Mindanaotoday.com | DA-NorMin intensifies support for military livelihood program
By: Angelilah Cabig
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In strengthening the partnership with the Philippine Army, the Department of Agriculture-10 (DA-10) conducted its fourth leg of corn derby for the wet season on Wednesday, June 8, at the Mindanao Army Training Group (MATG), Training and Doctrine Command in Kalilangan, Bukidnon.
On 2.5 hectares, four private seed companies which include Bayer, Sygenta, Asian Hybrid and Bioseed participated in the said corn derby to showcase the performance of their different corn varieties based on potential yield and production.
According to Carmelito Lapoot, chief of the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex of DA-10, the varieties are location specific, considering the elevation of the area. Kalilangan has an elevation of 1,597.1 feet above sea level.
DA-10 will monitor the project including the management of pests and diseases in coordination with the department’s Regional Crop Protection Center.
Carlene Collado, DA-10 Regional Executive Director, recognizes the partnership with the Philippine Army in the implementation of their Military Livelihood Enhancement Program and its support to Executive Order No. 70 of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
Earlier this month, Dir. Collado signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the PA in support of their Army Green Camp program to mitigate food shortage and hunger, aside from fighting against local insurgency.
MATG Commander Col. Circiaco A. Lomas-e, Jr. INF (GSC) PA extended his gratitude to DA-10 for choosing MATG for the said activity and to the participating seed companies for accommodating their request to test what corn varieties are suitable in the area.
He said that the army is pursuing the Military Livelihood Enhancement Program in capacitating the soldiers with agri livelihood activities aside from the military training. (ATC | DA-10)
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