BAYBAY CITY, LEYTE- The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC VIII) successfully conducted the third batch of the Training on Crafting of Cluster Development Plan (CDP) for Rice Clusters Phase 1 on May 25-29, 2026, at Dely’s Building, M. Moraza Street, Baybay City, Leyte.
The activity gathered members of four rice cluster organizations from the municipalities of Palo and San Miguel, Leyte, with a total of twenty-four (24) participants, to strengthen their capacity in developing strategic plans that will guide the growth and sustainability of their respective clusters.
The participants represented the Capirawan, Canhidoc, and Canggumbang Irrigators Association (Triple C IA), Gintong Samahan Teraza Irrigators Association (GST IA), Guindag-an, San Antonio, and Cabarasan Daku Irrigators Association (GSC IA), and the San Miguel Irrigator’s and Rice Producers Consumers Cooperative (SANMIRPCCO).
The training focused on enterprise assessment, SWOC analysis, identification of capacity-building needs, strategic planning, and the formulation of five-year development plans. Technical sessions and workshops were facilitated by DA-RFO VIII F2C2 personnel Mr. Christopher T. Ydia, Ms. Kriza Bernadeth M. Quirol, and Ms. Maria Aselle Auvie R. Abaigar, who guided participants in analyzing their clusters and preparing their draft development plans.
Through the workshop activities, participants identified the strengths and weaknesses of their organizations, assessed opportunities and challenges, and determined key gaps that need to be addressed to improve cluster performance. These exercises enabled the participants to formulate strategic interventions and complete their draft Cluster Development Plans, which will serve as roadmaps for strengthening their organizations and improving the delivery of services and opportunities to their members.
Moreover, as part of the agreed next steps, participants were provided with a timeline for the review and signing of their draft CDPs by their respective Municipal Agriculturists from May 29 to June 30, 2026. The finalized and signed plans will then be endorsed to DA-RFO VIII for further review and finalization. Participants are also expected to attend Phase 2 of the training, where they will finalize and present their Cluster Development Plans before the Regional Technical Working Group for evaluation and approval.
Participants also shared their appreciation for the training and the learnings gained throughout the activity. Ma. Quenys L. Almaden of Triple C IA emphasized that the Cluster Development Plan serves as a guide for the long-term development of their organization and highlighted the importance of the SWOC analysis in identifying areas that require improvement and support.
Charlie Cabañas of GST IA expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn alongside fellow farmers, noting that the activity strengthened teamwork, cooperation, and collective planning among cluster members.
Meanwhile, Eufracia B. Mosca of GSC IA recognized the relevance of the topics discussed and conveyed her commitment to applying the knowledge and strategies gained from the training to help improve the operations and future direction of their association.
Through activities such as this, ATI-RTC VIII continues to support the Department of Agriculture's efforts to build productive, resilient, and market-oriented rice clusters by equipping farmer organizations with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively plan for their long-term development and sustainability. (with reports from Keith Leviticus Quilos)
