BRINGS PROGRAMS CLOSER TO ISLANDERS DA SERBISYO FAIR
The Department of Agriculture –Caraga held its DA Serbisyo Fair in General Luna, Siargao Island, on May 22, offering the agency’s services and assistance directly to the residents of the island.
Alongside DA-Caraga, twelve DA-attached agencies and bureaus participated in the DA Serbisyo Fair, providing various interventions such as planting materials of different crops, drugs and biologics, and fertilizers.
Additionally, services such as National Coconut Farmers’ Registry System (NCFRS) registration, Fisheries Scholarship Program orientation and application, RCEF certification, incentives orientation, technical assistance, and the distribution of information, education, and communication materials were
STORY BY KENT WARREN H. FUGOSO
freely provided to the farmers and fisherfolk from the nine municipalities of Siargao Island.
Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen said, “The entire contingent of the Department of Agriculture came here to provide the necessary services to our farmers and fishermen on the island of Siargao.”
General Luna Vice Mayor Dr. Romina Sajulga expressed her gratitude to the DA for extending the Serbisyo Fair to the island. “As an island with booming tourism, we must rely on local production to meet the growing food demand. By empowering and strengthening our farmers and fishers through government assistance like the DA Serbisyo Fair, we can achieve this goal,” Vice Mayor Sajulga said.
From the DA, approximately P500,000 worth of planting materials such as American lemon, pili, mushroom, banana, guyabano, and vegetable seeds were given to selected Local Government Units (LGUs) and Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs). A total of 600 heads of free-range chickens and Itik Pinas ducklings were also distributed.
Outreach Program
One of the highlights of the Serbisyo Fair was the outreach for livestock farmers facilitated by the Livestock Program of DACaraga. Free services such as vitamin administration, deworming, pregnancy diagnosis, and artificial insemination were provided to the livestock farmers of Brgy. Tawin-tawin in General Luna.
IN CARAGA MIADP LAUNCHES
STORY BY VERNON JIO VIAJAR
The Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP) Caraga Region held its Regional Launch at the Grand Palace Hotel in Butuan City on May 20.
The DA-MIADP is a World Bankassisted project which aims to enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and access to markets in selected Ancestral Domains of Mindanao.
The project’s beneficiaries include Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) and indigenous cultural communities and/or indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the eligible ancestral domains (ADs) as recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
In Caraga, the rriority coverage areas for CY 2023 to 2028 are Certificate of Ancestral Domain
Title (CADT) 078 Rosario and CADT 136 Bunawan, both of Agusan del Sur.
The Caraga launching featured officials including DA Regional Executive Director & MIADP Caraga Project Director Arlan M. Mangelen, Regional Technical Director for Operations & Deputy Project Director (DPD) Rebecca R. Atega, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Regional Director Ordonio P. Rocero, Jr., Project Support Office (PSO) Deputy Project Director Engr. Cristy Cecilia P. Polido, and World Bank (WB) Task Leader Mio Takada, who participated via teleconference.
Regional Executive Director
Arlan M. Mangelen assured tribal members on MIADP sub-projects.
“As the Project Director of MIADP [Caraga], I will ensure to all of you, that whatever the corresponding
projects that are reserved for you, will be delivered to you,” Mangelen said.
Moreover, WB Task Leader Mio Takada emphasized the importance of the project to the World Bank. “MIADP is very important for the World Bank because it directly benefits the individuals who are the focus of our mission and support efforts,” Takada said.
Tribal chieftains Hawudon Peñaloga and Hawudon Reyes both expressed their commitment and gratitude to the project and how it will benefit the community substantially. Highlighting their unwavering support to the project.
On the other hand, DPD Atega, extended her appreciation to the participants especially members of the Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities
ASPIRE TO ASPIRE THE FUTURE OF AGRIBUSINESS
STORY BY KENT WARREN H. FUGOSO
Integrating marketing development support services for farmers, fisherfolk, micro-small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and other stakeholders on one platform is an initiative that helps shape the future of the agribusiness industry in the region. ASPIRE – Caraga has once again proven that the agribusiness industry in the region is growing and thriving.
The Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expositions, known as ASPIRE in the Caraga Region, staged its fifth season on May 25-27, at Robinsons Place Butuan City.
The event, a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture –Caraga, Department of Trade and Industry – Caraga, and the Butuan
City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc., supported a total of 121 exhibitors comprising MSMEs, Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), agripreneurs, and local enterprises.
Showcase of Products and Triumphs
For DA-Caraga Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief Lynn Pareñas, ASPIRE Caraga is an avenue to showcase the hard work and triumphs of participating enterprises.
“This is for our old, new, and emerging products from all the provinces of the region to show their products to a bigger market, especially our Young Farmers
Challenge (YFC) Awardees, some of whom are first-timers in this kind of setting,” Pareñas said.
A first-time exhibitor and 2023 YFC Awardee, Anthony Buntag from Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, showcased his product, Anton’s Roast and Toast Drip Coffee, which made a significant impression among mall-goers during the exhibit.
“I am thankful to DA-Caraga for providing me this opportunity to showcase our products to a bigger market. This will help me find potential markets for my agribusiness,” Buntag said.
A Platform for Progress
Agribusiness success hinges on more than just hard work; it entails
CARAGA
progress, concepts, and strategies to stand out in a very competitive market.
One of the drives of ASPIRE Caraga is to mentor participants, equipping them with essential tools and knowledge to elevate their businesses.
Seminars on digital marketing, crafting business concepts, investment forums, skills demonstrations, and seminars on packaging and labeling were among the support and educational opportunities provided freely to exhibitors in partnership with the DTI, Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and private sector entities such as Pilmico, BMEG, and iPac.
Ethel Radaza, owner of Radaza Food Products, a Butuan City Chamber of Commerce-assisted enterprise, highlighted that her five-year participation in ASPIRE Caraga has greatly contributed to her success.
“With this kind of platform, I was able to connect with different sectors and industries to elevate my agribusiness. The training provided has been very helpful. Currently, my market linkage has reached Luzon and the Visayas islands. All thanks to platforms like these,” Radaza said.
Helping Elevate Your Agribusiness
Apart from the aforementioned activities, partners from the private sector and startup incubators and accelerators also presented their programs and support for interested MSMEs, FCAs, and agripreneurs.
One such initiative is the Tara Agri Aqua Technology Business Incubator (TAATBI), a startup funded by DOST-PCAARRD and based at Caraga State University –Main Campus.
Kenneth Boyles, TAATBI Project Technical Assistant, said that their program focuses on incubating agriculture and aquatic startups by providing assistance from product development to commercialization, particularly in training, funding, and access to facilities and equipment to enhance their products and improve their business operations.
Furthermore, for the packaging and labeling of various agri-aqua products, iPak of the Treasure Island Industrial Corporation aims to assist new business ventures with their packaging needs.
iPak Business Development Officer Windel Malinog mentioned that their company has supported several MSMEs and agripreneurs in the region, especially in printing pouches and producing microwavable products. One such enterprise is Radaza Food Products.
The Path Forward
Achieving a successful agribusiness can be tough. There are challenges along the way such as fluctuation of sales.
However, this year, ASPIRE Caraga reported a remarkable 32% increase in overall sales compared to the previous year. Sales reports from the DA-AMAD shows that a total of P626,862.00 was generated, with P104,552.00 from enterprises in the Province of Dinagat Islands, followed by P100,536.00 from the province of Agusan del Norte.
This represents the tangible progress made by local agripreneurs and serves as a promising indicator of the region’s potential.
As Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen said, “We will continue empowering agripreneurs through education, innovation, and collaboration.”
Now, ASPIRE Caraga does not only aspires but ensures that the agricultural sector in the Caraga region will pave the way to a prosperous future for all involved.
DA-CARAGA DISTRIBUTES GOAT MODULE FOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT IN SIBAGAT, ADS
STORY BY KENT WARREN H. FUGOSO
The Department of Agriculture - Caraga, through its Livestock Program, awarded the Tag-oyango Multi-purpose Cooperative (TMPC) with interventions worth P2.5 million in support to the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) of the National Livestock Program (NLP). The awarding ceremony took place on May 10 at Barangay Tag-oyango in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
The Goat Module package, which includes the establishment of a Goat Facility, procurement of 42 heads of goats, a Forage Chopper, Forage Mixer, and Milking Equipment, was received by TMPC Chairperson Fe M. Serabia.
Serabia expressed her gratitude to the DA-Caraga to have received the grant, saying, “We are thankful for being chosen as one
of the grantees of this program; rest assured that we will do our best to make this a success.”
Jekem Sanchez, Regional Livestock Coordinator, also added, “Because this is an enterprise, our main objective here is indeed business. Let’s keep in mind that this project needs to be developed by us. Let’s revisit our agreement that we need to collaborate.”
Since the establishment of the program in 2022, the Livestock Program has identified seven (7) LEED Projects, four (4) of which are the Cattle Module worth P1.5M each, one (1) Goat Module worth P2.5M, one (1) Duck Module worth P1.8M, and one (1) Free-Range Chicken Module worth P2M.
In 2023, it has identified 31 projects for distribution, 25 of these are the
Ready-to-Lay Chicken Module worth P2.1M each, and six (6) Goat Modules at P3M each.
The LEED Program of the NLP aims to bolster the livestock subsector’s contribution to increasing the income of smallholder farmers through the distribution of modules as grants.
The program offer technical assistance to farmers or beneficiaries’ to enhance their production and elevate it to an enterprise level by value-adding initiatives.
The event was graced by Municipal Agriculturist Nerissa Nerio, SB Members Jovan Duarte, Salvador Bares Jr., APCO Agusan del Sur Chief June Anthony Ouano, and Barangay Officials of Brgy. Tag-oyango.
A total of 10 carabaos received vitamin administration, 8 were treated for deworming, 2 underwent pregnancy diagnosis, and another 2 were artificially inseminated. A total of six livestock farmers were served during the Bayanihan outreach.
Livestock Program Regional Coordinator Jekem Sanchez said that the outreach program will be beneficial for the livestock sector.
“Checking the status of the animals is important because there is no regular access to this on the island. This can help the large ruminant sector, especially with artificial insemination, since there is no AI technician based on the island,” Sanchez said.
Bringing Affordable Produce to the Island
Aside from providing free services, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo also brought in affordable produce that locals could enjoy at a much lower prices.
One of the locals who benefited from the price difference was Milyn Pitanga, a resident of General Luna, Siargao.
“I hope this Service Fair, especially the Kadiwa, returns to the island because I bought fruits like avocado and bananas earlier, and they were really much cheaper compared to our local sources here on the island. Even though this activity is just for one day, at least I was able to save money on my purchases,” she said.
Among the Kadiwa sellers participating in the event was the Sumilihon-Taguibo Farmers Association (STFA). They utilized the hauling truck provided by the Enhanced Kadiwa Grant program to transport over 3,500 kg of vegetables and other farm products to the island.
The DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) recorded a total sales of P142, 358.00 from the 14 participating Kadiwa Beneficiary Suppliers at the event.
Helping Farmers Directly
Romell Llento, a farmer from Brgy. Kangkohoy in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, is one of the hundreds of farmers who availed of free services from DA. His long-time problem with his 4-hectare land area can finally be solved because of the free Biological Control Agents (BCA) he received from the fair.
“My plants suddenly died. When I went to the Research Booth, I asked what solution there might be for my problem. Based on their initial diagnosis, bacteria in the plants were killing my vegetables. They gave me a lot of BCAs to apply on my vegetables,” he said.
Llento hopes that the Serbisyo Fair can come again to the island so more farmers, especially those in the far-flung areas, can avail of the same programs he did.
“We are grateful that the agriculture programs are not just all talk but are actually being implemented. The government shows concern and provides solutions for us farmers. We hope you will keep coming back,” Llento added.
Lydia Aparre, one of the Kadiwa beneficiaries sells her fresh produce in the DA Serbisyo Fair in Siargao Islands.
regional update
HIGH-VALUE CROPS FARMERS APPRECIATE
BIOCON AGENTS
Aimed at helping farmers manage, improve, and protect crops from pests and plant diseases using biological control agents (BCA) the Department of Agriculture-Caraga conducted a four-day Information Caravan in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, on May 21–24.
Around 160 cacao, banana, abaca, and vegetable farmers in Prosperidad, and Loreto, of Agusan del Sur, and Hinatuan and San Agustin of Surigao del Sur, were introduced to beneficial microorganisms that can help safeguard their crops from the threat of pests and diseases while maintaining the safety of both consumers and farmers.
The activity was facilitated by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) in coordination with the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) and the Local Government Units.
RCPC Officer-in-Charge Ana Marie Plaza said that within the Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the use of BCA has been considered an important sustainable alternative because they do not harm beneficial organisms in the environment.
“Aside from crop pest management activities, RCPC is into mass production of natural enemies in the fields such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens to reduce the detrimental effects of harmful organisms to farmers expected production. The distribution of the BCA’s are for free, farmers will just coordinate with their City/
Municipal Agriculture Office and submit a letter request,” Plaza said.
Based on the RCPC data, for the past three years the number of farmers in the region that uses biocontrol agents increased reaching 355 in 2023 compared to 208 farmers in 2021 or an equivalent to 70.67% increase.
The Regional Crop Protection Center of the DA-Caraga produces 13 kinds of BCA, namely Metarhizium anisopliae, Trichoderma harzianum, Beauveria bassiania, Trichogramma chilonis, Predatory Stink Bug, Green Lacewing, Earwig (Euborella annulate, Chelisoches morio), and Coccinellid beetle (Chilocorus nigrita, Telsimia niida).
Ateliano Luardo II of Loreto, Agusan del Sur said he is really thankful for the conduct of the caravan and that he was able to attend it. “I learned a lot from this activity such as there are actually beneficial insects which can help us farmers in controlling the harmful insects. Now that we know about these natural farm inputs, we can lessen our expenses,” he said.
(IPs/ICCs). “I would like to thank everyone who showed up today and celebrated with us in this very momentous event which signals the official start of MIADP in Caraga Region.”
The event also saw the participation of various national and local government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Cooperative Development Authority, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Regional State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Provincial Local Government Units (LGUs) from Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur, as well as members of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities (IPs/ICCs), were also present.
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