CAGAYAN DE ORO: The agricultural and fisheries sectors in Northern Mindanao have successfully navigated the challenges posed by the 2024 El Ni±o, marking significant achievements in training, innovation, and production. Support from the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) played a crucial role in helping farmers and fisherfolk adapt to the dry season's impact while promoting long-term sectoral growth.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Agriculture Training Institute-10 (ATI-10) produced 70,010 information, education, and communication materials, showcasing extensive research and development efforts. Vic Thor Palarca, a media specialist with ATI-10, noted the agency's success in conducting 168 training sessions for 5,240 participants, complemented by additional activities involving 2,472 attendees. Palarca highlighted the "school-on-air" programs, which enrolled 1,110 participants and graduated 1,094, as a testament to the commitment to capacity-building.
ATI-10 Center Director Lydia Echavez emphasized the importance of partnerships in enhancing agricultural and fishery extension efforts. "Our goal is to enhance agricultural and fishery extension efforts through capacity building for our farmer partners and the next generation of farmers," Echavez stated.
In the fisheries sector, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Northern Mindanao (BFAR-10) reported 89,395 registered fisherfolk in the region, with Misamis Oriental leading the count at 29,501. A notable achievement was the Panaon Fisherfolk Association's (PAFA) 2.8-ton milkfish harvest in Misamis Occidental, conducted under BFAR-10's Special Area for Agricultural Development Program Phase 2. The harvest generated PHP343,000, which PAFA plans to reinvest in rabbitfish culture.
BFAR-10 further supported the fisheries sector by donating two solar ice-making machines, each valued at PHP3.4 million, to fisherfolk organizations in Misamis Oriental. Additionally, the agency provided PHP3.1 million worth of salt production equipment to Alubijid's Baybay Loguilo Rural Workers Association, enhancing the town's salt production capacity. BFAR-10 Director Edward Yasay reaffirmed the agency's dedication to supporting fisherfolk through innovation and resource investment, strengthening the region's resilience.
