In partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) under the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA successfully conducted the first and third batches of the Training on Farm Business School (FBS) for Rice Clusters with Gender and Development (GAD) on March 17–21, 2025 at ATI-MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, and on April 21–25, 2025 at Parang Beach Resort, Barangay Parang, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
The five-day training aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to manage agro-enterprise clusters while promoting sustainable agricultural development. Mr. Christian Albert R. Sarabia, Training Specialist I of ATI-MIMAROPA, led an in-depth discussion on GAD, emphasizing the distinctions between sex and gender roles and their implications within the agricultural sector.
With the help of resource speakers from DA-RFO MIMAROPA, the participants engaged in workshops and group activities that explored real-life case studies, highlighting how inclusive clustering practices can drive agro-enterprise success and sustainability. They also learned practical steps in forming clusters, including strategies for identifying and connecting with institutional and business buyers.
Another key highlight was the discussion on collective marketing, which encourages unified selling to enhance profitability and improve market access. The training also covered direct marketing approaches to institutional buyers such as schools, supermarkets, and food processors. Moreover, participants received training on leadership and business skills development for both men and women.
“Napakahalaga ng clustering para sa mga magsasaka upang mas mapadali ang paghahanap ng mga mamimili. Kailangan nilang magsama-sama upang magkaroon ng mas malaking kita sa kanilang produkto, at upang matutunan din ang tungkol sa VAWC, climate change, mga posibleng solusyon, at kung paano maisusulong ang Gender and Development,” shared Mr. Jonathan Evora, President of Biga Farmers Association.
A total of 51 farmer-participants from various irrigators’ associations, farmers’ associations, and cooperatives attended the training—25 from the first batch and 26 from the third batch.
