SAN ILDEFONSO, Bulacan – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), together with members of Rural Improvement Clubs from various regions in the Philippines celebrated the last hurrah of the Women in Agriculture Symposium through a farm tour at Duran Farm on March 3, 2017.

The 53 participants were briefed and toured by the owner herself, Desiree Duran. Starting off with an orientation, Duran shared how she started farming, which has proven to give inspiration to other women farmers.

“There’s really money in Agriculture,” said Irene Maria Binahon of Binahon Agroforestry Farm – an ATI learning site in Mindanao. “I appreciate your efforts, especially because we are both women farmers. Sana ay mas maraming ma-inspire na magsisimula ng venture sa agrikultura.”

An agri-tourism site in Bulacan, the Duran farm was once a one-hectare, family-owned land transformed into a farm with various seeds to boot. The farm hasn’t only been a way for Duran to finance her children’s education, it also became a way for her to provide livelihood to women in their community. With her efforts, San Ildefonso became the vegetable basket of the province.

The farm tour was one of ATI’s efforts in showcasing the successes of women in agriculture and encouraging others to do the same. The Women in Agriculture Symposium started last March 1, 2017, held in the Rural Development Education Center of ATI Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City.