MAKATI CITY - In celebration of the Women’s Month, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) conducted a Symposium on Women in Rice Farming last March 25 – 28, 2019 at El Cielito Hotel, Arnaiz Avenue.

The activity which was themed “Magsasakang Kababaihan: Ilaw ng Tahanan, Bayani ng Lipunan” highlighted the role of Filipino women rice farmers as one of the key players in effective and productive rice farming. It aimed to recognize their contribution in bringing change and development particularly in the agricultural sector. Based on data, women comprised 43% of the world’s agricultural labor force.

Ms. Virginia Sacki, 2018 Gawad Saka Awardee of the Rural Improvement Club of Kalinga shared her knowledge, practices and experience as a rice farmer. Ms. Gishelle A. Cruz, Gender Inclusive Development and Participatory Media Consultant discussed the Magna Carta for Women.

The participants also visited two successful farms in Quezon Province which are owned and managed by women farmers. These are Dolores Rural Improvement Club in Dolores and Beegood Agriventures, a Learning Site for Agriculture located in Tiaong.

Ms. Mary Jane A. Gonzaga, Development Management Officer I of the ATI-Regional Training Center 13 joined the hundreds of women rice farmers, rice focal persons and Gender and Development Focal Persons who participated in the event.