Thursday, November 14, 2024

Bukidnon aims to be PH’s Arabica Capital with coffee roadmap

MALAYBALAY CITY (August 28, 2024/PIA) — “Bukidnon’s coffee beans, renowned worldwide for their quality, have elevated the province as a global coffee destination. We have world-class coffee beans right here in our backyard. It’s time to unleash their full potential,” declared Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque

Despite this international acclaim, the governor emphasized that the local coffee industry remains weak and underdeveloped. However, he believes the province’s coffee industry is on the cusp of a transformation.

To achieve this revitalization, Roque aims to establish Bukidnon as the “Arabica Capital” of the Philippines. In a recent state-of-the-province address, he referred to the coffee potential as a hidden treasure, underscoring the untapped opportunities.

He said that with the right strategies and investments, Bukidnon can become a shining example of how to turn agricultural resources into economic prosperity.

To turn this vision into reality, the provincial government has established a technical working group (TWG) dedicated to crafting a comprehensive coffee roadmap.

This collaborative effort brings together farmers, processors, sellers, café owners, baristas, and coffee enthusiasts to chart a course for the industry’s growth.

The roadmap will prioritize improving coffee quality and marketability using advanced processing techniques.

Bukidnon seeks to boost its local economy and generate new opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs by reinventing raw coffee beans into high-value products like roasted and ground coffee.

“We want to add value to our coffee beans. We aim to increase farmers’ income and establish Bukidnon as a leader in the global coffee market,” Roque said.

He explained that the newly created TWG is a significant milestone for Bukidnon’s coffee sector because the expertise and experience of various stakeholders could develop a sustainable and profitable coffee industry that can compete globally.

Bukidnon envisions a future where local products, including coffee, are celebrated domestically and internationally.

As the province embarks on this pursuit, the successful implementation of the Coffee Roadmap could serve as a model for other regions seeking to harness their unique agricultural products for economic development. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

Awareness seminar on food safety, regulations held

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), staged an awareness seminar on food safety and regulations on August 15 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in this city

During this time, the agency apprised almost 50 local farmers and agri-enterprises from the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Lanao del Norte on key concepts and relevant laws on food safety.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, AMAD Assistant Division Chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe emphasized its importance for local stakeholders engaged in producing agricultural commodities and food products.

“[The DA] conducts this seminar annually because we handle food, and therefore, it is our commitment to our consumers that what we deliver is safe and free from foodborne diseases,” Caraballe said.

Through Republic Act No. 10611, otherwise known as the ‘Food Safety Act of 2013’, the DA and its attached regulatory agencies, bureaus, and corporations are identified as food safety regulatory agencies (FSRAs) responsible for the implementation of laws, standards, and programs on food safety in the primary production and post-harvest stages of the food supply chain.

Said regulatory agencies include the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Plant Industry, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority, Sugar Regulatory Administration, and the National Dairy Authority.

Underscoring the role of the local government in the implementation of food safety laws, Andrew M. Calimutan of the Office of the DA Assistant Secretary for Policy and Regulations said that the Department, through the aforementioned regulatory agencies, continues to engage and assist LGUs in the formulation of local ordinances on food safety.

Further, he said that the agency is presently revisiting its regulatory policies to ensure that they are retrofitted to current industry and trade standards and remain in service to consumer and food safety interests.

Under RA 10611, DA conducts training for local producers and food business operators on food safety to ensure their compliance with industry standards, including the Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Code of Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).

Market Specialist IV Irish O. Ativo from the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service said that these standards and compliance certifications provide a competitive advantage for food business operators, as they allow for market expansion and build consumer trust and confidence in their products.

During the session, the farmers were also kept abreast of practical food handling practices for agricultural produce, salient information on the Participatory Guarantee System, and a comprehensive review of the activities and services offered by the Food Safety Operations Unit of the BPI-Plant Product Safety Services Division.

They were also briefed on the strategies for marketing GAP-certified products through the Department’s KADIWA marketing program.

In closing, Caraballe urged the participants to apply what they had learned throughout the session to their respective enterprises and agricultural production, highlighting its implications in building public trust, consumer safety, and food quality and nutrition.

The said activity is in line with the Department’s refined thrusts toward a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’ under the leadership of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. (GDA)

Agri NorMin lauds AMIA villages in first congress

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – To showcase the different climate-resilient communities in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) conducts an awarding for the AMIA villages during its 1st AMIA-10 Congress on July 11-12, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Dalwangan, here

With this year’s theme, “Klima atimana para sa malahutayong pag-uma ug ekonomiya,” the event gathered farmer-beneficiaries, local government units, and other stakeholders to share the success and innovations of the 11 AMIA villages in the region.

Climate Resilient Agriculture Office National Director Alicia G. Ilaga noted that apart from building climate-resilient communities, the AMIA program also seeks to eradicate poverty.

“Mithiin nating mai-level up ang ating mga AMIA village mula sa pagiging maliliit na production units, papunta sa market-oriented climate-resilient enterprises o yung tinatawag nating AMIA Climate-Resilient Agri-Fishery Technology-based Enterprises (AMIA CREATE),” the CRAO director added.

As such, AMIA-10 held a Booth Display contest with the criteria: number of products displayed (30 percent), quality of products displayed (25 percent), landscape and display (25 percent), and question and answer (20 percent).

Of which, Libona AMIA village of Bukidnon emerged as the first placer, followed by Manolo Fortich of Bukidnon and Magsaysay AMIA Village of Misamis Oriental, as second and third placers, respectively.

Meanwhile, select AMIA villages in its Phase 3 level of implementation also presented their best practices and adjudged with the criteria: productivity and income (30 percent), technologies and practices employed (25 percent), readiness to entrepreneurship (20 percent), ability to present (15 percent) and question and answer (10 percent).

Manolo Fortich AMIA village topped for the AMIA village Presenter Award, while Magsaysay, Libona, and Baungon AMIA villages followed as the second, third, and fourth placers, respectively. (AMBM)

RDC-10 economic dev’t committee approves DA-10 2025 proposed budget

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (March 03, 2024/PIA) — The Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-10 approved the P20.32 billion proposed budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 for the year 2025 on February 20

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said 24 percent of the said budget is proposed under Tier 1 of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), while the remaining 76 percent will be lodged under Tier 2.

 

As part of its priority programs for 2025, DA-10 seeks to fund catalytic projects such as farm-to-market road development; agricultural machinery, equipment, and facilities support services; irrigation network services; production support services; Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD); metropolitan and agri-based products cluster approach; corn processing center expansion; and biosecurity and climate-resilient production facilities.

 

According to Collado, the proposed budget is a product of consultative planning, encompassing the needs and priorities of the agricultural stakeholders in the region.

 

“We craft the budget using a bottom-up approach. The projects we propose are mainly based on the endorsement of the LGUs and the validated intentions we received from farmers’ cooperatives and associations in the region,” Collado said.

 

Statutory appropriation for gender and development, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and the youth, capacity development programs, and capacity building for devolved functions and services (Mandanas-Garcia ruling implementation) are also among the programs proposed for funding by the agency in 2025.

 

Under the proposed budget, DA-10 also seeks to complete the construction of its regional office, upgrade its research facilities, and establish a new integrated laboratory complex in the region.

 

This year, DA-10 secured a 19 percent GAA-approved budget from the RDC-10-endorsed budget proposal. (DA-10/PIA-10)

P11.2M Dairy processing plant gitukod sa Bukidnon

Isa ka Dairy processing plant nga adunay kinatibuk-ang balor nga PhP11,224,221.10 ang gitukod sa Bukidnon

Gipahigayon ang Product Launching ug Turn-over sa Dairy Processing Plant (DPP) sa Brgy. Dalwangan, Malaybalay City niadtong Nobyembre 30, 2023.

Ang proyekto gihimo alang sa Dalwangan Malaybalay United Dairy Agrarian Reform Cooperative (DAMAUDARC).

Mitambong sa kalihokan ang gikan sa National Dairy Authority- Northern Mindanao nga gipangunahan ni Department Manager Mr. Jester John P. Jadap, DOST-X Regional Director Engr. Romela N. Ratilla, Engr. Arlene P. Almo gikan sa POC Bukidnon, ug Ms. Jacqueline Julia Lagamon, acting Provincial Agriculturist.

Diha usab si City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran ug pipila ka mga miyembro sa 9th Sanggunian, City Agriculture Office-OIC Engr. Richard B. Leono, City Nutritionist Ms. Eza
Canonigo, CAFC Chairperson Mr. Leonard O. Leyros, DAMAUDARC BODs, Punong
Barangay sa Dalwangan nga si Royville G. Pasco, department heads, mga stakeholders, ug ni
former city agriculturist Ms. Remedios R. Sarzuelo.

Si Leono mi-presentar og isa ka video presentation mahitungod sa estado sa DPP.

Nasayran nga ang DPP mibalor sa PhP11,224,221.10.

Ang PhP1,640,000.00 sa pondo gikan sa Department of Science and Technology (DOST), PhP 4,080,000.00 ang gikan sa Department of Agriculture BUB Fund, ug PhP 5,504,221.10 nga kantidad ang gikan sa Local Government Unit (LGU) sa dakbayan.

Gihagit ni Pabillaran sa iyang mensahe ang organisasyon nga lig-onon nila ang ilahang kooperasyon aron malungtaron ang maong proyekto.

Dugang niya nga importante ang pag-tinabangay sa matag-usa ug importante usab ang pinansyal nga aspeto sa grupo nga mamaayo ang pagdumala niini.

Kini, ingon ni Pabillaran, isa sa mga mamahimong hinungdan sa kalamposan sa DPP.

Ang kanhi city agriculturist nga si Sarzuelo mipaambit usab ug isa ka background kung giunsa pagsugod og mugna ang DPP.

Mihatag siya sa dakong pasigarbo nga human sa isa ka dekada nga pagproseso sa mga papeles sa maong proyekto nahuman na kini.

Ingon niya nga nabati na gyud ang kalampusan ug natukod na ang maong pasilidad uban niini ang mga makinarya ug gamit sa pagproseso sa gatas. (Chloe Jean B. Beronilla/melbmadera)

Students from 23 schools in Bukidnon receive bags, school supplies

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon-Selected students from 23 schools in the landlocked province of Bukidnon were recently given backpacks and school supplies

The 403rd Brigade in a press release said that the program was spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Davao Satellite Office through its special project called PagbaBAGo program.
Peoples Organizations (POs) and schoolchildren are the program’s intended beneficiaries.
A series of activities were held in conjunction with the planting of 2,000 Narra trees in Brgy. Kalasungay on November 8, 2023, which was followed by the distribution of backpacks containing school supplies for Bukidnon’s identified underprivileged schoolchildren from November 8-10, 2023.
A total of 4,019 school bags were provided to students from various schools in Malaybalay City (2,890 beneficiaries), Impasugong (973 beneficiaries), and Cabanglasan (156 beneficiaries).
Furthermore, the aforementioned operations were carried out in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Governor, the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, Bukas Kalinaw, 8th Infantry
Infantry Battalion, 88th Infantry Battalion, and 16th Infantry Battalion under 402nd Infantry Brigade.
Ms. Regina Rose D. Tecson, the OVP Officer-in-Charge of the Davao-based satellite office noted that the Tree planting and distribution of bags are the flagship program of the Vice President Sara Duterte that are shown to be beneficial to the community even during her term as Mayor of Davao City.
The OVP is optimistic that the bag distribution will encourage pupils to work hard despite their poverty and to harvest what they sow in the future.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Michele B Anayron Jr, commander of the 403rd Brigade, expressed gratitude to the Vice President for selecting Bukidnon, primarily in the Area of Responsibility of the 403rd Brigade, to be the beneficiary of the PagbaBAGo program.
“We in the Philippine Army in collaboration with the Bukas Kalinaw and other stakeholders and government agencies will continue to support in extending social services to the community for the sustainable peace and development effort in order to finally end the insurgency,” Anayron said. (melbmadera)

Army, Bukas Kalinaw supports OVP in free health services

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Office of the Vice President (OVP) Davao Satellite commemorates its 88th founding anniversary with a medical, surgical, and dental mission in the city’s hinterland village

According to a statement issued by the 403rd Brigade, around 300 people of Brgy. Kibalabag has given the free services held at its Brgy. Covered Court on November 11, 2023.

The activities were carried out in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Governor, the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, Bukas Kalinaw, the Davao City Medical and Dental Team, the City Health Office of Valencia City, Adventist Medical Center Valencia City, 3rd FSMP, 1364 Dental, Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH), the 4th Infantry Division, the 8th Infantry Battalion, and the Kibalabag Barangay Council.

This coordinated effort is the product of a community immersion program organized by the Bukas Kalinaw, a Bukidnon-based non-profit organization. The program’s purpose was to assess the citizens’ health and socioeconomic position.

To that end, a volunteer team of doctors, surgeons, and nurses provided free high-quality medical care, surgery, and dental services, including medical consultations, circumcision, wart removal, cyst removal, dental checkups, and tooth extractions, as well as free medication and medical advice to those who could not afford private hospital care.

This program was inspired by the notion that access to high-quality healthcare is a basic human right.

Captain Anafe I. Paypa, the CMO Officer of 403rd Brigade expressed her gratitude to the residents of Brgy. Kibalabag for the support and warm accommodation.

She hopes that people will recognize the government’s efforts to reach out to remote areas so they can receive services and programs and that they won’t be misled by the CPP-NPA’s propaganda suggesting that the government ignores the needs of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas like Kibalabag.

Moreover, Ms. Regina Rosa D. Tecson, OVP Officer-in-Charge of the Davao-based satellite office conveyed the intent of Vice President Sara Duterte in its programs that is anchored on its core purpose is “Lahat para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino”.

The Tree planting and distribution of bags are the flagship programs of VP Inday Sara that has proven to be beneficial to the communities even during her administration as Mayor.

On the other hand, this medical, surgical, and dental mission is their way of giving back to the communities in celebration of its 88th Founding Anniversary and will definitely bridge the gap between the people in need and medical communities. This is the way the government extends services and reaches out to the communities to ensure that they can access the program of the government.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Brigadier General Michele B. Anayron Jr, commander of 403 Brigade expressed his gratitude for choosing Bukidnon mostly in the Area of Responsibility of the 403rd Brigade to be the beneficiary of the PagbaBAGo program of the Vice President along with the medical, surgical and dental mission.

Together with the Bukas Kalinaw and other stakeholders, the Philippine Army

According to BGEN AnayRON, government agencies will keep helping to provide social services to the community and make sure that even the most isolated barangays and sitios will value the effort made by the government to provide basic services to improve the quality of life for Filipinos in order to promote sustainable peace and development and ultimately put an end to the insurgency.

“We in the Philippine Army in collaboration with the Bukas Kalinaw and other stakeholders and

government agencies will keep helping to provide social services to the community and make sure that even the most isolated barangays and sitios will value the effort made by the government to provide basic services to improve the quality of life for Filipinos in order to promote sustainable peace and development and ultimately put an end the insurgency”, BGen. Anayron said.

The mission of the OVP Davao Satellite Office is to support and supplement President Ferdinand

Marcos, Jr. in cascading and executing initiatives by making himself available to individuals in need. (melbmadera)

DENR, folks celebrate 17th Aldaw ta Kalatungan

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), delegates from Indigenous People Communities, and constituents of the 21 villages within the Mt. Kalatungan Mountain Range have gathered to commemorate the 17th Aldaw ta Kalatungan

On October 18-19, 2023, all participants have gathered in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon. The theme was “Kagsabuwa para hu buhay ha Kinaiyahan daw Kultura para hu sumosunod ha kaliwatan” (Building Alliance for Sustainable Ecosystem and Culture for Future Generations).

Forester Ner A. Doydoy, Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) of Mt. Kalatungan, and his team led the yearly celebration.

Mr. Vergilino P. Alima, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of DENR Bukidnon, graced the event.


Cong. Jose Manuel F. Alba of the first legislative district of Bukidnon was among the distinguished guests in attendance.


Datu Johnny B. Guina, Chairperson of the Council of Elders of Mt. Kalatungan headed the IP participants.

Talakag Mayor Vergito O. Factura has dispatched his town Administrator as the celebration’s host.

The event marks the recognition of Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (MKaRNP) as a Protected Area.

The event is centered on an intensive Education and Information Campaign. Beyond this, the event serves as a unique chance to create a stronger sense of collaboration and teamwork among the diverse stakeholders of the park, with particular emphasis on strengthening ties with the Indigenous Community residing within its borders.

Furthermore, the celebration seeks to convey sincere gratitude and genuine admiration for the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication demonstrated by all those involved in the preservation of MKaRNP.

Datu Joel Alahay, Barangay Tikalaan IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), and the Council of Elders led the ritual.

A tree-planting activity at the schoolyard of Tikalaan National High School was organized. The Dole KASILAK Foundation and MENRO of LGU Talakag have donated tree seedlings.

The LGU Talakag has sponsored the feeding program activity held at Tikalaan Central Elementary School, serving approximately 700 participating students.

Tikalaan National High School served as the venue for both Hatod Serbisyo and the Medical and Dental Mission. The Del Monte Medical Team and the Municipal Health Office of LGU Talakag, supported by the Health Workers of Barangay Tikalaan, sponsored the event.

In the Indigenous Sports Competition, IP groups displayed their skills. The annual event was highlighted by the Laga ta Kalatungan pageant competition, Pasundayag (a cultural dance presentation), and a Jingle Contest.

The following day, the 223 devoted MKaRNP Bantay Lasang Volunteers convened. This essential meeting provided a crucial platform for the volunteers to deliberate and address emerging challenges within their designated area of responsibility.

The event also garnered the participation of eminent members of the Protected Area Management Board of MKaRNP. The convergence of these notable figures not only highlighted the significance of the celebration but also emphasized the collective determination to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in the locality.

The 18th Aldaw ta Kalatungan will be hosted by LGU Pangantucan, as per the agreement.

Standing at a remarkable 2,824 meters above sea level, Mt. Kalatungan dominates the central part of the province with its impressive height. Stretching across Valencia City and the neighboring towns of Maramag, Pangantucan, and Talakag, it’s a significant portion of the province. (melbmadera)

Bukidnon, stakeholders nagkauban sa pagpreserbar, pagpanalipod sa kinaiyahan

Gisiguro sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) nga kauban kini sa pagpreserbar ug pagprotekta sa kinaiyahan, ilabi na sa paningkamot nga dili na mahilabtan ug matandog pa ang Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (RNP), atol sa ika-17 nga Aldaw ta Kalatungan, Oktobre 18, 2023 sa Barangay Ticalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon, uban sa tema: “Building Alliance for Sustainable Ecosystem and Culture for Future Generations”

Sa pakigpolong sa gipadala ni Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque nga si Stephanie Melendez, ang PGO-Indigenous Affairs Division designate, gipadangat niini nga 100% ang mapadayonong suporta sa PGB ngadto sa Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) – Mt. Kalatungan RNP diin dugay na lng gapaluyo ang pagsiguro nga mabantayan ang lasang, pinaagi sa Bantay Lasang Volunteers.

Gipasabot ni Municipal Administrator Roberto Bigcas sa lungsod sa Talakag nga gisaulog ang Aldaw ta Kalatungan aron madayeg ang kaanyag og ang importansya sa Mt. Kalatungan nga mao ang kinabuhi. Gilauman nga mahipatik sa panumduman sa tanan ang katungdanan sa pagprotekta ug pag-amping sa Mt. Kalatungan.

Pahinumdum ang mensahe ni Congressman Jose Manuel Alba sa unang distrito sa Bukidnon nga ang panglantaw sa pagpanalipod sa kinaiyahan, malangkubon ug angayang dili mahubit diha sa politikal nga utlanan, subay sa hiniusa nga paningkamot sa tanan kay ang pagprotekta sa kinaiyahan, pagpreserbar man usab sa kultura. Kini ang hinungdan nga madasigon kini sa pagpausbaw pa sa gisugdan nga kahinguhaan sa kawayan, pinaagi sa programang Bamboo Innovation Hub, isip alternatibo sa hardwood nga anaa makuha sa lasang.

Gihingusgan ni Datu Bagusayana Johnny Guina, ang chairman sa Mt. Kalatungan Council of Elders nga dili pasagdan ang DENR sa pagprotekta sa lasang. Angayan nga ang matag komunidad palibot sa Mt. Kalatungan magsig-iya ug bantay sa ilang mga teritoryo aron dili makahimo sa iligal ang mga tawo nga mangahas sa pagsulod dinhi.

Giila usab ni PENRO Vergilino Alima ang dakong tabang ug sakripisyo sa Bantay Lasang Volunteers kay tungod kanila, anaa pa ang kinabuhi sa lasang. Kung mahimo dili na tandugon pa ug angayang pahugtan ang pagbantay sa nahibiling lasang diha sa Mt. Kalatungan alang sa mosunod nga kaliwatan, ngalan nga ang Bukidnon mao ang kasingkasing sa Mindanao ug dinhi nagsumikad ang katubigan nga miawas ngadto sa mga silingang syudad ug probinsya sa Bukidnon.

Ang Mt. Kalatungan Range nga nahimutang sa mga lungsod sa Talakag, Maramag, Pangantucan, ug syudad sa Valencia nadeklara isip protected area pinasikad sa R.A. 7586 (NIPAS Act of 1992) sa tuig 2000, nga giila ug Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park. (LGU Bukidnon)