The GAD program of DA-10 spearheads a capabuild to women senior citizens who are engaging in agribusiness, to know the available windows of assistance for them.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of the Women’s Month celebration this March, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Gender and Development Program conducted a capability building to women senior citizens on March 22, 2022, in this city.

Around 20 participants who are both in service and retirees of DA-10 who are engaging in agribusiness were updated on the AgriPinay Loan Program of the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) focusing on financial assistance for women in agriculture.

DA-ACPC Provincial Management Officer for Misamis Oriental Kristine Cyvil Gregorio explained the program is part of the agency’s Gender and Development integration efforts which seeks to improve women’s access to rural credit and ensure their inclusion in the agri-fishery value chain in order to better rehabilitate their livelihood during the pandemic.

She added that the program aims to intensify gender equality in agribusiness and promote the empowerment of women in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, shared that women in agriculture are ageless, provided with their experiences and wisdom gained throughout the years.

She added that the DA ensures the senior citizens especially women have access to the agri-fishery programs, valuing their contributions and partnership as active members of the community.

Meanwhile, Ronnie Tabucanon, Financial Analyst IV of DA-ACPC guided them on how to make a simple business plan.

Aside from the credit opportunities, Mylin V. Tayapad, an organic farmer and owner of Mylin Herbal, turmeric product shares her story to inspire and empower them in investing through organic farming.

“Women should strategize on how they can help their family. I didn’t expect what started as a personal health medicine would expand and become my business which opened more opportunities, ” shared Ms. Tayapad.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the capacity building is an integral approach of the agency to gender equality.#(MPTablon)