For almost a decade, PhilDHRRA-Mindanao operationalize themembership geographic clusters as key mechanisms for members’ participation in defining and pursuing network priorities for the development of Mindanao. Considering socio-cultural nuances and the number of political regions of the island, the network operations and members’ activities are pooled and focused in priority areas of five (5) membership clusters. Within the clusters, members convverge to define specific set of interventions and demonstrate their collaboration in implementing the network’s broad program on SIAD putting premium on aseet reform as imperative to poverty alleviation.

Aside from detailing the network’s contriution for the development of the political regions of Mindanao, the clustering mechanism succeeded and will remain as key in facilitiating dialogu, synergy, exchange of information, sharing of technology and project insights, defining common advocacy positions among members as well as catalyze the crafting of consortium agenda and initiatives for the development of convergence areas.

In south cotabato for example, the Cotabato Cluster for the past ten years, took an active role in steering the Coalition of Social Development Organizations (CSDO) significantly contributing to the development of the SOCSARGEN area through its vaious consortium programs and projects. Influenced by the experience of the Cotabato members, the Caraga cluster also took leadership in the formation of CaragaDHRRA, a loose consortium of NGOs and Pos in the region and has recently launched the implementation of a cluster-initiated Sustainable Integrated Area Development (SIAD) program in 12 multi-ethnic, poverty-concentrated areas of Caraga.

Meanwhile, a distinctly Indigenous Peoples-led SIAD progam is currently being imlemented by the Northern Mindanao Cluster in 16 CADC areas involving 4 of its members and have just completed its participation in a USAID-funded health project of the network in Bukidnon.

Momentarily, the Davao cluster is in the process of defining its follow-up intervention in their SIAD sites in Compostela Valley where members had been complementing their efforts since late 90’s.  Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Peninsula Cluster has just crafted its consortium-led SIAD project in the region which they are negotiating with a Spanish funding agency.  During Regional Assemblies, the clusters are mandated to present their respective initiatives and contributions within their areas of convergence in pursuit of the network’s strategic plan.