Agri-10 institutionalizes Clustering by Function with attached offices

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) is set to institutionalize a Clustering by Function approach among members of the Regional Technical Management Team in Northern Mindanao (NorMin), which was created per Special Order (SO) No. 021, Series of 2025 signed on February 17, 2025.

Pursuant to SO No. 1087, Series of 2024, as amended through SO No. 1772, Series of 2024, the agency affirms the expanded convergence and synergy among its operating units in the delivery of services and interventions to farmers and fisherfolk.

The said approach directs the DA operating units into key functional areas: Marketing, Production, Extension, Research, Regulatory, Irrigation Systems, Mechanization, Analytical Laboratories, and Special Support, streamlining operations and ensuring more efficient and targeted support for the agri-fishery sector.

To operationalize this approach, the process begins by identifying crops or commodities that meet market demand in terms of both volume and quality. Priority is given to those with existing or potential market volume, after which support are poured out to produce the required quantity and quality standards.

“Though we’ve already been practicing clustering in the region, we now fully align with the national framework to ensure we move in one direction toward [a] more effective coordination and implementation,” said DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga.

For his part, DA Special Technical Assistant from the Office of the Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, and Rural Credit, Rodolfo N. Panganiban, highlighted the significance of reviving and standardizing the old clustering-by-function system to ensure all DA operating units work together, not in silos.

“This underscores the need for stronger coordination across operations, not just in plans and reports, but in real impact. Through this clustering, we move from fragmented efforts to a unified direction–one that responds better to the needs of our farmers and fisherfolk.” the DA official added.

The DA commits to strengthening functional clusters by enhancing inter-agency collaboration and unifying efforts through strategic and investment plans, action plans, performance indicators, targeted resource allocation, and regular monitoring for the best interest of the stakeholders and beneficiaries. #(NQA)