Meet 3 women farmers championing organic agriculture in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — While agriculture remains a male-dominated sector in the Philippines, women farmers are gradually hitting the mainstream spotlight. And yes, these are not just farmers. They are impassioned advocates who till the land to create models of agroecological projects, proving that organic agriculture is the way forward.

As a key global advocate for organic farming, including in the Philippines, Naturland proudly highlights the stories of three inspiring women farmers from the Philippines. These women have partnered with Naturland through a project co-funded by Misereor, aimed at leveraging organic agriculture as a vital tool to enhance the livelihoods of rural communities in the Philippines and beyond.

Maria Liza Evangelista, the Vice Mayor of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, is a powerful advocate for organic farming.

During her tenure as mayor, she began transforming her municipality into a hub of organic agriculture. Her own La Granja de Jas Family Farm, established during the pandemic, now serves as a model organic farm and a learning site.

Beyond just a personal endeavor, Maria Liza has partnered with Naturland to extend her advocacy, proving that organic agriculture can provide safe, healthy food for communities, while promoting environmental stewardship. "My mission is rooted in sustainability, leadership by example, and being a catalyst for change in my municipality," she shared.

Concepcion Sotero is a dedicated member of the TOFPAC Cooperative in Tublay, Benguet—one of Naturland's pilot partners.

Through this partnership, Naturland has empowered the cooperative by enhancing organic farming standards, improving access to financial resources, and transforming the community’s agricultural practices.

Together with her husband, Jeff Sotero, Concepcion has turned a once-idle plot of land into a thriving organic farm.

Today, they produce certified-organic vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, spinach and eggplant, accredited through the cooperative’s Participatory Guarantee System.

This collaboration with Naturland has not only helped the cooperative elevate their organic practices while strengthening local biodiversity but will soon open access to