How farming helped this female former OFW bounce back after the pandemic and provide for her children

At the We can do it! Empowering Women in Agriculture event on Wednesday, key stakeholders in the agriculture sector raised awareness about gender equality issues, empowered women, inspireed change, promoted inclusivity, and celebrated efforts and achievements.

Held at the BGC Community Farm by Urban Farmers in Taguig, the event showcased the urban farm and featured inspirational talks led by H.E. Marielle Geraedts, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to the Philippines and European Union Gender Champion, as the keynote speaker.

Among the most insightful talks was by Rosa Dalina, president of the OFW natural Organic Garden in Payatas, Quezon City. 

In an interview with GMA News Online, Rose shared how she started her own farm for income and livelihood after losing her job during the pandemic.

Rose spent 10 years in the Middle East as a domestic helper. When she saved enough money, she opened a piggery in her barangay in Payatas, Quezon City. But the city government shut it down in 2021. At that time, she had three children in college.

Rose met Abby, a caretaker of a vacant lot nearby, and talked about the possibility of starting a farm. One thing led to another and soon, Nanay Rose led a group of women — also unemployed at the time — to clean and transform the vacant lot.

“Sa katulad ko na may mga anak, ang hirap nang walang trabaho kasi nga ‘pag wala kang experience, wala kang pinagaralan… Inisip ko bumalik na lang sa ibang bansa pero ayaw naman ng mga anak ko sa tagal nang wala ako,” she told GMA News Online.

[For women like me with children, it's difficult not to have a job. If you don't have the experience, if you are uneducated...I thought of going back to become an OFW again but my children did not like it. I had been away for too long already.]

“Syempre bilang isang nanay, gustong may [maibigay] sa anak, [yung farm] yung naisip ko kasi syempre 'di ba ang hirap ng buhay nung pandemic,” she said.

[As a mom, you want to be able to give to your children. I thought of the farm because life was really difficult during the pandemic.]

It may be a small farm, but Rose and members of the OFW Natural Organic Garden have a variety of produce such as eggplants, okra, lettuce, bananas, and many more. It's allowed them to eat better and save more as they no longer have to go to the market to buy produce. 

Their group has grown to include former OFWs and mothers in their area. Trainers also visit the members to learn more about farming.

Speaking about their group, Rose beams with pride.

“Masaya kasi nagagawa din namin yung gawain ng lalaki,” she said. “Proud kami kasi kahit mga babae kami, nagagawa namin yung mga gawaing pang lalaki.”

[We are happy because we are able to do what men have been doing. We are proud because as women, we are able to do things are are often given to men.]

They have also formed a strong friendship by spending time and sharing meals at the farm.

As their leader, Rose hopes that she and the women reach their dreams.

“Hihikayatin mo po sila, kakausapin mo po sila para may marating kami sa aming mga pangarap,” she said.

[I will encourage them and talk to them so we can reach other dreams.]

“Napaka importante maging matatag at maging inspirasyon sa aming mga kasama sa harap ng hamon na sinabi ko, na kailangan nating magtiyaga sa ating mga minimithi. Kasi kung ‘di po tayo magtitiis at magtiyaga, wala po tayong mararating,” Rose added.

[It's important to be steadfast and be an inspiration for our members. In the face of life's difficulties, we need to have drive and be determined. If not, we will not get anywhere]. 

Organized by the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA) in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), We can do it! Empowering Women in Agriculture also featured talks by Cherrie Atilano, Founding Farmer, President, and CEO of AGREA Agricultural System International, Inc. and AGREA Farm Estate and Ma. Kristine Josefina G. Balmes, Deputy Executive Director for Operations of the Philippine Commission on Women.

— LA, GMA Integrated News