Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Tag: The Department of Agriculture

Agri NorMin lauds AMIA villages in first congress

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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)

3,097 Bukidnon farmers receive fuel subsidy

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VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – Some 3,097 farmers from Valencia City and the towns of San Fernando, Dangcagan, Damulog, Don Carlos and Kadingilan of Bukidnon province received fuel assistance amounting to P9.291-million from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, on May 20, 2024

The assistance, provided by the agency’s Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), aims to help farmers who are mechanizing their farm operations with various agricultural machinery in order to strengthen farmers’ resilience and reduce the impact of oil price increases on farmers’ production costs.

Furthermore, the project is in line with the DA chief’s three-year strategy to mechanize and modernize agriculture and fishery production systems in order to boost agricultural productivity, cut food costs, assure food security, and make farming and fishing a more bankable investment option.

The fuel discount cards were distributed to 1,230 farmers in Valencia City, 503 in San Fernando, 742 in Dangcagan, 110 in Damulog, 106 in Don Carlos, and 406 in Kadingilan.

Each farmer-beneficiary will receive P3K, provided they are duly enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

He/she or the Farmers’ Cooperative Association (FCA) to which he/she belongs must own operable farm machinery as listed in the Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

One of the Valencia City recipients, Anna S. Neri, thanked the department for making the effort to offer farmers fuel subsidies, which serve to reduce the cost of gasoline or fuel.

Furthermore, the distribution is accomplished in collaboration with Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (MPMT)

DA-NorMin breaks ground for establishment of corn, rice processing centers in Bukidnon

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DALWANGAN, Malaybalay City – In its aim to support the post-production systems of two of the region’s top agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of rice and corn processing centers in the province of Bukidnon

On May 24, DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca led the groundbreaking of the two processing centers.

Funded under the agency’s Rice Program, a 900 sq.m. rice processing center, worth over P49 million will soon serve farmers in Barangay Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Said infrastructure will also include one mechanical dryer set, with a capacity of 10 to 12 tons per set, as well as one direct-fired biomass furnace with a maximum heat power of 500.

Through said facility, DA aims to strategically improve the efficiency of the rice post-production system, and reduce post-harvest losses, thereby ensuring the improved quality of milled rice from the said community.

Meanwhile, a 1,920 sq.m. corn processing center will also soon rise in DA’s Research Center for Upland Development in Barangay Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

Funded through DA’s Corn Program, the corn processing center worth over P98-million, also includes a pre-cleaner and aspirator; 2 mechanical dryer sets, each able to cater 27-30 tons per set; and 2 corn silos with a capacity of around 1,500 to 2,000 tons per set.

Strategically located in the southern part of Bukidnon, the corn facility aims to bolster the needs of local farmers, and foster a more sustainable and efficient production of nearby corn-producing municipalities including Maramag, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, Kibawe, Damulog, and Quezon.

Said interventions are aligned with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s three-year, eight-point plan for a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’, which entails the modernization and mechanization of agri-fishery productions, as well as the development and improvement of post-harvest systems and infrastructures throughout the country.

Signifying their support for the project, the groundbreaking ceremony was also participated by Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; and DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM with Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban and Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria. (GDA)

Gov’t ramps up key infra projects in northern Mindanao

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (May 17, 2024/PIA) – The government is doubling down on infrastructure development in northern Mindanao to drive progress across the entire region

During his speech at the distribution of financial aid for farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized key infrastructure projects poised to elevate the region into a global gateway, a leading agricultural center, and a key industrial, tourism, and trade hub in the country.

Among these projects is the P8-billion Panguil Bay Bridge project, linking Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod in Lanao del Norte. The government has also allocated nearly P2 billion for the implementation of the Iligan City Coastal Bypass Road. These projects are expected to stimulate economic activity and enhance regional accessibility.

“Nariyan din ang patuloy na paggawa ng pagsasaayos ng mga daan, kabilang na ang CDO Coastal Road at CDO Diversion Road upang makatulong sa pagpabilis ng biyahe ng ating mga kababayan, gayon din ang mga pangunahing produkto na sa ating mga merkado,” the President said.

(There are also ongoing road improvements, including the CDO Coastal Road and CDO Diversion Road, which aim to expedite travel for our citizens and transport essential products to our markets.)

Marcos also highlighted plans for expanding, rehabilitating, and developing airports across Northern Mindanao, particularly those in Lumbia, Laguindingan, Ozamiz City, Camiguin, and Bukidnon. The projections indicate that these initiatives will stimulate economic growth and create fresh prospects for the local population.

“Upang mapabuti ang lagay ng transportasyon sa Cagayan de Oro at sa Northern Mindanao, isinasagawa na po natin ang ilang improvement at saka development project. Isa na rito ang pagpapalawig ng Laguindingan Airport na may halagang halos labing tatlong bilyong piso,” he said.

(To enhance transportation in Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao, we are implementing various improvement and development projects. One of these is the expansion of Laguindingan Airport, with a cost of nearly P13 billion.)

The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fast-track the completion of the P700-million Cagayan de Oro Port Expansion Project, aimed at optimizing port operations and facilitating efficient transport of goods and passengers.

Acknowledging the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcos stressed the significance of investing in healthcare infrastructure. He said plans are underway to establish trauma and multi-specialty Centers at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, ensuring continued access to quality healthcare for all residents.

He also expressed support for irrigation and flood control projects aimed at addressing water scarcity and flood issues. “Masaya akong ipaalam na ang Flood Risk Improvement and Management Project para sa Cagayan de Oro River ay atin pasisinayaan. Katuwang ang iba pang irrigation at water project, inaasahang magiging malaki ang ginhawang dala nito sa CDO,” he announced.

(I am pleased to announce the inauguration of the Flood Risk Improvement and Management Project for the Cagayan de Oro River. Alongside other irrigation and water projects, it is expected to greatly alleviate concerns in CDO.)

The president stated that the completion of two solar pump irrigation projects in the municipalities of Salvador and Sapad, which cost nearly P30 million, is the top priority in Lanao del Norte.

As northern Mindanao embarks on the journey of infrastructure development, Marcos reiterates his confidence in the region’s ability to overcome challenges and progress with unity and concerted efforts between the government and its people.

He emphasized that with the collective support, assistance, and unity of the people, coupled with the government’s swift responses to citizens’ needs, their endeavors will succeed in addressing not only drought and water issues but also contributing to the nation’s advancement. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran /PIA-10).

DA-10 backs Bukidnon’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (April 01, 2024/PIA) – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) commits to support the continued rolling out of the Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa Para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (Kadiwa) ng Pangulo or KNP across Bukidnon province

“As the lead convenor, DA will secure an ample supply of agri-fishery products in every KNP site by engaging local farmers and fisherfolk as sellers,” DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado said.

 

He emphasized that KNP aims to stimulate consumer spending, assist local farmers in selling agri-produce, provide market opportunities to MSMEs, and ensure accessible and affordable goods.

 

The Kadiwa program adheres to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum No. 2024-003, as reiterated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his State-of-the-Nation Address, citing the KNP as a system to enable the public to buy cheaper goods at cheaper rates and the farmers to sell their crops without having to worry about transportation costs.

 

The agriculture department started rolling out the Kadiwa in July last year, which seeks to empower the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain.

 

In addition to ensuring a sufficient supply of agricultural products, DA is tasked with tracking the number of sellers and earnings for each Kadiwa event.

 

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, DA-NorMin closely collaborates with the provincial government of the five provinces in Northern Mindanao to ensure a unified approach to KNP across the region.

 

During the recent Bukidnon Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC) first quarter meeting, the DILG outlined the roles of involved government agencies in KNP, including the local government units (LGUs), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DILG, and DA.

 

The Bukidnon PPCC urged all LGUs to conduct KNP twice a month, preferably on the 15th and 30th, complying with the circular.

 

It also pushed for activating the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) in each town and city, in line with its recently developed action plan. (DA-10/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

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

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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)

Bukidnon wins Best AI implementer in NorMin

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON (February 20, 2024) – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) honors the top performing province and technicians of Artificial Insemination (AI) during the Unified Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) forum held on February 16 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in this city

In a press statement from DA-10, Bukidnon has been named the Best AI Implementer Province among the five provinces in Northern Mindanao.

Johnson C. Petalcurin, DA-10 Regional AI Coordinator, indicated that the winner was chosen based on the number of calves dropped and animals inseminated in a province’s breedable animal population.

Other parameters evaluated, he continued, include the amount of UNAIP-related actions carried out, such as meetings, heat synchronization, paraphernalia distribution, information dissemination, and activation of AI technicians.

Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10’s regional technical director for operations, commended Bukidnon and the other provinces for promoting AI in their respective areas.

She also assured the technicians that the department, led by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, will provide full assistance for the region’s livestock industry.

Meanwhile, exceptional AI technicians were recognized at the event for the Most Number of Animals Inseminated and Calf Drop categories.

 

Nix D. Melendez, an AI technician from Quezon, Bukidnon, who recently retired from government service, won first prize in both categories with a total of 591 animals inseminated and 86 calves dropped

Francis Ray B. Ditona of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, finished second in the calf drop category with 67 calves.

Alejandro C. Bag-ao of Libona, Bukidnon finished third in all categories, inseminating 219 animals and dropping 66 calves.

Cristopher Jiss C. Tabor, an AI technician at Camiguin’s Provincial Veterinary Office, inseminated 218 animals and finished second in the category, stressing the importance of AI in the province in light of the limited number of bulls and the diminishing number of livestock heads

“Using AI, we can increase the number of heads and help our farmers earn more. Some of my clients have told me that they were able to send their children to school because of the cash they earned from selling cattle, which was made feasible by artificial intelligence. Indeed, AI is a fantastic initiative that ought to be encouraged because of its impact, not just on technicians but also on farmers who need it as well,” Tabor said.

After the awarding, the Livestock program distributed different AI paraphernalia worth P277,872 to AI technicians and coordinators, including 108 bottles of lubricant, 101 packs of straw sheath, 4 boxes of arm-length gloves, and 159 packs of medications and biologics.

The UNAIP forum was attended by AI technicians from various towns in the region, as well as provincial AI coordinators from Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental.

Dr. Luz I. Guzman, DA-10 field operations division chief, was joined by chiefs and officials from the DA-10 Provincial Operations Centers and DA-10 research stations, as well as DA-10 Livestock Program staff led by Jamaica L. Docdoc in gracing the activity. (melbmadera)

Allium derby seen to boost farmers’ productivity, onion supply in NorMin

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Aiming to boost onion production in the region to attain self-sufficiency, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) stages an Allium Derby and Farmers’ Forum on February 22, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here

Spearheaded by DA-10’s High-Value Crops Development Program in coordination with the Research Division, and private seed and chemical companies, the activity gathered 100 farmers and other relevant stakeholders to witness the showcase of different onion varieties and their corresponding farming protocols.

“We can see from the two locations that onion production is viable in Region 10,” shared DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with the earlier conduct of the same in Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, held last week.

He also noted that the agency will be procuring onion seeds and likewise, encouraged interested farmers’ cooperatives, and associations to submit their letter requests to avail of the said intervention.

Meanwhile, each seed and chemical company was given time to share their respective onion technologies and also distributed Information, Education, and Communication materials to the attending farmers.

Andre Abonitalla, assistant Sales Manager for Visayas and Mindanao, is thankful to DA for the implementation of the field trials for Onion.

“Currently, our onions in Mindanao are from Luzon and the price per onion increases since there is an additional freight cost, however, if onions are produced locally here in Region 10, this cost will be removed, thus resulting in cheaper onions,” he added.

During the derby cum forum, Allied Botanical, Corp. emerged as champions while Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp. and Ramgo Seeds are awarded first- and second-runner-up, respectively.

Criteria for judging included the biggest yield volume (in kilogram), best quality, and best economic efficiency.

For her part, Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, acting provincial agriculturist for Bukidnon, shared that they will be working closely with DA-10’s Research Division to look for more locations as potential onion-producing sites.

Also supporting the event are DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, with DA-10’s attached bureaus and agencies: Agricultural Training Institute and Bureau of Plant Industry as well as private chemical companies such as Envireau Pacific, Inc., FMC Agro Philippines, Inc., Aldiz, Inc., and Tropi-Cuke, Inc.

Another round of such events is also slated for DA-10’s Research Center for Hillyland Development in Claveria, Misamis Oriental on March 21, this year. (PR)

DA-PhilMech, Bukidnon LGU break ground for P101.5-M grains center

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VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (February 26, 2024) – Farmers in Bukidnon province and those in neighboring areas can soon benefit from the new P101.5 million Grains Center, as construction began on February 19 in Sinabuagan, Valencia City

Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque of Bukidnon province, DA-PhilMech Facility Management and Field Operations Division Chief Mayville Castro, and Valencia City Mayor Azucenas P. Huervas led the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the project.

The Provincial Government of Bukidnon, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Post-harvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech), availed of the Rice Processing System (RPS) II facility under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization program to establish a grains center.

Out of the P101.5 million, DA-Philmech allocates P61.5 million for a rice processing system, while the Bukidnon local government unit (LGU) contributes P40 million for building construction.

The RPS package includes state-of-the-art components for the province, such as a one-unit 4-5 tons per hour rice mill with mist polisher, length grader, and color sorter.

The RPS package also includes four units of 6 tons per batch of mechanical recirculating dryers.

Once the construction of the Grains Center in Sinabuagan, Valencia City, is completed, the Bukidnon LGU will manage and operate it.

Said project aims to minimize post-harvest losses of rice in the province and increase the income of rice farmers by buying their Palay at a reasonable price.

Witnessing the MOA signing are DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado, DA-PhilMech Mindanao Cluster Head Engr. Edgar Testa, Vice Governor Clive Quiño, and Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia Lagamon. (ATC/IDMadjus/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

DA-10 launches upland hybrid rice demo farm in Bukidnon

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To further boost Northern Mindanao’s rice production capacity, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado formally launched its first hybrid upland rice production technology demonstration farm in Bukidnon province

Together with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office, Malaybalay City Agriculture Office, and Seedwork Philippines, DA-10 recently held its inaugural planting of the three-hectare upland rice production technology trial demo farm in barangays Sumpong and Can-ayan, in Malaybalay City. 

 

The project is designed to undergo a trial phase before full-scale implementation of the eyed 300-hectare demonstration farm, to give way for production technology fine-tuning and area compatibility assessment. 

 

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca said the project is pivotal to the DA’s goal to increase the region’s rice sufficiency by utilizing upland production areas. 

 

Using an area modeling approach, the project will optimize the potential and opportunities in developing the Ancestral Domains of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as an upland rice production area in the region. 

 

DA-10 Deputy Director for Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), Joel S. Rudinas, said the project provides the base for future agricultural development. 

 

He said by employing an area-based development system, this undertaking can spin out to other commodities in the value chain and integrate other agricultural livelihood activities that can significantly address poverty situations among the IP communities. 

 

Using Seedworks Philippines’ TH-82 hybrid rice production technology, the upland rice demo farm is set to be fully established during the 2024 wet cropping season. 

 

Also, in attendance during the hybrid upland rice technology demo farm launching ceremony are Atty. Burt M. Estrada, BUKTAMACO General Manager, Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist, Engr. Richard B. Leono, Malaybalay City Agriculturist, Janet D. Lopez, DVM, DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief, Lucille T. Minguez, DA-10 Regional Crops Protection Center chief. (ATT)