In Laguna, where farming is central to the lives of many communities, the sun rises on fields tended by hardworking individuals. Their lives revolve around farming, which sustains their families and communities. The challenges are many, from unpredictable weather to the constant need for resourcefulness, yet the spirit of perseverance endures.
Among these dedicated farmers are two remarkable women, their lives unfolding in parallel paths across the province. In the quiet fields of Barangay Casa Real, Pakil, Lucita A. Antonio cultivates her family’s land, drawing on years of experience passed down through generations. Miles away, in Rizal, Sheila Mae Dorado tends to rented fields, her determination fueled by the responsibilities of motherhood and her active role in the local farmers’ association.
For the past three decades, Lucita and her husband have farmed their nearly three-hectare property, growing vegetables and fruits that have supported their three children. Two have already finished their studies, and the youngest is about to graduate high school.
Farming, however, is unpredictable. Lucita knows that the rainy season, especially around June after planting in May, often brings typhoons that can destroy their crops.
“Kapag binabagyo, tuwing magtatanim kami nang Mayo, darating ang Hunyo, binabagyo ang aming mga pananim,” Lucita said. [When typhoons come, we plant in May, and by June, our crops are destroyed.]
The dry season is also tough because they depend on rain for water, making it hard to plant and earn a living. “Isa sa mga pagsubok na kinakaharap namin ay tuwing tagtuyot, hindi halos nakakatanim. Mahirap ang buhay,” she added. [One of the challenges we face is that during droughts, we can hardly plant. Life is difficult.]
Lucita doesn’t give up when farming is difficult. She finds other ways to earn money, like making copra. She also uses her skill of fermenting mustard leaves, something she learned from her mother-in-law, to make sure nothing goes to waste when fresh mustard isn’t selling well.
“Madiskarte ba ga, ganoon,” she explained. [Just being resourceful, you know.] They also raise goats and horses, selling the males and keeping the females to grow their livestock. Lucita’s hard work is for her children’s future.
Meanwhile, in Rizal, Laguna, Sheila Mae is also a dedicated farmer and mother of four. She is the treasurer of the San Miguel Archangel Pook Farmers’ Association. Sheila faces the daily challenges of raising her children, the financial difficulties of farming, and the worry of farming on land they don’t own.
“Sa ngayon po ay nakadepende kami sa namumuhunan at nagbabayad po kami ng sampung libo kada taon sa lupang aming sinasaka, dahil hindi naman po ito sa amin,” said Sheila, highlighting the insecurity of their situation. Vegetable farming is their main source of income, but it comes with many uncertainties.
[Right now, we depend on investors, and we pay ten thousand pesos every year for the land we farm, because it’s not ours.]
Sometimes they have good harvests, which allows them to invest in things like horses. However, droughts, pests, and diseases can quickly take away their earnings, often forcing them to rely on investors who take a large share of the profit.
It’s hard to save money, especially with the cost of sending their eldest child to college to study agriculture. Despite these struggles, Sheila is proud of her child’s determination to help their family have a more secure future.
Both Lucita and Sheila find hope in their farmers’ associations. Lucita is part of the Samahan ng Maggugulay ng Barangay Casa Real, formed in 2021. She hopes it will become stronger and more united with livelihood assistance from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program CALABARZON.
For her part, Sheila sees the San Miguel Archangel Pook Farmers’ Association as a vital support system for its members.
Recently, Sheila’s association received help from the SAAD Program. This support has brought them closer together and encouraged their hard work. With guidance from SAAD community development workers and their Municipal Agriculturist, they have participated in activities to strengthen their organization and leadership.
They also identified their needs, such as expanding vegetable farming and getting farm animals. SAAD is providing training on vegetable production to help them deal with pests and diseases, which is something Sheila specifically asked for.
“Tayo ang pinaghuhugutan ng lakas ng ating pamilya, kaya’t huwag tayong tumigil mangarap at magsumikap,” she said. [We are the source of strength for our families so we must never stop dreaming and striving.]
Echoing Sheila’s aspirations, Lucita also hopes for increased support for her association and firmly believes in the power of unity: “Sana ay umunlad pa ang aming samahan, magkaisa-isa kami para mapalago ang aming paghahalaman.”
Despite their different circumstances, both Lucita and Sheila believe in the strength and capability of women in farming.
“Kasi ang babae, pwede siya sa bahay, sa lupa, tumulong sa asawa,” said Lucita. [Because women, they can be at home, on the land, help their husbands.]
Sheila, meanwhile, stated: “Napakahalaga rin ng papel nating mga kababaihan sa isang samahan, dahil bukod sa gumagaan ang trabaho, nagkakaroon din tayo ng karamay.”
[The role of women in an organization is also very important, because not only does it make the work easier, but we also have someone to lean on.]
In their own ways, Lucita and Sheila show the strength and determination of women farmers in Laguna. They face many challenges, but their dedication to their families and their connection to the land keep them going, hoping for a better future through their hard work and the support of their communities. ###
