Marginalized women farmers will benefit from a government project that aims to boost the agri-entrepreneurial spirit of the beneficiaries, particularly marginalized women in the province of Bulacan.
The project, “Expanding Women-led Integrated Backyard Farming in Bulacan through the S&T Community-based Farm (STCBF) Modality,” is initiated and funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), in partnership with Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Baliwag City, Bocaue, and Pulilan.
The project commenced with a field day, harvest festival, and the ceremonial signings of the MOA on January 28-29, 2026 at Baliwag City and Pulilan, Bulacan in support of the marginalized women farmers in the communities of Bulacan.
Under the STCBF modality, the project focuses on women-led integrated backyard farming in Bulacan, aiming to empower women through the farming system as a source of food and livelihood for marginalized farm families.
This simultaneous event gathered the 60 rural women farmers from Pulilan, Bocaue, and Baliwag City. The event also showcased the project sites’ integrated backyard farm establishment.
Officials present for the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing are: BASC SUC President III Jameson H. Tan, Baliwag City Agriculturist Elenita S. Hernandez, BASC Extension Services Office Director Imee D. Esguerra, and Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) Supervising Science Research Specialist Engelbert R. Lalican. Moreover, officials present for the MOA signing at Pulilan are Mayor Rolando S. Peralta, Jr., Dr. Tan, Pulilan Municipal Agriculturist Benedict T. Bernardo, Dr. Esguerra, and Dr. Lalican.
BASC President Tan expressed his gratitude to DOST-PCAARRD and to the partner LGUs for the unwavering commitment and support of the establishment of the S&T-based integrated backyard farming system.
Dr. Lalican expressed his appreciation for the continuous collaboration and efforts of the participating agencies in making the project possible.
One of the women farmers shared her experiences during the integrated backyard farming system, stating that she has built her confidence as a mother and a farmer, proving to herself that she has other capabilities as a woman. Quoting her, “[h]indi ka babae lang, babae ka.”
The STCBF women-led project is not only an initiative for boosting the farming system of the communities in Bulacan, but also for emancipating women farmers through capacity building and women empowerment.