The soft broom, known as “buyboy” in the Ilocano language, holds a special place as a popular souvenir for tourists visiting the provinces of Northern Luzon. Crafted from tiger grass, which grows abundantly in the hilly regions of La Union, Ilocos Sur, and the Cordillera region, these brooms thrive despite the ever-changing weather conditions.

Though seemingly ordinary, the tiger grass carries a story of resilience and resourcefulness, embodied by the women of Sitio Sinabugan in Barangay Tio-angan, Bagulin, La Union. One of these remarkable women is Dina Pascua, the president of the Sinabugan Farmers’ Association, Inc.

Dina, a 62-year-old mother of five, has an inspiring journey. She was once a substitute teacher and ventured abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in countries like Cyprus, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Israel. For 23 years, she endured being away from her family to provide for their needs. However, after the passing of her long-time employer, Dina made the courageous decision to return home in 2015.

Upon returning from years of working abroad, Dina initially felt a sense of uncertainty, unsure of where to begin and how to rebuild her life in her homeland. Settling back in their family home in Rosario, La Union, alongside her husband, she sought solace in gardening, planting fruit-bearing trees in their backyard to occupy her time.

However, as the coronavirus pandemic gripped the world, imposing strict movement restrictions and creating a surge in demand for food, Dina made a bold decision. She returned to Sitio Sinabugan, determined to cultivate the land her late father had left behind. With unwavering determination, she embarked on a journey of growing various crops such as bananas, calamansi, sweet potatoes, ginger, peanuts, and corn. Additionally, she took on the responsibility of managing animals, including cattle, goats, swine, and poultry. 

Despite being in her senior years, Dina humorously remarked, “I do not like to keep still,” showing her indomitable spirit and zest for life.

“Saanak a naruam nga awan ti ar-aramidenna uray no senior citizen-akon. Sapsapulen latta ngamin ti bagik ti agtalon gapu ta isu ti inkaubingak. Mahiligak idi nga agmula iti prutas ta mayat iti rikna a no adda ti immulan, addanto ti burasem. Isu a maikawaak idi agsubliakon ditoy,” she said.

[I do not like being idle even if I am already a senior citizen. My body always looks for something to do in the farm because it used to be our life back then. I loved planting fruit-bearing trees – it made me feel happy knowing that if you plant now, you will soon have something to reap. That is why it felt odd when I came back because I missed the trees.]As Dina continued the redevelopment of the one-hectare lot, she harbored a plan to establish her own association. Little did she know that her dedication and efforts had not gone unnoticed. The barangay captain, recognizing her commitment and leadership qualities, approached Dina with an offer that took her by surprise. In 2023, she was asked to serve as the president of the Sinabugan Farmers Association (FA), Inc. 

At that time, the Sinabugan FA was not as active as it is today. With limited support from external sources, members were hesitant to embrace government programs, opting to work individually rather than collectively.

Recognizing the untapped potential within the group, Dina saw an opportunity to provide the guidance and direction needed for their growth. Embracing the challenge, she accepted the role of leading the association. It was during this time that the group was selected as one of the pilot areas for the implementation of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA – SAAD) Phase 2 Program in the Ilocos region.

Under Dina’s leadership and with the assistance of the SAAD Program, the Sinabugan farmers experienced a remarkable transformation. Dina expressed her gratitude, stating that since receiving the livelihood project from SAAD, which included 33 upgraded cattle and various vegetable seeds, the farmers have become more united and efficient in their work. They diligently care for the animals and tend to the crops, actively participating in the training provided by the program. The addition of cattle to their livelihood projects has been a dream come true for the association, expanding their income opportunities beyond soft broom production and rice farming.

In addition to her role as president, Dina takes on the responsibility of caring for two of the 33 cows. She diligently forages leaves and grass for them and fetches water at the break of dawn. Just like herself, Dina describes the women in their barrio as being “all around” – versatile and dependable. They are capable of managing various tasks, from household chores to farm work. Despite being labeled as the “weaker sex,” these women defy stereotypes and engage in physically demanding activities on the farm, such as herding cattle and irrigating crops on steep mountain slopes.

“Ditoy Bagulin, amin a babbai ket kabaelanda ti agtalon ken agpastor. Awan ti taga-balay laeng ditoy, uray adda ti anakna ket mairapinda ti mapan agsibog ken agpakan iti dinguen,” Dina said. 

[In Bagulin, women possess the skills and capabilities to engage in farming and cattle herding. No woman in their community is limited to staying at home alone, as even mothers with young children find the time and opportunity to contribute to agricultural work.]

Dina’s journey has taken her from being a substitute teacher to venturing abroad as a migrant worker. However, she has now found her way back to her true passion – farming. Despite the challenges faced by the Sinabugan Farmers Association (FA), Inc., Dina remains confident that they are on the right path to improving their association with the guidance provided by SAAD. In just a short span of time since joining the program, the FA has already begun to see the results of their hard work. They have successfully harvested and sold cucumbers and tomatoes, while also preparing to sell 16 of their castrated large ruminants.

Her enthusiasm and dedication not only inspire her fellow farmers, but also serve as a reminder for them to stay focused on their ultimate goal – to establish a dairy farm and become recognized as a successful association. With their collective efforts and unwavering determination, Dina and her fellow farmers are determined to transform their dreams into a tangible reality.

Writer: Pearl Lovedyn A. Dacuag, SAAD Region I Information Officer