Farmers and irrigators across the Cordillera Administrative Region are stepping up to strengthen their associations through a series of orientations conducted with the support of the Securities and Exchange Commission – Baguio Extension Office (SEC BagEO), equipping grassroots organizations with essential knowledge on compliance, governance, and sustainability. Over 600 farmers participated in the region-wide activities, demonstrating a strong commitment to building resilient associations.
The orientations were conducted in all six provinces of the Cordillera—Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province— ensuring that SEC-registered farmers’ and irrigators’ associations across the region had direct access to timely and practical guidance, including those in far-flung and upland communities.
This initiative is anchored on a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) forged on 10 June 2025 in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet, which formalized sustained support for farmers and irrigators in strengthening their organizations. The agreement was signed by Atty. Regina May Cajucom–De Guzman, Director of the SEC BagEO, and Engr. Benito T. Espique, Jr., Regional Manager A of the National Irrigation Administration – Cordillera Administrative Region (NIA-CAR).
Through the orientations, farmers and irrigators were guided on maintaining good standing as SEC-registered associations, understanding annual reportorial requirements, and practicing sound governance, key elements in protecting members’ interests and ensuring the long-term sustainability of farmer-led organizations.
The provincial orientations place farmers at the forefront of development by building their capacity to lead transparent, accountable, and empowered associations.
With institutional support providing technical expertise and logistical assistance, the focus remains on empowering farmers to take charge of their own organizations and make informed decisions that strengthen their livelihoods and communities.
The region-wide conduct of the orientations supports the government’s thrust for inclusive economic growth and rural sustainability, reaffirming the vital role of farmers and irrigators as partners in grassroots development and nation-building.**
