drop seeds for reforestation

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Biomimicry uses drone technology to drop seeds just like what birds do to restore denuded forests

The drone is called the galansiyang, named after the Asian Glossy Starling, a bird that drops seeds everywhere. Just like the bird, the drone also goes to places that are hard to reach.

It was developed in the Computer Applications Department of the College of Computer Studies at the Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT), Mindanao State University.

It morphed into the Galinsayang, a startup company incubated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Northern Mindanao. It now leads a reforestation project at the Kalatungan mountain ranges in Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

The P5.5-million reforestation project will cover four hectares out of 21,000 has., according to Ritchie Guno, DOST provincial director for Bukidnon. The project is a collaboration between Galansiyang, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DOST, and the local government.

Using drones, Galansiyang has a 90 percent success rate in reforesting land areas in Mindanao, Guno said.

It uses the seeds of balansihan, talingtingan, bagalug and ulayan, all endemic tree species. The seeds are coated with charcoal, manure, compost, clay, and a microbial inoculant, a slow-release fertilizer that supports plant growth. The mix is then shaped into balls.

Using 3-D printing, the drones are modified to carry and then drop the seed balls in reforestation areas.

The seed balls are prepared by students at the Bukidnon Community College, members of the Manubo and Kalatungan Mandum indigenous communities which collects the seeds in the mountains, and PAMB which approves the seeds used. The selection is based on the recommendation of the Central Mindanao University which has the data on Mt. Kalatungan’s endemic plants.

Mt. Kalatungan is the country’s fifth-tallest peak and home to at least 129 animal species and 342 plant species.

“Our methodology is founded on one of the natural ways of plant propagation with birds as seed dispersers,” said Jay Gajudo, chief executive officer of Galansiyang.

“Using drones, we can plant trees faster compared to manual tree-planting. One person can plant 480 seedlings in eight hours, while one drone can plant 8,366 seed balls in one hour.”

Galinsayang displays data on its digital platform, for easy monitoring, transparency, and to make data-driven decisions. (Malaya)

DA 10 turns over P1.5-M Enhanced Kadiwa Grant to Manolo Fortich

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The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA 10), through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (Amad) program of Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita, turned over P1.5 million financial grant to the local government unit of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

According to DA-Northern Mindanao Executive Director Carlene Collado, the Enhanced Kadiwa program allows farmers’ cooperatives and associations to participate in the accessible food supply distribution system to ensure price stability for food and essential goods in areas with high consumer demand.

“We are indeed pleased to accept this project, as it will enhance the marketing system of our farmers in Manolo Fortich, and we hope for more collaborations and partnerships with DA,” Manolo Fortich municipal agriculturist Gemma Cania said.

Amad Chief Larry Paraluman said the P1.5 million Kadiwa assistance fund was used to procure a hauling vehicle worth P1,693,500.

The additional P193,500 was provided by Manolo Fortich as its counterpart.

The local government unit also extended P106,500 as equipment equity for the town’s food terminal.

Collado also urged them to maintain the vehicle responsibly and to train the assigned driver, who should possess a National Certificate II. (DA RFO 10)

DOH-10 urges public to buy generic medicines same quality but cheaper

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The generic drugs have the same quality and effectiveness as the branded versions because they go through similar regulatory processes at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they are cheaper, said an official from the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM)

In Talakayan sa PIA: Konsultayo Series at SM CDO City Uptown, Dr. Steffi Grace Enon, medical officer of DOH-CHDNM, said generic medicine has the same active ingredient as the branded version, so it has the same effect.

Why is there generic medicine?

The Generics Act of 1988 ensures that Filipinos can access affordable and effective medicines.

Enon shared that there are two main types of medicines. The first is innovator medicine, which is made by pharmaceutical companies that are the ones to create the medicine first for a specific disease. They also apply for drug patents, meaning they have the sole right to make and sell the drug. But after a few years, with the patent expired, other manufacturers can then create the same drug.

According to Enon, all generic medications on the market underwent and passed the FDA process, while our generic medications met the same quality standards as branded medications.

DOH-CHDNM is requiring pharmaceutical companies to do mandatory generic labeling. “Tanan tambal dapat nakasulat didto ang generic nga ngalan [All medicine should have a generic name],” said Enon.

They also remind physicians and doctors to include the generic name of the drug in their prescriptions.

Lastly, DOH-CHDNM also reminds pharmacies to do generic dispensing or substitution. This means that when a patient goes to the pharmacy and asks for a generic prescription, he or she should be given the generic version of the drug.

There is also the Cheaper Medicines Act, which was issued in 2008 and is an amendment to the Generics Medicine Act.

The goal is to ensure there are generic versions available on the market. The Cheaper Medicines Act intends to lower the prices of medicine even more.

There are various ways to implement the law, Enon said. There is a maximum retail price and a price cap for medicines that belong to the top-burden diseases in the Philippines, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer, among others.

Second, there is a suggested retail price (SRP) for essential and emergency medicine.

“Mandated tanan nato drugstores and pharmacies, mag-submit sa Department of Health sa ilang presyo sa mga tambal [We have mandated drugstores and pharmacies to submit to the Department of Health the prices of their medicines],” said Enon.

Third is the drug price reference index. Basically, this is a list of the prices of medicines for bidding from the government.

“Kung mupalit ang isa ka government facility or agency, mu-abide gyud sila ani nga presyo [If a government facility or agency will buy, they need to abide by the set price],” added Enon. (JMOR/PIA-10)

San Fernando town in Bukidnon to receive FMR

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The Concreting of Mahayag, Namnam – Iglugsad – Kibongkog Farm-to-Market Road in San Fernando, Bukidnon, was officially launched as part of the 20 pioneer subprojects under the PRDP Scale-Up on November 6, 2023, in Cubao, Quezon City

Being the first approved PRDP Scale-Up subproject in Northern Mindanao, the said FMR is 8.56 kilometers in length, with an estimated project cost of Php 260,000,000.00.

The FMR covers 2,185 hectares of influence area, which will be enjoyed by 1,503 farming households, especially abaca farmers and thousands of indigenous people.

Newly appointed DA Secretary Francisco T. Laurel, Jr. leads the awarding of the certificate with the World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, together with DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, DA Assistant Secretary for Operations and DA-PRDP National Project Director Arnel V. De Mesa and DA-PRDP National Deputy Project Director Shandy M. Hubilla.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado received the certificate of award with Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, San Fernando Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke, San Fernando Association of Barangay Captains President Flordeliza M. Yeke and San Fernando Municipal Agriculturist Coleen Alva C. Ambos.

The PRDP Scale-Up is a flagship program of the DA designed to address the gaps in the commodity value chains by improving the efficiency of the food supply chain towards greater connectivity, mobility, accessibility, availability, and affordability of food in the market through the scientific-based implementation of infrastructure and enterprise subprojects. (DA RFO-10)