Butuan City – The Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) Caraga Region, through its Rice Program and the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Team, successfully conducted a Rice Cluster Assessment using the Harmonized Cluster Assessment Tool (HCAT) among identified farmer organizations in Butuan City.

Held on May 25–28, 2026, the activity aimed to assess the current status, strengths, opportunities, and development needs of rice clusters. The assessment serves as a basis for effective planning, targeted interventions, and the implementation of programs that will further enhance rice production and strengthen the competitiveness of the rice sector in the region.

Participating organizations included the Ampayon Farmers Association, Butuan Agusan Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, Diversified Agribusiness Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Florida Consumer Cooperative, Lemon Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Pinamangkulan-Dalindingan Irrigators Association, Inc., Saint Gabriel Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SGMPC), San Mateo-Subait Irrigators Association, Inc., and Tagabaca Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

The activity was led by Ms. Mary Jane A. Gonzaga, DMO II and Rice Focal Person, and Ms. Alian Gomez, Technical Staff of ATI-RTC XIII, with support from partner agencies and the leaders of participating farmer organizations. The assessment represents a significant step toward strengthening farmer organizations, promoting collaboration among key stakeholders, and fostering a more productive, resilient, and sustainable rice industry in the Caraga Region