CARAGA
Construction of 30-ton ice plant to boost tuna industry of Placer, SDN
In a bid to strengthen the tuna industry of the municipality of Placer, DA-PRDP Caraga held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 30-ton ice plant and ice storage facility on October 2, at Magsaysay, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
Funded under the PRDP Scale-Up, the ice plant and storage facility addresses constraints in the postharvest of fresh tuna in the municipality, which currently get the bulk of their supply from ice suppliers in Butuan and Surigao City.
‘The ice plant responds to a long-felt need of the
fisherfolks here in Placer.
This is a priority subproject for the municipality as we are a crucial loading center of tuna in the Caraga region,’ said Emerita Elajas, Municipal Project Management and Implementation Unit (MPMIU) Head of Placer.
The ice plant, totaling PHP51M in cost, will be capable of producing 240 blocks of ice per day, weighing 125 kilograms per block. This influx of supply is seen to lower the costs of ice available to the municipality from PHP500 to PHP300.
‘We cannot quantify our joy now that the subproject has
Stories in this issue
RPAB Caraga approves first PRDP Scale-Up enterprise subproject Strengthening PRDP awareness among media practitioners in Caraga DA-PRDP Caraga Procurement wins big at cluster awards Convening cassava stakeholders to craft Mindanao-wide VCA
Convening cassava stakeholders to craft Mindanao-wide VCA
In its ongoing efforts to update the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) for the development of the cassava industry in Mindanao, DA-PRDP I-PLAN Components across six regions gathered in Butuan City from October 8 – 11 for the Cassava Stakeholders Consultation and Technical Writeshop.
Spearheaded by the DA-PRDP Caraga I-PLAN Component, the activity aims to consolidate data through meaningful consultation with stakeholders in the cassava industry, including DA-PRDP regional planners, cassava coordinators, and stakeholders from the private sector.
‘Through these consultations, we aim to strengthen collaborations and convergence among players across the value chain,’ said I-PLAN 13 Component Head Roberto Hipolao, Jr. ‘Ultimately, we have a positive market
outlook for the industry, and this consultation is one way we can identify key investments for cassava.’
Currently, cassava remains a priority commodity in all the regions of Mindanao.
The Value Chain Analysis, a scientific tool employed by DA-PRDP, seeks to analyze key interventions that can create value and
competitive advantage for the commodity along the various segments of the value chain.
Kicking off from the inputs gained during the consultation, participants proceeded to craft the cluster-wide VCA for cassava, to be consolidated and subjected to a Joint Technical Review for approval. ###
Consolidating data through meaningful consultation with stakeholders in the cassava industry is an essential step in crafting the VCA.
RPAB Caraga approves first I-REAP subproject under PRDP Scale-Up
The Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) of the Caraga region approved the Tuna Consolidation and Marketing with Cold Chain Facilities subproject for funding under the PRDP Scale-Up on October 4 at Butuan City.
Implemented by the Mangagoy Farmers Fisherfolks and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFFISCO – MPC) in Bislig City, the subproject is the first enterprise or I-REAP subproject to be approved by the RPAB within the whole Philippines.
Totaling PHP242M, it aims to strengthen the region’s tuna industry through the establishment of an ice plant with cold storage facility, addressing constraints in the delivery of input supply and processing.
‘This is a very significant subproject not only for the province of Surigao del Sur, as we are employing an inter-provincial perspective in the Scale-Up,’ said I-REAP
13 Component Head Lynn A. Pareñas. ‘It will open up new opportunities for small fisherfolks, preserving the
quality of their catch and allowing them to diversify their product offerings.’
MAFFISCO General Manager Rho Cougee C. Garrido meanwhile hopes that the subproject catalyzes the development of Bislig City’s tuna industry, extending to the greater area of the province and even the whole region.
Chaired by the Department of Agriculture led by Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen, the RPAB is responsible for the review and approval of all PRDP subprojects at the regional level. ###
Strengthening PRDP awareness media practitioners in Caraga
In a bid to build Project awareness among information and communication networks across the Caraga region, the DA – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Caraga InfoACE unit spearheaded a two-day expository tour for fourteen of its media partners from November 6 – 7, 2024.
Providing media practitioners with first-hand exposure to completed DA-PRDP subprojects, the tour aims to highlight the impact these subprojects have had on the lives of beneficiaries and their respective communities.
‘We consider media practitioners throughout Caraga to be our partners. Through
this tour, they are able to have personal interactions with our beneficiary farmers and fisherfolk and can see for themselves the accomplishments and gains resulting from DA-PRDP support,’ said InfoACE Unit Head Emmylou T. Presilda.
Throughout the two-day expository tour, media partners gained first-hand knowledge of the accomplishments, milestones, and operations of two completed enterprise subprojects in the region.
This includes the best practices in producing quality Robusta coffee, gleaned through a visit to the Green Coffee Beans Production and Marketing subproject managed by the Casiklan Wheels Farmers
Association Inc. (CAWFAI) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.
Processes in seaweed production were also discussed by the People Unite to Guard Aqua Marine Wealth Inc. (PUGAW Inc), the Proponent Group managing the Seaweeds Production and Marketing subproject in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
‘[Through this tour], I was able to see for myself the dedication these associations have in sustaining their enterprises, and their continuing efforts in uplifting their communities,’ said Manuel Egay, Jr., Correspondent for Netz TV Karaga. ‘It is evident that the
support from DA-PRDP and various agencies has led to progress for these groups.’
Strong and enduring partnerships with media practitioners in the region continue to be a priority for the Department of Agriculture, particularly in disseminating information on the agency’s
various initiatives and programs.
‘We hope to be able to schedule other activities like this as there are still a lot of initiatives we would like to highlight. We want to show our partners what the DA is working on to help our farmers and promote our commodities in the
region,’ said Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen.
The Information, Advocacy, Communication, and Education (InfoACE) unit is the communication arm of the DA – Philippine Rural Development Project.
Media partners gained first-hand exposure to completed subprojects, witnessing the impact they have had on beneficiaries.
DA-PRDP Caraga Procurement wins big at cluster awards
DA-PRDP Caraga’s Procurement unit took home three major recognitions, including the coveted Gold Award, and two minor awards during the recently-concluded Procurement Mindanao cluster coordination meeting held in Davao City from November 26 to 29, 2024.
During the meeting, PSO Mindanao Deputy Project Director Carlene C. Collado highlighted the Procurement unit’s critical
role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of DA-PRDP subprojects, especially as the Project works to fast-track processes to reach targets and timelines set for the end of the year.
Recognized as the top performer among all Procurement units in the Mindanao cluster, the unit garnered the following awards:
- Gold Award (First in Overall Performance for 2024)
- Fastest Region to Clear Process Delays in the World Bank’s STEP Portal
- Most Updated Region in the World Bank STEP and SIDLAN Portal
- Ranked 2nd in Best Post Procurement Review
- Ranked 3rd in Shortest Procurement Timeline
Parliamentary procedure training to improve DA-PRDP enterprises
To enhance the organizational processes of enterprises supported by DA-PRDP, DA-PRDP Caraga’s I-REAP Component gathered enterprises across the region for a Training on Parliamentary Procedures, held in Butuan City from December 16 – 17.
The training is seen to improve enterprises’ understanding of parliamentary procedure, seen as an essential ingredient in fostering accountability, effective
governance, and adherence to established rules and guidelines.
‘Capacity building activities are essential initiatives of the Department of Agriculture,’ said Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen. ‘This training in particular is vital to the organization’s daily transactions as it will speed up its processes and ensure adherence to official procedure.’
Apart from providing a solid
foundation of knowledge on the principles of parliamentary procedure, the training also sets out to train potential leaders and capacitate officers in facilitating board meetings and organizational decisions.
Ten enterprises supported by the I-REAP Component were trained on the fundamentals of parliamentary procedures, including facilitating meetings and sessions, constitutions, and classification of motions. ###
Enhancing food safety practices among DA-PRDP enterprises
‘Understanding food safety is crucial as food safety is a basic and universal concern,’ this was Microbiologist Dinah Lyra Pantaleon’s message as she led the I-REAP Training on Food Safety held from November 18 – 19, in Butuan City.
In its continuing efforts to enhance the capacities of DA-PRDP-supported enterprises, Caraga’s I-REAP component trained seven Proponent Groups on the fundamentals of food safety, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), contamination risks and hazards, and personal hygiene in food processing.
‘Using the skills gained from this training, participants can improve their practices and level up their operations for their enterprises,’ said Pantaleon.
All beneficiaries of completed enterprise subprojects from DA-PRDP, participating Proponent Groups are mostly engaged in food processing, with some exploring value-adding options for their products.
‘I am really grateful for the lessons I have gained from this training as it will assist our cooperative as we work towards securing
certification from the FDA,’ said SANIDECO Secretary Charian L. Amad.
Enterprises involved in bangus production, banana consolidation, seaweed production, green coffee beans production and consolidation, rubber production, and processing of naturally grown rice were in attendance at the training. ###
The Food Safety Training is part of DA-PRDP’s continuing efforts to enhance the capacities of supported enterprises.
Ice Plant Groundbreaking
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started construction,’ said Municipal Mayor Jovymarie C. Villazon. ‘The completion of this ice plant is crucial to increasing the incomes of our community.’
A preconstruction conference with fisherfolks and fish brokers in Placer was conducted shortly after the groundbreaking.
Once completed, the ice plant and storage facility will benefit 16,455 individuals and 20 barangays in the municipality of Placer.
The Establishment of 30 Tons Ice Plant and Ice Storage Facility is one of four subprojects funded under the PRDP Scale-Up currently undergoing implementation in the region.
An expanded version of the original PRDP, the PRDP Scale-Up is to be implemented from 2023 until 2029.
CARAGA
PRDP inFOCUS is the quarterly newsletter of the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) 13
Two Caraga enterprises showcase products at DA-PRDP bazaar
Two enterprises supported by DA-PRDP Caraga exhibited their products at the DA-PRDP Exhibit held at the DA Central Office in Quezon City from December 2 - 6.
Robusta coffee produced by the Casiklan Wheels
Farmers Association Inc. (CAWFAI) and organic rice produced by the San Isidro Parish Binucayan Area Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIPBAFAMCO) were displayed during the exhibit’s run.
Part of the 18th World Bank Implementation Support Mission (WB-ISM) to DA-PRDP and the 3rd WB-ISM to the PRDP Scale-Up, the exhibit serves as a platform for enterprises to widen their markets, network with potential buyers, and drive further interest and support for their products.
CAWFAI from Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, and SIPBAFAMCO from Loreto, Agusan del Sur are part of 23 enterprises that showcased their products at the exhibit.
Photos from NPCO InfoACE and DA-AFID.
EDITORIAL BOARD
EMMYLOU T. PRESILDA
Editor-in-chief
NICHOLE L. TALATALA
Writer/Layout Artist
WILFREDO C. ABREA
NICHOLE L. TALATALA
TECHNICAL ADVISERS
ARLAN M. MANGELEN
Photographers Project Director
JODEL A. TABADA
Deputy Project Director
Municipal Mayor Jovymarie Villazon expressed her gratitude over the construction of the ice plant.