The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) successfully conducted two batches of the Information Caravan on Rice Clustering, reaching a total of 110 rice farmers in Leyte. The first batch was held in Alangalang on February 26, 2026, with 60 participants, followed by the second batch in Carigara on February 27, 2026, attended by 50 rice farmers.
The activity aimed to disseminate the benefits of cluster membership, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and expand the delivery of interventions under the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) at the grassroots level.
Participants learned about the Department of Agriculture Farmers and Fisherfolk Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, with special topics on the Overview of Rice Crop Manager Advisory Services (RCMAS), AccuWeather, and the DOST-PAGASA 10-Day Weather Forecast.
Mr. Ivan Ed D. Losadio, Business Development Officer of DA-RFO VIII, provided an orientation on the F2C2 Program, emphasizing the importance of farm clustering and consolidation. He highlighted how the program encourages small farmers to organize into clusters to coordinate production, share resources, and establish stronger linkages to markets and the value chain.
Meanwhile, Mr. Benjamin B. Lagaday III, Agriculturist I of ATI-RTC 8, discussed the Rice Crop Manager Advisory Services (RCMAS), AccuWeather, and PAGASA’s 10-Day Weather Forecast. He emphasized how these digital tools and weather-based advisories help farmers make informed decisions, improve farm management, and adapt to varying rice production practices.
An open forum followed the discussions, providing participants the opportunity to raise questions and clarify key concepts, further strengthening their understanding of rice clustering and climate-informed farm management.
