February 07, 2025 – The BASC project management team officially launched the DOST-PCAARRD-funded extension project, “Expanding the Women-Led Chemical Pesticide-Free Integrated Backyard Farming in Bulacan,” to the women farmers of Bocaue, Bulacan today at the Windmill Piggery Farm in Malipampang, San Ildefonso.

This initiative, aimed at transforming food production, takes a bold step toward promoting safer and healthier alternatives by reviving the traditional “Bahay-Kubo” model. It will empower women with leadership roles in chemical pesticide-free farming while encouraging cooperation through Bayanihan, the Filipino spirit of communal unity.

The project kicked off with a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the BASC and the Juanang Pangkabuhayan ng Bocaue which is the women’s group of the project beneficiaries. Dr. Imee D. Esguerra, Dr. Imelda SA. Navarro, OIC – MAO of Bocaue Ms. Ana Liza M. Hernandez and Ms. Susana Ramirez, witnessed this binding of partnership. This partnership reflects both parties’ commitment to sustainable integrated chemical pesticide-free backyard farming practices and community-driven agricultural solutions.

Dr. Imee D. Esguerra, Director of Extension Services, started today’s activities with an opening remarks outlining the project’s objectives and setting the tone for the day’s training session.

One of the highlights of the event was the “Lakbay Aral” (study tour) at two of the established chemical pesticide-free integrrated farms, namely, BASC-Windmill Piggery Farm and Ate Rochelle Vitalista’s backyard farm.

In the afternoon, lecture on Free-Range Chicken Production and Management, expertly delivered by Dr. Imelda SA. Navarro, Assitant Project Leader. This informative session equipped the participants with valuable insights into sustainable free-range chiken production and management practices that align with the project’s broader goals. Following the lecture, Mr. Danilo M. Palma, a farm worker at BASC-Windmill Piggery Farm, shared a personal perspective, highlighting the farm’s operations and the day-to-day realities of chemical pesticide-free farming. He facilitated the actual demonstration of applying vaccines to free-range chicken and also let the participants have a hands-on experience of doing it.

An open session where participants shared their experiences and reflections was conducted afterwards. The event not only deepened their understanding of chemical pesticide-free integrated farming techniques but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and empowerment among the women farmers, all of whom are poised to take on applying their learnings in establishing their individual backyard farms. 

The day concluded with a raffle draw of free-range chicks and chiken used during the training to the participants. Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to the resource speakers while certificates of participation were distributed to the participants.