BAGUIO CITY – Some 340 rural women from the different regions of the country convened recently for the 86th Rural Improvement Club (RIC) National Convention.
Bearing the theme ‘RIC WONDER: Women's Empowerment, Optimal Nutrition and Sustainable Development through Enhanced Resilience,’ the event was held to commemorate the crucial role of the organization in empowering and mobilizing rural women towards socio-economic development. Moreover, the convention served as a venue to revitalize their commitment in ensuring "Better Homes for Better Family Living".
Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of the Philippines is a non-profit grassroots voluntary organization of women primarily aims to uplift the farmers and fisherfolk families through home resources management, leadership in community, women's empowerment and agrientrepreneurship.
Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, Director of Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), represented by Deputy Director Antonieta J. Arceo, posted as the keynote speaker of the Convention. She applauded each member of the RIC as they serve as beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing what real dedication and determination can achieve in uplifting the lives of rural women in the countryside. She also challenged the organization to make the annual convention not just a convention but a movement that propels toward sustainable development.
The said Convention provided platform for the members not only to gather together but also to raise their knowledge and awareness about timely, innovative and relevant topics related to agriculture such as Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture, social entrepreneurship, and e-marketing linkages. Other highlights of the event were the significant talks about various opportunities the rural women can avail of from the different government agencies and private sector, such as agricultural credit and insurance, loans, livelihood assistance, extension and training services, among others.
The efforts and contributions of innovative and trailblazers Rural Women in Agriculture were also recognized through success story presentations and testimonies of successful RIC members. The rural women also paid a tribute to Maria Y. Orosa as the founder of the RIC in the Philippines.
The convention was held last November 20 to 22, 2023 at Hotel Supreme in Baguio City.
