In collaboration with the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGO), through the Oriental Mindoro Agricultural Extension System (ORMINAFES), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA facilitated the Support to Province-Led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES): Training on Agri-Business Plan Formulation for Agri-Enterprise Clusters at Bahay Tuklasan, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on November 6-8, 2024.
Through this three-day training, Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and Farmer-Leaders (FLs) were equipped with knowledge of the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach (AECA). They were also provided with discussions on the background, principles, and implementation of the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program, the development of detailed and comprehensive agribusiness plans and farmer clusters, and guided formulation of agribusiness plans for selected proponents.
Aside from lectures, Mr. Ray Neptune C. Quindong, Enterprise Development and Marketing Specialist (EDMS) of Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) and resource person, also engaged in group activities for the preparation of their Cluster Development Plan and conducted moving exams for the introduction of some topics and as assessment tools.
In his impressionMr. Henry L. Martines, one of the participants from Sta. Cruz, Calapan City, shared his learnings and insights, emphasizing the importance of having an organized cluster.
“Ang natutunan ko po tungkol sa training na ito ay kung paano magbuo ng maayos na cluster, kung paano mapapataas ang kita bilang magbubukid, kung paano mababawasan ang gastos, at kung paano mareresolba ang mga pagbaba ng kita. Nabigyang-buhay ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng matatag at maayos na cluster. Natutunan ko rin ang kahalagahan ng gobyerno sa mga magsasaka. Sana ay mas marami pang training at seminar ang maisagawa para sa mga magsasaka upang mas marami pang matutunan at maunawaan ang kahalagahan ng pagsasaka,” he said.
A total of 30 participants, consisting of 22 farmers and eight AEWs, attended the training.
