Ms. Eleonor Gay Cabusao, 70, a native of Bani, Pangasinan, stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and innovation. Her story began at the tender age of seven when she first became aware of the realities of farming. As the eldest of fifteen children, responsibility came early. Each morning, before the sun had even kissed the horizon, she would fetch water from a distant source, and cook for her family. Throughout her childhood, she worked alongside her father, tending to crops, herding cows, and sustaining their livelihood. During lean times, she would pick guavas to sell to classmates just to buy a piece of bread.
Eleonor was awakened to hardships early in her life. Despite these, she excelled in school, becoming the salutatorian of her class. As a natural athlete, she participated in volleyball and softball competitions, hoping to secure a college scholarship through sports. However, her father, though a hardworking man, was reluctant to send her beyond high school, as the family needed her hands on the farm. Thus, Eleonor’s dreams of formal education were set aside, and the land became her classroom. This crushed her dreams of becoming a civil engineer and left her feeling lost.
The Beginning of a Transformed Woman
In 1970, Eleonor’s leadership skills excelled as she became the President of the 4H Club during the government’s Green Revolution initiative. In 1971, she was appointed as the Secretary of the Philippine Constabulary Women’s Action Group in her barangay, further igniting her passion for community service. In 1973, during the Masagana 99 program, her family received rice seed subsidies, which marked a turning point in their agricultural journey.
Through the so-called now as ‘Department of Agriculture’, she participated in training programs, earning valuable certificates since 1980. Though her father clung to traditional farming methods, she embraced modern agricultural techniques, eventually transforming their farm’s productivity. Her dedication led her to leadership roles in the Rural Improvement Club (RIC), where she rose from barangay-level president to the municipal level.
Plowing the Way to Prosperity
Marriage took her away from her hometown, but financial struggles in Manila forced her and her husband, Danilo Cabusao, to return to their roots. They started with a 1/4th hectare land given by her husband’s father, and Eleonor took the lead in introducing modern farming techniques, guiding her husband in agriculture. Their first success was in sitaw (string bean) farming, marking the beginning of their prosperous journey in agriculture.
In 1984, she attended government training on mushroom production, which became a game-changer. Despite water scarcity and limited irrigation, she successfully applied her learnings, earning ₱35 per kilo of mushrooms, significantly improving their livelihood.
The Ripple Effect of Learning
Taking the lead in the community where she belongs, Eleonor realized the power of knowledge. She began sharing her expertise with fellow RIC members, particularly empowering women struggling with poverty. One such woman, a mother of nine with an alcoholic husband, was on the brink of despair. Eleonor mentored her in farming, and soon, her life transformed and her children were able to pursue higher education and become scholars.
Eleonor’s willingness to uplift others rippled through the community, leading to the dispersal of pigs for livelihood and the introduction of mat weaving as an alternative source of income through the DSWD.
Recognizing the need for a stronger support system, The Local Government of Bani, Pangasinan helped in the establishment of an association called the Farmer Producers Association, Inc. and Eleonor played a key role in establishing in 2015. Later on, she spearheaded the founding of the Golden West Agriculture Cooperative in 2018. This cooperative, consisting of 120 farmers and 4Ps beneficiaries, became a Hall of Famer in agricultural achievements.
Reaping the Reward of Hard Works
Despite financial struggles, they thrived through farming, raising poultry and livestock while teaching their children the value of hard work. Eleonor and her husband raised three accomplished children-an Industrial Engineer, a BS Biology graduate, and a MedTech graduate who ranked 6th in the board exams.
Eleonor’s passion for education and innovation earned her 3rd place in the School on the Air on Smart Rice Agriculture (SOA-SRA) in 2023 by the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center I. More so, her efforts gained her the title of 2nd Most Outstanding Rural Woman in the Region in 2024, a recognition that signifies the fulfillment of her lifelong dedication to agriculture.
She also holds NCII Certifications in Rice Machinery Operations and Organic Agriculture Production, demonstrating her expertise in modern farming techniques and sustainable agriculture. Her dedication to agricultural advancements continues as she mentors a new generation of farmers.
Envisioning Countless Opportunities and Success
Eleonor eyes developing their 5.7 hectare of land certified by the Agricultural Training Institute as a Learning Site in Agriculture into a Farm Tourism destination, providing training and livelihood opportunities for more farmers. Today, she continues to inspire rural communities, particularly women, to engage in innovative farming practices. Her dedication has empowered countless individuals, proving that women have a crucial role in shaping the future of farming.
Eleonor Gay Cabusao’s story is not just one of personal triumph but a shining example of how women, even in the most challenging circumstances, can rise above limitations and lead their communities towards progress and prosperity proving that farmers are the backbone of the nation.
“Kung walang farmer, pilay ang nasyon. I am proud to be a farmer!” (Without farmers, the nation is crippled. I am proud to be a farmer!) – Eleanor Gay Cabusao
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