Feature: Beekeeping harmony: How stingless bees sweeten the lives of Higaonon tribe in Claveria
In the heartland of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, where the air is crisp and the mountains stand tall, a unique harmony of nature unfolds.
Here, amidst the lush greenery and thriving biodiversity, the sweet hum of tiny wings fills the air, a testament to the wonders of stingless bees, locally known as "kiyot." These diminutive pollinators have not only become the guardians of biodiversity but also purveyors of liquid gold—honey, that is.
The sweet and nutrient-dense honey has been used and considered a wonder elixir in ancient times and is cited in the Bible for its long shelf life.
The buzz among local beekeepers and Asian Apiculture Association (AAA) member Reynaldo Gil "Datu Makadingding" Lomarda is that stingless bees, or kiyot, indirectly promote organic farming.
As the founder and farm owner of Umanika Eco Cultural Farm in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Datu Makadingding integrates stingless beekeeping into his farm to promote mass pollination of the farm’s highland vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees.
A harvest of this golden liquid is assured for its health benefits. "Pollination should be the main goal; honey is just a bonus. Pollination, as a result of beekeeping, plays a vital role in biodiversity", Datu Makadingding said.
Choosing the right bee
Since stingless bees are endemic in the Philippines, Datu Makadingding emphasized the bee’s many advantages as the choice of bees among the Higaonons in their respective barangays in Claveria. Compared to other bees such as Asian honey bees or European honey bees, the latter need monitoring at least once a week to check for parasites since mites are considered the colony’s enemy.
A foul brood also causes colony collapse. A foul brood happens when there is a bacterial disease in the honeybee brood that is infected by the spore-forming bacterium Paenibacillus larvae.
Another advantage of choosing stingless bees is that they are not picky about the types of flowers available in the vicinity.
"The reason nga atong bees (stingless) ang gigamit, aron dili maglisod ug pangita since endemic siya [The reason why we use our local bees is because of their availability since they are endemic]. Also, stingless bees can be kept on a set of clustered coconut shells; they can thrive in the most unexpected places, since dili siya high maintenance [they are not high maintenance]," Datu Makadingding said.
An open area with flowering plants and trees is a prerequisite for beekeeping. Since a stingless bee’s scope of flight is half a kilometer radius, they are a big help in boosting coconut yield as well as pollinating high-value crops like mango and coffee. According to a recent study, a 40–60% increase in coconut yield is attributed to pollination by stingless bees.
Beekeeping as a source of income
A series of beekeeping trainings kicked off, initiated by GreenMinds Incorporated, in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC)-10 in May 2022, in the households of Claveria and Medina and with DTI-Misamis Oriental in Gitagum and Gingoog City.
As previously observed by Datu Makadingding, most of the participants have "kiyot" colonies in their households but were not given much attention for their value and potential as a money maker. This prompted the conduct of a beekeeping course in Sitio Kalhaan, Claveria.
Stingless beekeeping is a passive income source, and a buy-back scheme is effective and has a positive impact on the beekeeping communities. The crafting of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), a buyback scheme by GreenMinds Incorporated, promotes and practices sustainable beekeeping (and harvesting techniques).
Teaching the community and tribe members of Sitio Kalhaan how to propagate stingless bees with sustainability and care for the environment was the top priority. For this particular community-based project, the Higaonon tribe was trained on stingless bee propagation. During harvest time, Greenminds buys their bee products like honey and pollen at competitive prices. Another set of bee boxes was furnished for another round of beekeeping.
As per agreement with the beekeepers, GreenMinds Incorporated will buy back the honey and other by-products of the bees. The contract pollination in the community encourages the tribe to plant more flowering and fruit-bearing plants so that bees can open-source their pollen and nectar from them.
In a span of four to six months, beekeepers can harvest and sell 1,200 or 1,500 pesos per liter. To date, Datu Makadingding’s buying price for a boxful of stingless bee colonies is between P2,000 and P350 per kilo for both pollen and honey.
Establishing a colony
A set of 40 UPLB Tetragonula Pollinator Hive (UPLB-TPH) bee boxes were given as post-training support to the community by the ATI-RTC X in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro City. The UPLB Tetragonula Pollinator Hive (UPLB-TPH) box is designed by UPLB specifically for stingless bees, imitating their natural colony conditions.
The prescribed bee box size, which is approximately 12.5 cm x 10 cm, is ideal for stingless bees, or at least almost the same size as a stingless bee colony, since a bigger box means more time for the bees to fill in the entire box.
It is advised not to remove the horizontal divider of the box to ensure that the bees will fill every nook and cranny of the box. Also, it is natural for stingless bees to fix their environment and seal open spaces.
No honey flow season in Mindanao
"Usually sa uban nga lugar naay honey flow season, which normally falls sa summer season kay daghan bulak, so daghan sila honey, pero diri sa atoa nga even ang rainfall throughout the year, walay specific honey flow months dere sa Mindanao. Mao nay ilang advantage [Usually there is a honey flow season in other places, which normally falls during summertime since there are a lot of flowers during that time of the year, so honey is abundant. With the uneven rainfall throughout the year, we have no specific honey flow months here in Mindanao. That is their advantage]," Datu Makadingding said.
The buy-back scheme and regular supply of bee boxes proved effective in keeping the flow of honey [at least among regular buyers and patrons] since the beekeeping livelihood of the Higaonons is booming. Since the initial deposit of five beehive boxes in April to jumpstart their livelihood, 25 beehive boxes were harvested the following harvest season.
Datu Makadingidng also shared that stingless bees naturally choose two to three virgin queens on standby to keep the colony alive. Also, dili atangan ang flight path sa stingless bees para dili maalaan nga intruder, ug dili sila ma-agitate", he added.
Since the first boxful of bee colonies, Datu Makadingding plans to replicate the boxes made out of marine plywood and GI sheet and buy other bee-based products and byproducts such as honey, bee pollen, and propolis.
Sustainable harvesting
According to Datu Makadingding, stingless bee honey is proven to be more potent and nutritious than honey from other types of bees. Its honey is also high in medicinal value.
"For a stingless bee harvest, the best time to harvest is from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. when the bees are foraging. Avoid disturbing the bees during cloudy or rainy days. When transporting or transferring a colony, do it at night. Transporting or transferring at night is recommended since bees fly and are active in the morning, and it gives the other bees a chance to come home. Bees are typically inactive at night, so they gather around in their colony or hive", he said.
The beekeepers practice a harvesting method called drip harvesting by removing the honey pots and letting them drip overnight in a clean container.
"Sustainable harvesting happens when 50 to 75 percent lang ang i-harvest [is harvested]. I always tell them to practice discipline, exert control, and not be greedy when harvesting. If we harvest just half of their honey, the bees will only exert half the effort in producing what was taken away," Datu said.
Datu Makadingding’s next move is to make Sitio Kalhaan in Claveria and its neighboring areas a meliphony tourism capital through community enterprise.
"Sa pagkakaron, enterprise level na ang community sa Sitio Kalhaan diri sa Minalwang, ug dako among pasalamat sa GreenMinds Incorporated nga sa 23 years nila nga engagement sa community development, pinaagi kang Datu Makadingding, kami na train unsaon pag-plastar ug tranfer sa colony sa bee box [At the moment, the community in Sitio Kalhaan here in Minalwang is enterprise level, and we are very grateful to GreenMinds Incorporated that in their 23 years of engagement in community development, through Datu Makadingding, we have trained how to plaster and transfer the colony in a bee box]," shared Maria Tenila L. Pina-andel, Kalhaan Kabahiyanan Association president.
Apart from the shared wisdom, the hard work and perseverance in this desire are what they are trying to do so that the 51 members who were organized last February will be productive and active in beekeeping and farming, Datu Jeofily added.
As to its previous beekeeping training activities, the center provided post-training support, which included bee veils, TPH boxes, bee hives, and other hive tools. GreenMinds Incorporated, on the other hand, gave away seedlings of mulberries, shovels, TPH bee boxes, and bee veils as additional extension support to the budding beekeepers.
For more on stingless beekeeping, one may watch Agristoryahay sa ATI Season 2 episode 16 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Photo caption:
As the founder and farm owner of Umanika Eco Cultural Farm in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Datu Makadingding integrates stingless beekeeping into his farm to promote mass pollination of the farm’s highland vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees. (ATI-10)
DOST upgrades IP school bamboo crafts through GRIND program
DOST, Bukidnon LGUs updates contingency plans for DRRM
DOST, LGU Maramag to improve STEM learning in IP school
The Department of Science and Technology, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Maramag, is set to improve the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning of 81 pupils from Lumatung Pangukuyan Te Apu Man Ohay IP school through the provision of interactive courseware.
The DOST Courseware is a locally-produced, all-original Filipino highly interactive multimedia educational resource packages available both in Windows and Android versions, conceptualized, digitized and produced as spearheaded by the Science Education Institute (SEI-DOST) in partnership with the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI-DOST).
Through this project, the students have been provided with a SMART TV, two computer sets with printers, and 20 tablets installed with DOST – Courseware. The interactive and innovative learning is referred to as the Open Learning Space or the school’s modern library.
The courseware contains various materials and references for each grade level. Its main objective is to optimize, streamline and standardize educational lesson presentation in Science and Mathematics through the use of cost-effective and high-quality solutions. It is also to assist in developing competitive students who can maximize and enhance learning through the use of ICT, and equip teachers with supplemental tools to assist them not only in teaching but also in motivating their students to learn and participate in class discussions.
“We hope to create an environment where students can explore, experiment, and apply the skills they are learning,” Jose Joel Doromal, Maramag municipal mayor said during the launching.
He highlighted how innovation continues to shape the rapidly evolving world, which also increases the demand for individuals skilled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The DOST Courseware is seen to be useful as supplemental learning resources for the multi-grade school that also lacks books for their pupils.
The Department of Education and the Department of Information and Communications Technology have also signified support of this project and will be part of the implementation to assure maximum utilization of the gadgets provided.
Edwin Gurrea of DepEd Bukidnon reflected on an age-old saying that it takes a village to raise a child to thank the various agencies that cooperated in realizing the project.
“Multimedia is the future of learning and the future starts now,” Ritchie Mae Guno, provincial science and technology director of DOST Bukidnon said.
“We will rally for an improved learning system in the country. Together, we will rally for every Filipino child. Para sa isang MATATAG na Bayan.Para sa ating mahal na Pilipinas,” Bonifacio Buisa, School Principal reiterated the statement of VP Sarah Duterte as DepEd Secretary and committed to keeping the project well-implemented and monitored under his leadership.
Renelyn Grace Cajetas, project leader, directed the technology demonstration of DOST Courseware to the teachers and pupils in the afternoon before she ended the program with high praise to the educators of Lumatung Pangukuyan Te Apu Man Ohay for accepting the innovation presented to them for a lasting impact in the lives of their students.
The courseware is free to schools and can be accessed online as supplemental resources for teachers and students through the dost sei website. (Rashie Mae Deva Paano/DOST 10)
5 missing in Bukidnon landslide
Photo by RETT
Madlos' son and his wife killed in Bukidnon clash
Photo by 4ID
Bukidnon solon files bill seeking integration of financial literacy in Philippine education system
BUKIDNON 1st district Representative Joeman Alba has filed a legislative measure that seeks to integrate financial literacy in the Philippine education system.
Alba filed House Bill 3135 or "An Act declaring a national policy the integration of financial literacy in our education system as a tool for poverty alleviation and national development."
Alba said once this measure becomes a law, students will gain knowledge on financial literacy which he believes is a way to improve the lives of the people.
The Bukidnon lawmaker has always been an advocate of financial literacy.
Supplied Photo
Bukidnon solon files bill to convert Manolo Fortich into a city
Supplied Photo
Bukidnon's 'Autocharge' now seeks investors, market visibility
The "Trainer
Model for Instructional Automotive Charging System with Automatic Voltage
Regulator and Integrated Circuits" or the "Autocharge" is an updated,
affordable, and safe-to-use instructional trainer model for teaching automotive
charging systems.
One of the challenges in learning automotive technology is the technical gap among learners. Students need hands-on experience that requires actual interaction with automotive parts and demonstration from professors. However, this requires a lot of costs.
Autocharge seeks to address this gap by providing hands-on practice on automotive charging systems conveniently with reduced cost. Its charging system contains two circuits: an Integrated Circuit and an Automatic Voltage Regulator Circuit. It comes with an instructional manual and training sessions with instructors.
The Autocharge team is from Bukidnon State University (BukSu) in Region 10 with Mr. Rene M. Chavez as the inventor and Technical Lead. The team participated in the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) 2019 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (RICE) and was crowned one of the winners in the event.
The award qualified the invention for the agency's technology-entrepreneurship training entitled, "Transforming R&D Outputs into Innovations through Technopreneurship and Customer Validation (TransDI)," which aims to help RICE winners protect, transfer, and commercialize their inventions.
The team is open to partnerships with possible industry partners, especially with educational institutions that offer automotive courses. They are reachable through email at b[email protected] or phone at (088) 813-5661 to 5663. (PR)
Class on automotive course where the Trainer Model for Instructional Automotive Charging System is being used.
Hedcor Unveils P1.6-M Tribal Projects in Bukidnon
FULFILLING A PROMISE. The tribal project is an attestation of Hedcor's strong commitment in advancing the IP communities' dreams and aspirations from one generation to the next.
DOLE-10, CMU ink job placement office to boost employment aid
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10 Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (BPFO) and the Central Mindanao University (CMU) inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) making CMU a Job Placement Office, March 31, at CMU Office of the President Conference, Musuan, Dologon, Maramag, here.
DOLE-10 BPFO Chief Raul L. Valmores said, “The MOA enables the university to promote full employment, ensure equal work opportunities, strengthen and expand the existing employment facilitation machinery of the government in support of its massive job facilitation and substantial poverty alleviation program towards genuine inclusive growth.”
With the creation of the MOA, jobseekers in the province of Bukidnon, particularly the graduates and alumni of Central Mindanao University will be able to gain access to available job vacancies being offered by various employers. JPO-CMU is the first job placement office in the province of Bukidnon.
As JPO, it shall provide free employment facilitation services to its students and graduates, provide labor market information, facilitate implementation and/or provision of livelihood and self-employment programs and services. It may also refer applicants to government agencies for possible skills training and business financing.
Valmores said CMU, over the years, has been the department’s partner in providing employment opportunities to its students and alumni by hosting Trabaho-Negosyo-Kabuhayan (TNK) activities, which gave jobseekers access to secure and stable jobs as spearheaded by DOLE, in partnership with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
“The Office of Admissions, Scholarships, and Placement (OASP) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Maramag have been partners in facilitating job openings to the students and graduates; the yearly TNK Job and Business Fair has indeed benefitted “CMUan”. The PESO in partnership with DOLE supports CMU-JPO in its goal to strengthen employment and match the new entrants for a successful career-pathing,” Maramag PESO Manager Deoferd R. Paulin said.
The MOA signing was attended by the CMU President Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije; Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jose Alexander C. Abella; CMU OASP Director Dr. Denis A. Tan; and PESO Manager Deoferd R. Paulin.
Valmores said the creation and accreditation of the JPO-CMU is under the administration of the OASP Director.
JPO refers to a non-fee charging unit within an educational institution (EI) created under a MOA between an EI and the DOLE that provides employment facilitation services to its students and graduates, and coordinate its activities with the LGU PESO under its area of jurisdiction.
It also offers free referral and placement services for local employment and conducts career advocacy and employment coaching services and initiates and organizes job fairs to boost employment opportunities of graduating students and alumni. (DOLE-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
DA-NorMin officially launches P100-M Smart Greenhouse in Bukidnon
The Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) officially launched its fully constructed P100-M Smart Greenhouse inside its research station, the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Friday, April 1.
The Smart greenhouse is a state-of-the-art agricultural project granted by the South Korean government funded through its Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines, featuring Smart Greenhouse Technology for innovative production of strawberry, cherry tomato and white potato.
Mr. Jong-Soon Lee, President of Korean Agency of Education Promotion and Information Service (EPIS) in Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries said the Smart Greenhouse has been established based on Korean Smart Greenhouse Technology after customizing the Philippine climate and various conditions.
“Korean Smart Greenhouse Technology has been proven in terms of productivity and effectivity. I hope today’s event will serve as a meaningful step forward in developing the Philippine Agriculture by successful cooperation between Korea and the Philippines,” he said.
DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops and Rural Credit, Evelyn Laviṅa said that with the technology shared by the Korean government, it is high time to look into the modernization of the country’s agriculture.
She furthered escalating local production of high-value crops is highly potential with the use of the technology, particularly by enhancing production competitiveness of small and mid-sized farmers.
“This technology will greatly help in the national agenda of the Duterte administration towards Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita. This new technology is crucial in feeding the next generation,” she said, delivering DA Secretary William D. Dar’s message.
The Smart Greenhouse Project was subdivided into four components namely, the establishment of Smart Farm composed of 11 fully-automated Smart Greenhouses and 1 cold storage facility, development of a local distribution system, dispatch of experts, and capacity building for potential technology adopters.
The project is being co-implemented by the DA-RFO 10, EPIS in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with its three consortia: the Hangkyong National University (capacity building), Shinhan Globe (system), and Shinhan A-Tec (farm establishment).
Through the project, DA-RFO 10 primarily aimed to increase the production of quality strawberry, cherry tomato, and white potato as the next trademark products of Northern Mindanao.
In his message, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado assured the DA’s Korean partners of the agency’s interest and commitment to the Smart Greenhouse Project.
“We are very thankful for being the only region in the entire Mindanao to be chosen as the recipient of the Smart Greenhouse Project. Certainly, we will share the technology to our farmers not only in Bukidnon, but in all five provinces of Northern Mindanao, particularly through the promotion of Smart Farming and precision agriculture,” he averred.
Aside from being a research and training center, DA-RFO 10 is planning to open the Smart Greenhouse to the public as agri-tourism destination in the region.
Supporting the activity were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and RTD for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, with DA-10 ManCom members, OneDA member agencies and LGUs. /DA-ATalib
Bukidnon farmers win in Coffee Competition
Corn derby offers farmers option to increase yield, income
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In pursuit of seeking more ways in providing farmers more opportunities to attain higher yield and income, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) in partnership with private seed companies, staged a corn derby and field day featuring the latter’s different hybrid corn varieties and technologies.
Addressing the participants who are mostly from the eastern part of Misamis Oriental, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that the activity is the final leg in the conduct of a series of corn derby led by the agency’s research centers, having been previously done in Dangcagan and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
On March 10, 2022, the corn derby and field day activities capped at the two-hectare area of the Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) in barangay Lanise.
“Most of you [corn farmers] might already be used in adopting the same technologies time and again, but the purpose that we are conducting this derby is for us to know more about the promising corn varieties that are now readily available in the market, where you will also have the opportunity to explore the corresponding technologies that the seed companies have used,” the agency head emphasized.
Initially, the results of the derby were presented to the attending corn farmers together with their assigned agricultural technicians, coming from the towns of Magsaysay, Lagonglong, Balingasag, Claveria, Jasaan, Villanueva, Tagoloan and Opol, and the city of El Salvador, MisOr; and the municipality of Malitbog, Bukidnon.
Of which, the agri official added that generated results will also form part of the agency’s procurement, factoring in the local government units and farmers’ requests, as well.
Overall, six private companies participated, including Corteva Agri-Science with P4124YHR and P3660YHR as their entries; Asian Hybrid (Supreme 5150 RRYG and J505 RRYG); Bayer Crop Science (DK8899S, DK8131S and DK8719S); Evogene Seeds, Corp. (EVO709 and EVO9989); Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc. (H101G, Hi FLY and BC108); Syngenta Philippines with NK306BGT as their entry.
Further recognizing the current costs of inputs, among other concerns, Dir. Collado also urged the corn farmers to form into clusters, being one of DA’s key strategies to boost the country’s agri sector, in order to optimize any assistance from the government that would enable them to significantly cut their cost of operations, achieve bountiful yields, and reap an increase of incomes.
“If you have volume, we encourage you to form a cluster, as we [agency] can make arrangements with different feed millers, to ensure you enjoy stable or even higher prices for your corn harvest,” he underscored.
During the event’s Program, the Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), DA’s former attached agency which is now under the Department of Finance, also bared their insurance program for farmers’ protection against losses brought by natural calamities, plant diseases, and pest infestations of their crops.
As an illustration, PCIC-10 headed by their OIC-Regional Manager Irene L. Oco, together with RED Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and other DA-10 officials, held an indemnity check distribution worth P327K to 34 affected typhoon Odette farmers in Claveria town. | DA-10
Agri NorMin inaugurates P33.5-M facilities to enhance technology transfer
DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON - The Department of Agriculture -Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado inaugurated 14 infrastructure and information technology projects at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) on February 14, 2022, in this city.
Funded under DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research-Bayanihan to Act as One (Bayanihan II) with a total amount of P33.5 million (M), ranging from upgrading, renovation, improvement, installation, and construction projects implemented in the different research centers of the agency.
Renovation projects cover both the Crops and Livestock Administration Building at NMACLRC, and the Animal Shed and Feedlot at RCHD. On the other hand, the installation project comprises the CCTV System at NMACLRC. Rounding up the list of projects are the Improvement of Technology Commercialization Center with access road, and the construction of various irrigation projects, both located at NMACLRC.
“The presence of the state-of-the-art, science-based infrastructure projects with laboratory facilities, can attract more farmers, local government units, and stakeholders that will encourage them to visit the research station. The matured technologies showcased can then be replicated by the visiting farmers upon return to their respective areas.
With all these, the agri-tourism research center in Region 10 will be within reach,” Collado conveyed. Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said that the stations' facilities will enable its personnel to boost their level of performance by transferring improved technologies to farmers and stakeholders in the region.
NMACLRC chief Carmelito Lapoot assured the management that all will be maximized according to their intended use, adding that they can now cater to more farmers in the conduct of a series of training, technology showcasing, and meetings for the current and coming years.
“We can improve the delivery of our services that will eventually help farmers increase their productivity and income" Lapoot concluded. DA-10
Number 2 NPA Commander in Mindanao, Another Member killed in a Joint Operation in Bukidnon
Lt Col Neil Armstrong Batayola, Commanding Officer of 16IB under 402nd Infantry Brigade, said they responded to the complaint of concerned citizens regarding an armed group conducting atrocities in the area, which resulted to an exchange of fire against 15 CNTs and the recovery of two male dead bodies and capture two firearms composed of one AK47 Rifle and one Cal. 45 Pistol.
The CNT fatalities were later identified as Pedro Codaste alias Gonyong/Serv, the NPA’s number 2 Commander in Mindanao being the Deputy Secretary of Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID) and a certain alias Zandro, a CNT member.
BGen Oliver T Vesliño, Acting Commander of 4ID, lauded the joint forces for the successful operation which considerably be of great loss to the NPA as he was considered to succeed the top leadership in Mindanao.
“Codaste was considered as the acting KOMMID Chairman after the death of Cabanatan alias Kuba, Madlos alias Ka Oris and Villanueva alias Ka Bok. He is a member of CPP’s Central Committee and Consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF). A former Secretary of Guerilla Front 4A (GF4A) in Agusan del Sur during the early '90s then later became Secretary of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in 2009. He was elected to the Central Committee during the CPP 2nd Congress in 2016,” BGen Vesliño said.
Facing multiple cases with warrants of arrest, Codaste is one of the most wanted fugitives for the crime of murder, double frustrated murder and attempted murder.
“We have once again delivered justice for our people. While we extend our sympathies to the families and friends of those killed, Codaste’s death is a tangible reminder that injustices that brought sufferings and numerous deaths will forever haunt us. A clearer manifestation of the people in rejecting the CPP-NPA-NDF. Remaining leaders and members still have the chance to avoid the same fate by availing the E-CLIP of the government and peacefully return to their families,” BGen Vesliño added.
Photo by 4ID
Former rebels in Quezon town train on mushroom production
In support to the Executive Order No. 70 or to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office Special Area for Agriculture Development (DA-SAAD)-10 program headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, administered a Mushroom Spawn Production Training, December 2-3, 2021 in Lumintao, Quezon, here.
Seventeen SAAD beneficiaries from Lumintao Farmers and Workers Association and Minongan Farmers Organization attended the said training which was facilitated by the department's Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD).
The two associations are composed of former rebels of Quezon, who are currently aided by the 3rd Infantry Battalion (3IB) of the Philippine Army, headed by Lt Col Juvenal Mark T Tayamen.
With the concerted efforts of DA-10 SAAD and 3IB, the beneficiaries are now capable of producing their own Oyster mushroom spawns (Pleurotus ostreatus), which is a good source of income.
Through the said livelihood training, former rebels can be more productive members in their communities.
DA NorMin rolls out 3rd corn derby in Bukidnon RCUD station
The Department of Agriculture-Northern Mindanao in partnership with private seed companies launched the planting of various hybrid corn seeds at the agency's Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) at barangay Barongcot in Dangcagan town.
This aims to showcase the potentials of different hybrid corn varieties, based on the technologies brought by the seed companies namely, Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc., Asian Hybrid Seed Technologies, Inc., Corteva Agriscience Inc., Evo Gene, Green and Grow Technologies, Bayer Crop Science, Inc., and Syngenta Philippines, Inc.
Earlier in October, the department held its first and second corn derby at DA-10's research complex and center in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, respectively.
The performance of said hybrid varieties will be revealed to local farmers by mid-February or March of next year, allowing them to determine which ones are best suited for adoption in their respective areas. (DA-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
The Department of Agriculture-Northern Mindanao, in partnership with the private seed companies, starts the planting of various hybrid corn seeds at the agency's Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon. (DA-10)
Bukidnon farmers to benefit P114-M RCEF rice machinery
The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) turned over P114 million worth of various rice machinery to Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in Bukidnon.
Around 36 qualified farmers and FCAs received on Thursday, November 18 various rice machinery in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program (RCEF), 5,616 farmer-members are expected to benefit from the 100 units of rice machinery for year 2021 funds.
Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with DA-PhilMech Head Facility Management and Field Operations Division Joel V. Dator and Bukidnon 3rd district representative Manuel F. Zubiri led the turnover and awarding of certificates to FCAs.
Said FCAs coming from the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia and the municipalities of Impasugong, San Fernando, Cabanglasan, Maramag, Kitaotao, Manolo Fortich, Quezon, Pangantucan and Kalilangan availed of the machinery which includes four-wheel drive tractor, hand tractor, floating tiller, PTO-driven disc plow/harrow, walk-behind and riding type transplanter, rice reaper, combine harvester, thresher, recirculating dryer, impeller rice mill, single pass rice mill, and destoner.
Known as the food basket of Mindanao, the province of Bukidnon contributes around 50-60 percent of rice sufficiency in Northern Mindanao with 90,000 hectares of the rice harvest area.
Rice mechanization is one of the components of Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, which stipulates the creation of the RCEF that would be funded from rice tariffs collections, with P10 billion allocation annually from 2019 to 2024 or a period of six years.
It aims to improve rice production in the country through mechanization that would reduce production and postharvest losses up to 20 percent and eventually increase production.
Director Collado said farm machinery will boost farming activities, ensure high productivity, and reduce post-harvest losses of farmers.
“The need to increase the level of farm mechanization to produce more food and increase efficiency and quality will be beneficial both for farmers and consumers,” he concluded. (DA-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with DA-PhilMech Head Facility Management and Field Operations Division Joel V. Dator and Bukidnon 3rd district representative Manuel F. Zubiri lead the turnover and awarding of certificates to FCAs. (DA-10)
Andanar: FOI a powerful tool in fight against corruption
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)—Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin M. Andanar said adopting the rules on Freedom of Information (FOI) will increase reportage of corruption as it will facilitate the right of access to governmental information.
“Transparency is our most powerful weapon in the fight against corruption. Fostering the Freedom of Information is a big step toward strengthening President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against corruption as this boosts information sharing meant to enhance accountability in government’s acts, transactions, and decisions,” the Communications Secretary said during the Bukidnon leg of the 2021 Transparency Roadshow, Tuesday.
Andanar emphasized that FOI is the President’s Executive Order No. 2 signed in 2016 during his 1st month in office.
In essence, he said, a major obstacle to good governance is the entrenched lack of accountability within the government. “Thus, the FOI initiative not only prevents corruption by showing where people's taxes go but also empowers all Filipinos to participate in government affairs,” the Secretary briefly said.
He cited FOI’s help in strengthening the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission’s goal of reducing government red tape and corruption.
“Transparency and accountability, particularly in government, have never been more alive in the Philippines, and it is only under the Duterte Administration that we have put forward such a cause, as part of our fight against all forms of corruption,” he added.
To highlight the FOI program’s progress, Secretary Andanar, Krizia Casey Avejar of the FOI Project Management Office, and Bukidnon State University President Dr. Oscar Cabañelez signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate FOI into the university’s curriculum.
PCOO also provided library materials designed to aid librarians and faculty in influencing, networking, and leading the campus-wide use of FOI as a tool for academic research.
“May all of you continue to support the PCOO and the Duterte Administration in our activities, such as this Roadshow, as we continue the drive to end corruption,” Andanar said.
The Transparency Roadshow primarily discussed the Task Force on Zero Hunger, FOI, Duterte Legacy, and the government's responses to COVID-19 with the local chief executives, national government agencies, academe, information officers, multi-sectoral representatives, and the media. It also focused on the all-encompassing campaign of the President's achievements on the key three pillars of peace and order, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.
Northern Mindanao executives who joined in the event were National Housing Authority Regional Manager Engr. Rolando Teves, Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, the Mayors, 403rd Infantry 'Peacemaker' Brigade Commander BGen. Ferdinand Barandon, and Bukidnon Police Director Col. Jun Mark Lagare. (RLRB/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
PCOO Secretary Martin M. Andanar explains the pivotal role that the Freedom of Information (FOI) plays in demanding honesty in public service. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)