Strengthening support for farmers, fisherfolk in Bataan through local collaboration

FARMERS, fisherfolk, local government representatives of Dinalupihan and Hermosa, and the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) came together for a stakeholders meeting at the Dinalupihan Municipal Hall on May 28 to develop strategies for boosting agricultural productivity and market access in the province.

The meeting brought together PEF social enterprise partners, the Dinalupihan Integrated Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, and the Almacen Fishermen Cooperative, who outlined the interventions they need to enhance their ongoing efforts.

Agricultural officers from both municipalities presented current initiatives, aimed at addressing challenges such as low productivity and limited access to farming inputs and machinery.

“We will focus on building the capacity of farmers, especially in production and marketing”, said Arlene Javier, municipal agricultural officer of Dinalupihan. “We are also planning to create an agricultural supply store to address the high prices of farming inputs.”

From Hermosa, Municipal Aquaculturist Michelle Juliano shared plans to support fisherfolk, particularly by addressing frequent floods that disrupt fish production.

A breakout session allowed participants to identify community-specific interventions, which will form part of a broader area development plan for Bataan. This plan is being co-created with local stakeholders and supported by PEF.

The discussions were also attended by PEF General Assembly member and former Department of Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani, Deputy Executive Director Cauchie Garcia, and Area Manager Peter Nabong — reflecting the shared commitment to inclusive rural development.

AIDING THE FISHERFOLK To sustain interventions and address persistent poverty among farmers and fisherfolk,  Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) has included Bataan, particularly the towns of Dinalupihan and Hermosa, as one of its priority focus areas. PHOTO FROM PEF

Currently, PEF’s social enterprise program is implemented in Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Sultan Kudarat, Bukidnon, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Caloocan City.

The collaboration in Bataan began in 2023 through the Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement — an initiative led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with development institutions and local governments.