BAYBAY CITY, Leyte — Women play a vital role across the agricultural value chain, particularly in market systems and agri-processing. In celebration of the 2026 National Women’s Month, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8) conducted its annual activity, “From Farm to Femme: Celebrating Women’s Contributions to Agriculture,” to recognize and empower women’s associations while enhancing their knowledge on value-adding technologies, product development, and enterprise opportunities for root crops, on March 18-19, 2026 at PhilRootcrops, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte.
The activity was conducted in collaboration with the PhilRootcrops, in line with its 49th Anniversary celebration, themed “Sustaining Roots, Strengthening Livelihoods: Women at the Heart of Root Crops.”
A total of 46 participants from nine women’s associations across Eastern Visayas gathered for the two-day activity, aimed at strengthening their capacities in agri-enterprise and root crop processing.
ATI-RTC 8 Center Director Ms. Hazel Grace T. Taganas graced the opening program and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to empowering rural women. She emphasized the importance of equipping women with the knowledge and skills needed to actively contribute to food security and local economic development.
Participants were also welcomed by Dir. Marlon M. Tambis, Center Director of PhilRootcrops, the host institution and partner for the activity.
One of the highlights of the first day was the #JuanaSays segment, where two women agripreneurs shared their inspiring journeys. Ms. Emelita Laluna of the Baybay Rootcrops Farmers Association and Ms. Marianne Pangan of the Kika-Gawa Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Mercedes, Eastern Samar, motivated fellow participants through their stories of perseverance and success in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Technical sessions focused on strengthening participants’ competencies in food safety, enterprise development, and business formalization. Ms. Ladie Anne P. Conde of PhilRootcrops discussed Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) in root crop processing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality and safety standards. This was followed by a presentation from Mr. Marlon T. Tambis on the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and its role in supporting emerging agri-based enterprises.
Meanwhile, Mr. Dennis E. Balotite, Business Counselor from the Negosyo Center in Baybay City, guided participants through the process of business registration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), equipping them with practical knowledge for formalizing their enterprises.
On the second day, Ms. Melinda P. Petalcorin, Information Officer III of ATI-RTC 8, highlighted the power of social media as a tool for business growth, helping participants explore strategies to expand their market reach.
For Ms. Aurea Abulencia of ASAPKAPA in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the event was transformative. “Through the support of PhilRootcrops and ATI, our association has greatly benefited. As one of ATI’s learning sites, we are especially grateful for PhilRootcrops’ assistance in developing our cassava chips. This activity provided us with valuable knowledge that we can apply, particularly for our new members. What we learned—from securing permits to using social media—are practices we will adopt when we return to our community. We are hopeful that more opportunities like this will come our way so we can continue learning and growing,” she shared.
By the end of the two days, the women will return to their communities with more than just skills—they carry with them confidence, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose. For them, agriculture is not just a livelihood; it is a canvas for innovation, collaboration, and empowerment.
From cassava chips to social media campaigns, these women are proving that the future of agriculture in Eastern Visayas is female, fearless, and thriving.
