With clear targets and directions set during their first PSO-RPCOs Coordination meeting of the year, the Mindanao Cluster is ready for 2024.

Each Regional Project Coordination Office gave their commitment to complete all AF2-EU funded subprojects for both I-BUILD and I-REAP after strategies to address specific issues and concerns were tackled during the plenary sessions among the component and units.

With PRDP Scale-Up, the goal of the Mindanao Cluster is to align with the strategic directions on rebuilding the food value chain by improving efficiency in the supply chain, focus on regional perspective in coming up with key agri-fisher investment areas, and clustering and consolidation of farmer and fisher associations to attain economies of scale.

Part of the PRDP Scale-up is also to enhanced mainstreaming of PRDP innovations towards institutionalization in the DA, respond to rural infrastructure demand with FMRs as one of priority investments, and partnership of FCAs with the private sector for productive alliances and co-management agreement of enterprise facilities.

PSO Mindanao Project Director and DA XI Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo emphasized in his message the importance of knowing the stories behind the delays and challenges in the implementation in order to make a comprehensive analysis on the situation so it would not be repeated in other projects. He also encouraged everyone to address the problem immediately in order to avoid further complication.

“This coordination meeting serves as a vital platform to address concerns, laying the foundation for a successful year, particularly in the first quarter,” said Dir. Monteagudo. “Clear communication is crucial – if issues arise on the ground, prompt communication is key to preventing larger problems and complications.” (Joy Montecalvo, PSO Min)