The DA-ACPC participated in the DA Regional Field Office 5’s celebration of Women’s Day on March 8, 2023.

On behalf of DA-ACPC Executive Director Jocelyn Alma R. Badiola, Communications and Public Affairs Division Chief Ms. Emmalyn Guinto delivered an inspirational message during the program.

“Alam natin na napakalaki ng papel ng mga kababaihan sa pamilya, komunidad at bansa natin,” she said. “Ngunit maraming hinaharap na suliranin ang mga kababaihan sa agrikultura, tulad ng limitadong access sa lupa, hayop, farm inputs, at extension services.”

She explained that one of the recommended strategies to close the gender wage gap is to give priority to women in the provision of government services such as extension services and agri credit. “Ito ay nagtutugma sa layunin namin sa ACPC: ang paigtingin ang access ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa serbisyong pampinansyal, lalo na sa mga underserved o hindi gaanong nakaka-access ng mga ito, tulad ng mga kababaihan at indigenous peoples o IPs.”

Ms. Guinto reported that the ACPC, through its partner lending conduits and the DA Regional Offices, was able to serve more than 23,000 women borrowers in 2022. “Ayon sa aming mga interview sa DA RFO 5 at sa aming PLC, mayroon talagang namumukod-tanging borrowers na maagang nakakapag-bayad ng kanilang loans, at naging masipag na rin sa kanilang savings sa koop. Kami ay natutuwa na sa pamamagitan ng aming programa ay naging financially included ang mga kababaihang farmers dito sa Bicol Region,” she added.

The 2023 Bicol Women’s Day was attended by DA-RFO V Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla, RTD for Operations Luz R. Marcelino, PMED Chief and GAD Focal Person Ms Aloha Bañaria, officers and staff of the DA, and more than 100 women farmers in the region. The activity was facilitated by the DA RFO 5 Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division – Gender and Development (PMED – GAD), and was conducted at the MikeLiz Integrated Farm in Calabanga, Camarines Sur.