Cagayan de Oro: The Department of Agriculture (DA) 10 (Northern Mindanao) is celebrating Filipino Food Month this April by showcasing various innovations and technologies aimed at promoting food security and sustainable agriculture in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) 10's information services staff will document the success stories of partner farmer-entrepreneurs who are utilizing food technologies. Many of these partners also operate Learning Sites for Agriculture, which are instrumental in disseminating knowledge and best practices. Vic Thor Palarca, ATI-10 senior media specialist, announced that these inspiring stories will be compiled into a book to commemorate ATI's 39th anniversary next year.

DA-10 Executive Director Apollo Pacamalan reiterated the agency's commitment to empowering local agri-entrepreneurs. The focus is on improving market access and ensuring that affordable, high-quality food products reach more communities. He emphasized that marketing remains a significant challenge for farmers and that activities like these are crucial in strengthening support for producers and connecting them with consumers.

As part of this initiative, DA-10 is also supporting farmers and fisherfolk organizations in marketing their produce through the ongoing 'Kadiwa Diskwento Caravan' event in Cagayan de Oro City. This event is in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and supports Presidential Proclamation 469, series of 2018, which designates April as Filipino Food Month to celebrate the country's rich culinary heritage.