The agricultural and fisheries sectors in Northern Mindanao weathered the challenges of El Niño in 2024, achieving milestones in training, innovation, and production.
The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) supported farmers and fisherfolk through programs addressing the dry season’s impact, while multiple initiatives bolstered long-term growth.
At the Agriculture Training Institute-10 (ATI-10), 70,010 information, education, and communication (IEC) materials were produced, reflecting years of research and development. ATI-10 media specialist Vic Thor Palarca highlighted the agency’s success, noting that it conducted 168 training sessions for 5,240 participants, alongside additional activities reaching 2,472 attendees.
“The school-on-air programs alone enrolled 1,110 participants and graduated 1,094, showcasing the commitment to capacity-building,” Palarca said Monday.
ATI-10 Center Director Lydia Echavez emphasized the importance of partnerships moving forward, saying: “Our goal is to enhance agricultural and fishery extension efforts through capacity building for our farmer partners and the next generation of farmers.”
Support for Fisherfolk
In the fisheries sector, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Northern Mindanao (BFAR-10) recorded 89,395 registered fisherfolk in the region, with Misamis Oriental leading at 29,501.
One highlight was a 2.8-ton milkfish harvest by the Panaon Fisherfolk Association (PAFA) in Misamis Occidental 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.
In addition, BFAR-10 donated two solar ice-making machines worth PHP3.4 million each to fisherfolk organizations in Misamis Oriental. The agency also provided PHP3.1 million worth of salt production equipment to Alubijid’s Baybay Loguilo Rural Workers Association, boosting the town’s salt production capacity.
BFAR-10 Director Edward Yasay underscored the agency’s commitment to supporting fisherfolk through innovation and resource investment, further strengthening the region’s resilience. (PNA)
