𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗮

Nestled in the heart of Pura, Tarlac, The Rural Improvement Club (RIC) has been a pillar of empowerment and community development since its establishment in 1980. What started as a small initiative has grown into a thriving organization, bringing together women – retirees, working mothers, and aspiring entrepreneurs – who are eager to learn and improve their livelihoods.

Women make up nearly half of the world’s population and play a crucial role in shaping societies. According to global statistics, women account for about 49.6% of the total population and contribute significantly to various sectors, from agriculture and business to education and governance. Their roles as caregivers, leaders, and workforce members are essential in driving economic growth and social progress. Empowering women through education, skills training, and livelihood opportunities not only benefits individuals but also strengthen families and communities as a whole.

Through the years, the club has evolved, with a significant reorganization in 2014 that revitalized its mission. Today, with the support of local agencies and the Department of Agriculture, the RIC continues to uplift women and strengthen communities, proving that growth and progress flourish in unity.

Uniting Women: The Role of RIC in Pura’s Growth

The RIC in Pura was originally established in 1980. Over the years, it evolved and the said group was reorganized in 2014, bringing together approximately 200 women in Brgy. Poblacion II in Pura, Tarlac.

Ms. Luzviminda D. Idmilao serves as the current president the women’s group in Pura. She quipped that the members of the group are mostly retirees and women especially mothers who are working to support their families and eager to learn various livelihoods. “Karamihan sa amin dito ay mga retirees, mga nanay na naghahanap-buhay na gusto pang matuto ng iba’t-ibang mga livelihood sa tulong ng mga ahensiyang nagiging katuwang ng DA-LGU,” she shared.

As part of the Local Development Council, the RIC also helps the Municipal Agriculture Office in the planning and strategizing of activities, programs, and projects in the municipality. Mr. Leo Transfiguracion, current Municipal Agriculturist, shared that the goal of the group is to unite the women in the community and help them empower themselves especially as stewards in the field of agriculture.

“Sila po ang nakakasama sa aming planning dito sa munisipyo. Kabahagi po namin sila sa KADIWA ni Ani at Kita naghahatid ng mga produkto sa mga tao tuwing araw ng biyernes. Layunin nila ang ipagbuklod-buklod ang mga kababaihan at sila ang nagiging boses ng kababaihan dito sa aming lugar,” Transfiguracion shared.

A New Beginning: Overcoming Challenges and Reviving the RIC of Pura

Before its reorganization in 2014, the RIC of Pura faced significant challenges that led to its decline. Over the years, membership dwindled and activities became less frequent. Without active leadership and consistent support, the club struggled to sustain its programs, leaving many women in the community without access to the training and livelihood opportunities. Additionally, without strong coordination with other government agencies, the club found it difficult to secure resources and implement meaningful projects. These challenges highlighted the need for a fresh start, which eventually led to the club’s revitalization, bringing new energy, leadership, opportunities to the women of Pura.

One of the key persons that led to the reorganization of the group was the former Municipal Agriculturist and RIC coordinator, Ms. Adoracion Dayag. She has also joined the RIC after her retirement and she shared the unforgettable stories and experiences with the members of the organization. She quipped that it was very challenging to rebuild an inactive organization. During her time as municipal agriculturist, she took the challenge to reorganize and revive the RIC.

She recalled that as she led the reorganization, the RIC in 14 out of 16 barangays have been revived. Ms. Dayag shared that they were once invited in the ITCPH (International Training Center on Pig Husbandry) in Batangas to take part in a training activity. “Noong naibalik na namin ang organisasyon, isa sa mga activity namin na ginawa ay ang dispersal ng native piglets bukod pa sa ibang livelihood pa na ginagawa ng organisasyon dahil naimbitahan po ang aming RIC sa isang training sa ITCPH,” Dayag reminisced.

Building Livelihoods

In the present time, the organization dedicates its time to various services and livelihood activities that benefit both the community and its members. Through the Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon, they have participated in numerous training activities to enhance their skills in different livelihoods.

To keep the members engaged and active, each barangay implements its own project, fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement. “Sa amin po halimbawa, sa isang barangay, sa Brgy. Poblacion III nandoon po ang paggawa ng atsara, sa Brgy. Linao naman ay paggawa naman ng tinapa,” Ms. Dayag shared.

With years of honing their skills, the group came up with one of their signature products which is the kalabasa noodles or noodles made of squash. The products are well-supported by local consumers including the local Day Care Center, which chooses to serve nutrient-rich kalabasa noodles to children as part of their meals. “Marami pong bumibili ng aming produkto dito sa aming bayan, lalo na po ang Day Care Center na suki namin, at ito po ay ipinapakain nila sa mga bata,” the President, Ms. Idmilao, shared.

“Nagtutulong-tulong po ang bawat kababaihan dito sa amin kung saan mayroon silang kanilang sariling produkto na maaari nilang ibenta kapag kami ay may trade fair o kaya ay KADIWA. Mayroon sa amin ay nagba-backyard farming, mayroon namang gumagawa ng bulaklak na gawa sa recycled materials,” the RIC president added.

Embracing the Journey

Some rural women never initially envisioned themselves as part of the organization, but fate led them to join. For them, it has been an unexpected yet fulfilling journey – one they have wholeheartedly embraced as they work to empower not only fellow women but the entire community.

Through perseverance, collaboration, and a shared commitment to progress, the RIC of Pura continues to thrive, proving that when women come together, they can create lasting change. From livelihood projects to community initiatives, the organization has become a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and unity. As they move forward, the members remain dedicated to uplifting one another and ensuring that their legacy of growth and services extends to future generations.