Davao del Sur State College President, Dr. Augie E. Fuentes attended the 2nd Regional F2C2 Cluster Summit as Keynote Speaker on September 25, 2024, at Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City.

Dr. Fuentes provided a brief overview of what F2C2 is all about that it is a movement towards enhancing the livelihood of our agri-fisheries sector. This initiative, as outlined in Dept. of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 27, series of 2020, is designed to elevate the capacities of our farming and fishing clusters. Furthermore, F2C2 Program seeks to advance the interest and condition of Filipino small famers and fishers by encouraging them to adopt the strategy of clustering and consolidation of their production, processing, and marketing activities as community business enterprises, including the pooling of assets, labor and other resources.

Also, she shared the benefits of clustering and consolidation which is a strategy to enhance the production and income of farmers and fishers and can team up to work smarter. Moreover, she discussed market-oriented production that understanding markets and the people who decide to buy products, and she even gave a reminder that one of the most important things to consider is producing the right products.

Dr. Fuentes also emphasized the role of academe in F2C2, Schools and universities can provide knowledge and tools through research and training. Researchers from agricultural universities and colleges can study more efficient farming techniques for various crops and better ways to conserve fish populations. Then, share this knowledge through training programs as well as extension deliveries ensuring that our farmers and fisherfolk have the skills to adopt new practices and technologies.

Dr. Fuentes also expressed her excitement and happiness knowing that we all advocate for the importance of working together to improve our farming and fishing industries in Davao Region.