Saturday, March 29, 2025

Tag: The Department of Agriculture

Malaybalay City coop acquires P3-M combine harvester from DA-NorMin

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Linabo Agrarian Reform Cooperative (LARC), a ninety-active-membered farmers’ group, is eyed to augment their productivity and income after being granted a combine harvester worth P3 million (M) from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado

On July 21, Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, Ph.D. together with Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM of DA-10, led in conferring the certificate of turnover thru the City Government of Malaybalay, helmed by Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran represented by its Chief Executive Assistant Anthony James Mondia, and finally, to the benefitting coop, LARC led by its Chairperson Aurelio E. Salem.

Pooled from CY 2022 funds under the agency’s Corn program, said unit is a grain crop, labor- and time-saving harvesting machine that combines reaping, threshing, cleaning, and bagging into a single operation.

It is targeted to serve LARC’s existing production area, which is composed of 236.7 hectares for corn, and 196.7 hectares for rice, with a potential area of 200 hectares.

Dr. Guzman urged them to value and maximize the use of said machinery by setting aside funds for its repair and maintenance, which would overall help elevate LARC’s operations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mondia noted the synergistic efforts – from the national, provincial, city, and down to barangay governments- to acquire a combine harvester unit that would directly benefit the farmers in barangay Linabo.

In response to the messages of support and anchoring on the coop’s mission of uplifting the life of its members and agrarian reform beneficiaries, LARC chairperson Salem is grateful that the government has seen its potential to manage the combined harvester.

Likewise, the coop head committed that under his wing, they will exercise responsibility, accountability, and transparency, in whatever available resources they have for the benefit of their members, fellow farmers, and their community.

Apart from the provided machinery, LARC has also availed other forms of assistance from DA-10, such as agricultural inputs and financial aid.

Now in its silver year, it continues to venture into production, processing, and marketing, with reach not just limiting to the locality but also in the cities of Valencia, Cagayan de Oro, and Iligan, and the towns of Maramag and Cabanglasan in Bukidnon.

Also supporting the cooperative during the turnover ceremony is the City Government of Malaybalay thru its agriculture and engineering offices, the local barangay of Linabo, and the Department of Agrarian Reform. (DA RDO0-10)

Damulog farmers to benefit corn seeds, fertilizers from Agri-10

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Targeted to ease farmers’ brunt on the increasing costs of farm inputs, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over seeds and fertilizers to 16 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), at the Municipal Gymnasium, Poblacion, Damulog, Bukidnon

Funded by the Corn program, the roster of interventions conferred by the agri department is composed of 625 bags of hybrid corn seed (9 kilograms per bag) complemented with 625 bags of complete fertilizer (50 kgs/bag), which are targeted for distribution to select FCA members who are enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Facilitated by the agri office of said municipality, the turnover was graced by DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief of Bukidnon, Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Mayor Melino L. Burro, Councilor Ronald Virtudazo, committee on agriculture, and Herberto L. Tan, MAO officer-in-charge. (DA RFO-10)

Solon distributes P1-B agri projects in N. Mindanao

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Senator Imee Marcos led on July 20, 2023, the distribution and launch of Php1 billion worth of agriculture projects for farmers in the Northern Mindanao Region

During her visit, Marcos said Misamis Oriental will receive PHP522.8 million worth of projects, and an initial PHP82.7 million for the local government here, as part of the “OneDA” program under the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“I am hopeful that these different projects involve the interventions of additional planting materials, semen straws, and chicken multiplier farms,” she said.

Marcos said the funding could be used in swine clustering, forage seeds, rabbits, provision of chicken supplies, and the putting up small village-type feed mills.

The National Irrigation Authority in Northern Mindanao (NIA-10) will get PHP478 million, of which PHP133 million will go to irrigation development projects.

The funding will also be an allotment for repairing and restoring communal and national irrigation systems and service roads toward national irrigation systems.

DA-10 Executive Director Carlene Collado said the city would have as much as PHP118.3 million on top of what Marcos had earlier committed.

“We will be handling the certificate of turnovers for our current budget for this year,” he said, adding the projects will be given to the different farmer cooperatives and associations.

Lilian Antigua, a OneDA beneficiary, said the programs improve their living conditions and the distribution of their produce to a broader market.

“We can now have a place to place our produce and sell them through ‘Kadiwa’ (program), and through that, we were able to sell it in many places,” she said in the vernacular.

Marcos also attended several turnover projects and a graduation ceremony for senior high school graduates of the Asian Business Cabletow Cooperative Academy. (PNA)

Construction begins on trading post in Malaybalay City

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

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

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

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

The trading post will not only facilitate transactions between farmers and buyers but also promote direct engagement with consumers. This will enable consumers to have access to fresh, locally sourced produce while supporting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in the city.

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

Construction begins on trading post in Malaybalay City

Posted on by cmn

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

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

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

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

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

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

access for agricultural products. (LGU Malaybalay)

Women Unite in its 1st Organic Agriculture in Asia Summit

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KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte – Over 30 dedicated women representing diverse organizations and agencies across the Philippines convened for the 1st Women in Organic Agriculture (WOA) in Asia Summit

The summit aims to foster engaging discussions and exchange valuable insights regarding the various strategies employed by women in the field of organic agriculture.

Launched on November 26, 2021, WOA is a sector group of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)—Organics Asia that aims to amplify women’s voices in the organic sector throughout Asia, ensuring their representation and participation are duly recognized and celebrated.

The participants in this summit hailed from various provinces, including Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Bukidnon, among others. Among these remarkable women, Marivic Tagupa, the founding president of WOA Philippines, passionately expressed the vision of the organization: a healthy mother earth.

“The WOA’s vision is a healthy mother earth, with its mission to help our mother earth. My purpose of life is to love mother earth through organic because that’s my only way to help mother earth,” she said.

A significant milestone during the summit was the oath-taking ceremony for the WOOA-Ph officers and lady focal points. Furthermore, WOA-Ph solidified its commitment to the cause by signing a memorandum of commitment with IFOAM-Organics Asia.

This agreement officially launched and initiated various activities aimed at bolstering the participation and representation of women in the organic sector in the Philippines.

These activities encompass recruiting new members, facilitating engagement in related events, and fostering collaborative efforts as agreed upon by both parties.

The discussions held at the summit revolved around the themes of gender equality and the pivotal role of women in organic agriculture. Esteemed organizations such as IFOAM-Organics International and the Intercontinental Network of Organic Farmers Organizations led these enlightening discussions.

Karen Mapusua, the president of IFOAM-Organics International, emphasized the significance of inclusive conversations, transcending barriers of gender, age, culture, and geographical location. She stressed the urgent need for governments to align their policies with principles of inclusion and equity.

“The final step in strategic action includes the focus on conveying inclusive conversation across gender, age, culture, and place. And also to review our government instructions collided with the principles of inclusion and equity,” she said.

Throughout the summit, several esteemed female leaders shared their inspiring experiences within the realm of organic agriculture. Arlene Dayo, the municipal agriculture officer of Goa, Camarines Sur, shed light on their successful organic agriculture program.

Rebecca R. Atega, the Lady Focal Person of National Government Agencies, and the Department of Agriculture Caraga Regional Technical Director, presented their office’s remarkable initiatives.

Additionally, Maria Liza L. Evangelista, the vice mayor and owner of La Granja de Jas Family Farm in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, recounted her personal journey in establishing an organic family farm amidst the pandemic.

“My big voice is anchored in three things: a sustainable source of safe and healthy food for my family and community; good stewardship of my body and environment; and leading my people by my own example and being a catalyst of change in my own municipality,” Evangelista said.

The WOA summit is just one of the events in organic agriculture held in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

Other events were the Organic Youth Forum, the 9th Asian Local Government for Organic Agriculture Summit, the 4th Global Alliance of Organic Districts Summit, and the 6th Organic Asia Congress, which attracted participants and delegates from 32 different countries and areas worldwide, including China, South Korea, Portugal, the Maldives, Mongolia, and more. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)

DA-10 distributes P4.8M in cash aid to Bukidnon farmers

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MALAYBALAY CITY – Each of the 965 rice farmers in Maramag, Bukidnon, received P5,000 in cash aid from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado said that the Department of Agriculture granted P4.825 million in cash aid to eligible rice farmers in Bukidnon through the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program.

“The Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) is a registry of farmers, fisherfolk, and farm laborers that serves as a targeting mechanism for the identification of beneficiaries for different agriculture-related programs and services of the government,” he said.

Collado explained that only those RSBSA-registered rice farmers who till no more than 2 hectares of rice fields are qualified to receive the assistance.

He also emphasized that the RFFA is part of the DA’s continuing effort and strategy to increase rice production volume in the country amid the observed increase in prices of farm inputs and challenging weather conditions. It is being funded through the Rice Tariffication Law.

Under said legislation, excess tariffs collected on imported rice will be appropriated as cash subsidies to rice farmers for a span of six years, from 2019 until 2024.

According to Luis Estenzo, a 74-year-old rice farmer, the RFFA payout is timely for the wet cropping season.

“Ako ni ipalit og abono ang akong nadawat nga hinabang kay padulong na ko magsabwag. Nagpasalamat ko sa DA kay dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa mga mag-uuma sama nako,” Estenzo said.

(I will use this to buy fertilizer because I will start planting soon. I thanked the DA for giving this cash aid to a farmer like me)

To date, DA-10 has released a total of P164.795 million in cash aid to 32,959 rice farmers across northern Mindanao. (DA-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Yellow, white corn cultivars introduced in DA’s research complex

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DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado together with private seed companies, introduces the latest yellow and white corn varieties via a corn derby, kicking off with a ceremonial planting here, on May 16, 2023

The activity aims to champion the performance of 17 corn cultivars this wet cropping season under said area’s soil and climatic conditions at an elevation of 968 meters.

According to Dir. Collado, the corn derby will be a good showcase for corn farmers to witness first-hand the performance of different corn varieties in terms of their yield, resistance to pests and diseases, drought tolerance, production cost, and returns when selecting their preferred cultivars.

Eight seed companies participated, bringing in their respective corn varieties, with each being planted to a 764 square meter area in the agency’s research complex, Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC).

These include Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (NK505BGT), Bayer (DK8899S and DK8131S), Bioseed Research Philippines (H101G and B9909G), Corteva Agriscience (P3660YHR, P3645YR, and P4124YHR), RJR Agro-Industrial Enterprises (Maharlika 315, Maharlika 514 and Maharlika 8888), and Evo Gene Seeds, Corp. (Evo 9307).

Rounding up the list of participating entities are Asian Hybrid Seed Tech, Inc. (AH Supreme 5150 and J505) and Vigour Seeds Dev., Inc. (Mais Swerte, Maize D30, and Mais Tisa), with the last two entities deferring their planting due to their early maturing corn variety entries.

“We thank DA-10 for this [corn derby] initiative as this will be a great help for our corn farmers to determine which cultivars are appropriate and fit to be planted here in Northern Mindanao,” Allan L. Presillas, Research and Development manager of Vigour remarked, as their company embarks on their first ever participation.

In a briefing, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot also reminded them, as DA-10’s partner seed companies, to provide packages of their planting protocol for proper generation of corn derby results, at the same time for information-dissemination purposes.

For the current year alone, DA-10 is set to procure Php265.2-million hybrid yellow corn seeds intended for 22,100 hectares of corn farms.

Leading the ceremonial planting is Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga with Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, Ph.D., Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and other staff from the Research and Operations divisions of DA-10, and representatives from the seed companies. (DA RF0-10)

DA-NorMin, seed companies prep for upcoming wet cropping corn derby

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To give farmers an informed basis on their preferred varieties towards attaining increased yield and income, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) convened with the representatives from the private seed companies on April 27 for this year’s conduct of a series of corn derby highlighting hybrid yellow and white corn cultivars for this upcoming wet cropping season in mid-May

Implemented by the Field Operations and Research divisions, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado remarked that the conduct of corn derbies remains relevant, as the department constantly seeks to achieve food and feed self-sufficiency.

Reinforcing the importance of said activity, the agri chief executive added that the results of the derby may play a significant influence in the selection of performing cultivars by corn farmers across varied agronomic conditions.

Which, eyed location sites for the showcase are the agency’s research complex (Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, and its research centers in Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon (Research Center for Upland Development) and in Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental (Research Center for Hillyland Development).

Dir. Collado furthered that the corn derbies will also help in determining the promising corn varieties, as it is one of the department’s bases in the procurement of corn seeds with a current year allocation of Php265.2-million for hybrid yellow corn alone.

Committing to engage in such exhibits and in attendance are from Syngenta Philippines, Inc., Bayer, Bioseed Research Philippines, Corteva Agriscience, Asian Hybrid Seed Tech, Inc., Vigour Seeds Dev., Inc., and RJR Agro-Industrial Enterprises.

While the participating seed companies have signified to pour their efforts to feature their exceptional corn varieties in different topographies, DA-10 Regional Corn focal person Richan D. Lacanaria enjoined for an intensified coordination between their team and the agri department, in the hopes of properly keeping and tracking records of the performance of all corn variety entries.

On the other hand, the research division assured by providing the outcome of the derbies in the near future, especially so that cost and return analysis plays a large role in evaluating a particular corn cultivar.

As agreed, a total of 15 hybrid yellow corn varieties and 2 hybrid white corn cultivars are set to be planted in both NMACLRC and RCUD, while targeted in RCHD are 14 hybrid yellow corn varieties and 1 hybrid white corn cultivar. (JLO/DA RFO-10)

DA-10 4Ks validates 5 sites in Impasug-ong town

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The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) program, visited five sites in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon to conduct a Preliminary Social Investigation (PSI)

With the program focused on serving the Indigenous People (IP) and Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC), DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the undertaking is in response to the local government of Impasug-ong’s request of broadening the reach of the 4Ks program in their locality.

Sites included are sitios Ananaso, New Imbatug, Paculab, Paganahan, and Ulayanon in barangay Kalabugao, which are all inhabited by the Higaonon tribe.

April Grace M. Racines, DA-10 4Ks focal person, said that the PSI gauges the agricultural needs and identifies the available crops and livestock in an area through interviews, geotagging, site inspection, and validation.

Results of the investigation, she added, will then be used to determine the necessary interventions to be poured out in the identified sites.

On top of the mentioned sitios, Dir. Collado detailed that eight more sites are eyed to be validated soon.

The 4Ks is a three-year special project of DA that aims to aid the IPs through agri-fishery-related livelihood projects and to capacitate them through agricultural skills training and workshops to increase their knowledge and productivity. (CRSeraspe/DA-10)