MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) recently conducted a coordination meeting in Malaybalay City to discuss updates on implementing the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) program.
Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado led the meeting to inform 18 city and municipal agriculturists from Bukidnon about the F2C2 program mandated by DA Administrative Order No. 27, which seeks to promote inclusive agri-business development.
According to DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz Guzman, the meeting provided a platform for effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making in assisting Bukidnon-clustered farmers and fishers.
Bukidnon's city and municipal agriculturists assess the needs and priorities of farmers and fishers in the province's clusters to identify gaps in the current assistance programs and develop strategies to address these gaps efficiently. (DA 10)
“I hope we can collectively analyze the needs and priorities of the farmers and fishers, identify gaps in existing assistance programs, and develop strategies to address these gaps effectively,” she said.
Program focal person Gay Nanette Aleria and her team presented updates on the F2C2 cluster development plan, market-related activities, and capacity-building initiatives for the province.
Based on agency data from 2020–2023, Region 10 has 154 clustered organizations, with 64 percent from Bukidnon.
Guzman emphasized the importance of F2C2 as a strategy in mainstreaming clustering and consolidation among DA programs, attached bureaus, agencies, corporations, and local government units.
“This strategy is crucial because it will guide our intervention, especially in securing major projects,” she added.
She also urged the group to collaborate closely with the F2C2 program and help the farmers' cooperatives develop their Cluster Development Plans (CDPs).
The CDP serves as the master plan for a cluster's growth and development, addressing its needs for marketing, productivity improvement, operation and organization development, financing, and sustainability.
Janet Lopez, DA's Provincial Operations Center chief, and Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia Lagamon attended the activity. (DA 10/PIA 10/Bukidnon)
Bukidnon's city and municipal agriculturists assess the needs and priorities of farmers and fishers in the province's clusters to identify gaps in the current assistance programs and develop strategies to address these gaps efficiently. (DA 10)
