Thirty (30) farmer-leaders and members of various Farmersโ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in Zambales successfully completed the second batch of the Training on Crafting a Cluster Development Plan (CDP) for the Rice Production Cluster in Region III, held from April 20 to 24, 2026, at the Teves Integrated Farm & Training Center Inc..
The training was spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL), bringing together participants from across the province to strengthen their capabilities in strategic agricultural planning.
The five-day activity aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop a comprehensive five-year Cluster Development Plan. This plan is intended to serve as a strategic roadmap for enhancing rice production clusters and improving the overall competitiveness of participating organizations.
Experts from ATI-CL led discussions on the principles and processes of CDP formulation, including cluster development strategies, program alignment, and sustainable rice production approaches. The sessions blended lectures with hands-on workshops, allowing participants to begin drafting their respective development plans.
With guidance from Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and ATI-CL facilitators, the participating organizations were able to complete initial drafts of their five-year CDPs. These plans outline priority programs and proposed interventions, which will be used by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III as a basis for extending support to FCAs within the cluster.
One of the participants, Joven M. Briones, expressed appreciation for the training, highlighting its impact on their organizational planning. โHigit sa lahat, ang training na ito ay nagbukas ng aming kaisipan upang makita ang aming mga kahinaan at kalakasan, at kung paano namin ito magagamit upang magplano para sa hinaharap ng aming mga organisasyon. Maraming-maraming salamat sa ATI na tunay na nagtiyaga sa atin upang matapos ang ating mga Cluster Development Plan,โ Briones said.ย
He also noted the dedication of ATI-CL facilitators in assisting all participating associations, including those without accompanying AEWs.
The training concluded on April 24, with participants sharing their insights and reaffirming their commitment to applying their learnings to strengthen their respective organizations and contribute to the development of the rice sector in the region.
Written by: Benigno V. Soriano, Jr.
