To rally support from the Local Government Units (LGUs) and its stakeholders in empowering farming communities to be more productive and in increasing food production in the country amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of Agriculture-XI has conducted a Regional Food Security Summit held on March 30 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
In a video message, DA Secretary William Dar highlighted the need for an inclusive approach in the agriculture sector to achieve its twin goal of Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita.
Department of Budget and Management Secretary Wendel E. Avisado in his message also expressed his support for the agriculture sector saying “the agriculture sector can always count on our support in the DBM.”
In his presentation of the Summit Framework, DA-XI Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. highlighted the big contribution of the LGUs in ensuring that the needs of farming communities are addressed and well-attended.
“Without you [the LGUs], efficient delivery of various assistance and services to our farmers and fishers would never be made possible,” said Oñate.
He added that this meeting of minds serves as a venue for the agency to know the challenges faced by farmers and fishers thru the workshop actively participated by stakeholders from various commodities such as rice, corn, swine, and banana.
Local Chief Executives (LCEs) from various cities, Provincial and Municipal Agriculturists, and representatives from various commodity stakeholders have attended the event.
The outputs of the said workshop will be submitted for the upcoming National Food Security Summit which will be attended by the Philippine President himself, Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Davao del Norte Provincial Governor Edwin Jubahib said that the gathering comes at an opportune time when everyone needs to work hand in hand to ensure food availability and market stability in the country.
“This is the time when we not only think and do for our own LGU but the country as a whole. We thank DA-XI for initiating an event like this where our stakeholders are given the chance to talk and share the challenges in farming. Effective communication between parties is always the way for an effective implementation of various programs and projects, ” said Jubahib.
On behalf of the Local Chief Executives in the region, Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon signed the pledge of commitment to support the agency’s programs and projects on food security. # # #(Text by Celso C. Vergara & Photo by Feliz Lim / DA-RFO X, RAFIS)
DA-RCPMC breaks ground for new lab facility
MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) breaks ground for the construction of the P4.9 million Integrated Biological Control Laboratory at the Regional Crop Pest Management Center (RCPMC) in Bangcud, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on March 29, 2021.
Dr. Luz I. Guzman, RCPMC chief said, that having the laboratory is a dream of every RCPMC.
“We would like to house all biological control agents that we rear in one building. This is where our clients, the farmers, could walk around and see how these look and work through glass panels,” she added.
Dr. Guzman emphasized the importance of biocon agents amid the ongoing health crisis.
“Biocon agents are agriculture’s natural defense in managing pests on crops. It is considered as one of the safest and best alternatives to chemicals. With this, we can help in producing healthier food for our country, also as defense against the current harsh environment brought by the pandemic.”
Meanwhile, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that the groundbreaking ceremony is a historical event for RCPMC.
“After 40 years, this is the first major project of RCPMC. We are hoping that through this project, it will initiate further development of the station. This is just the start, as more projects will be coming because we do not want RCPMC to be left behind.”
Said project is funded through the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) under the Integrated Laboratory Division.
Bayanihan 2 is the government’s second relief action intended for the country’s defense against health and economic challenges triggered by the COVID-19 crisis. # # # (CSeraspe / DA-RFO X, RAFIS)
DA9 supports new executive order in Zamboanga City
In Support to the Executive Order BC 642-2021 issued by Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco, effective April 1, 2021, the DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RFO-IX (#DA9) stationed personnel at the Licomo Border, to ensure the unhampered movement of food, food-related deliveries into the city.
DA9 Regional Technical Director for Operations Ferdinand D. Gamorot, along with personnel from DA RFO9 Pagadian, DA Ipil and DA Zamboanga city offices provided assistance, issued permits, clearances and certifications to food essential deliveries.
According to RTD Gamorot, the action taken initiated from the DA9 Regional Executive Director Rad Donn L. Cedeño to augment LGU support in inspection of food deliveries in the city.
“Our DA personnel will be present at the Licomo Border to ensure that there will be continuous flow of food essential deliveries in Zamboanga. We expect a number of deliveries since food supplies are also being brought to Isabela city, and Basilan province, including Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces,” said RTD Gamorot.
The DA regional team has also coordinated with the PNP, BFAR, DENR and City Agriculture to have a joint effort in supporting the strict implementation of the ZC executive order following the IATF Covid19 protocols. # # # (DA-RFO IX, RAFIS)