The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office-8 (DA RFO-8) held the 2014 Rural Women’s Summit on November 6-7, 2014 at the DA-8 Multipurpose Hall, Kanhuraw Hill, Tacloban City.
With the theme, “Rural Women: Building Back Better Farming and Fishing Communities in Region 8,” the said summit was among the activities during the 1st Year Commemoration of super typhoon Yolanda spearheaded by DA-RFO 8.
Mr. Dalmacio Pajanustan of Agricultural Training Institute-8 (ATI-8) talked about sustainable and organic agriculture, agri-tourism, and swine-based integrated farming model.
Tacloban City – As a living proof to success in agriculture in the region, Mr. Loreto Godoy from Baybay City shared his innovative ways in his farm and gave insights on conventional farming and intercropping model.
Dean of College of Agriculture, Fishery and Natural Resources of the University of Eastern Philippines Prof. Maria Rowena O. Punzalan challenged women as agripreneurs to engage in organic farming such as mushroom production.
“We must be informed, in order to be reformed and transformed that we may be excellent in what we do,” said Mr. Pajanustan.
The activity focused on strengthening the Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs) in the region. The topics discussed in the activity were integrated farming systems, farm tourism, entrepreneurship in agriculture, and organic agriculture.
To further address poor productivity among Filipino farmers, rural women are challenged to engage in farming activities that are profitable and sustainable.
DA-RFO 8 also promotes the idea that there is money in agriculture and people must utilize materials to enhance farm productivity and improve the lives of farmers. (REINALORE P. GUIMBAOLIBOT, Intern, ROMEO G. DELMO, Chief,
