Indigenous peoples, particularly women, in the Philippines used to experience economic challenges and discrimination because of their cultural background. But the Department of Agriculture through the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program is changing the narrative for IP women in Bicol. For the first time this year, they were invited to a Women’s Month celebration exclusive for IP women-beneficiaries of the DA Bicol 4K Program on March 26, 2025 in Pili, Camarines Sur.
“Kadto po baga ang mga indigenous peoples lalo na ang mga kababaihan garu pirming walat, bihira makaluwas, ang pirmi gayod nagluluwas an saindong mga agom. So marhay na nakadigdi po kamo sa office mi,“ DA Bicol OIC Regional Technical Director and 4K Program Regional Focal Person Dr. Mary Grace Rodriguez said as she welcomed about 25 IP women who participated in the event. She also lauded the improvements in their value-added products showcased during the IP Product Expo.
“May improvement na po. At saka ang kagayonan, bako na lang hanggang saod, nadi-display ta na. Kami po sa Department of Agriculture, dakula po ang samong suporta kaya po igwa kaming 4K Program, programa para talaga sa mga indigenous peoples and ngonian sa mga indigenous women. Ang gusto kong sabihon saindo, pirmi nindong tatandaan: ‘Bako po kita ‘Babae lang, babae kita,’” she said.
The event featured a seminar aimed at empowering the IP women. Engr. Aubrey Mae Vargas of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples lectured on the IP Women’s Rights. Vargas based on Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA). She emphasized section 26 of the said law which states that “ICC/IP women shall enjoy equal rights and opportunities with men, as regards the social, economic, political and cultural spheres of life.” She also underscored IP women’s four bundles of rights namely the rights to ancestral domains/lands, rights to self-governance and empowerment, social justice and human rights, and rights to cultural integrity.
Meanwhile, DA Bicol Planning and Programming Section Chief Mary Ann Cuya discussed the Gender and Development programs of the DA while Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) Project Management Officer Michael Jordan Roquid shared the agency’s available loan programs. Moreover, the DA Bicol Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) also conducted a market profiling of the 4K beneficiaries’ enterprises while the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) provided technical assistance to unregistered farmers.
To cap off the event, the DA Bicol 4K Program also facilitated a Farm Tour at the Organic Agriculture Research and Development Center where Organic R&D Center Head Rosita De Lumen shared some organic farming practices and technologies.
Rebecca S. Purisima, IP Leader of the Tinawagan-Tigaon, Camarines Sur IP Tribe expressed her gratitude to DA Bicol saying “Nagpapasalamat po ako, in behalf po ng aming tribu dahil po kay Director Rodel Tornilla at sa mga 4K staff nagkaroon tayo ng first IP Women’s Day celebration dito po sa Department of Agriculture. Napakalaking tulong po nito sa mga kababaihan na kagaya ko na nakalabas po sila at nalaman nila ang iba’t ibang programa ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka at higit sa lahat po, maraming oportunidad po sa mga kababaihan na puwede pong i-avail.”
Among the IP women-farmer cooperatives and association (FCA) beneficiaries who attended the IP Women’s Month Celebration were: Vegetable Growers Association of Libod-Tinawagan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of Tinawagan, Tigaon; Gatbo Agta Tabangnon Farmers Association of Gatbo, Ocampo; Hanawan Tribal Farmers Association of Hanawan, Ocampo; Sta. Cruz Agta Tabangnon Farmers Association of Sta. Cruz, Ocampo; Minadongjol Katutubong Agta Farmers Association of Minadongjol, Sagñay; Tadyong Tribal Farmers Association Inc. of San Pedro, Iriga City; Buhi Indigenous Peoples Farmers & Fisherfolks Agriculture Cooperative of Buhi, Agta-Agta Tabangnon Tribe Farmers’ Association of Goa, and Sta. Isabel IP Community Association of Sta. Isabel, Baao, Camarines Sur.
DA Bicol Field Operations Division OIC-Chief Earl Vincent Vegas and Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) of Camarines Sur Marcial Bustarga, 4K Program Alternate Focal Person Engr. Danicris Orcio, and 4K Program Caretaker Marissa Joy Beriña graced the occasion. They guaranteed the DA Bicol’s continuous support to promote awareness and advocacy for gender equality, inclusivity, and empowerment of IP women through agricultural engagement.
The 4K Program is a locally-funded program of the DA that aims to promote the development of tribal communities within their ancestral domains in the Philippines by providing them with sustainable agri-fishery related livelihood opportunities, investments, and support services based on targeted community needs assessment and aligned with their customs, traditions, values, beliefs, and interests. (Annielyn L. Baleza, DA RAFIS V with reports from Marion Noceda, 4K Program)
Photo Credits: Annielyn L. Baleza, Angela P. Lafuente, Zandra G. Abogado, and Ramon C. Adversario Jr., DA RAFIS V and John Kevin Mendoza, 4K Program