JGF Celebrates Women Farmers Who Break Barriers in Agriculture

Imee Patingo, a calamansi farmer from Nueva Ecija, is one of the many female farmers empowered by the Jollibee Group Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program.

Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) celebrates women breaking gender barriers in agriculture.

Before joining the MASIFAGCA Pangkabuhayan, Inc. (MASIFAGCA) in Nueva Ecija, Imee had no farming experience. She learned farming to help the community, where growing calamansi is a main source of income.

Through JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), Imee and other farmers are provided with opportunities to improve their technical skills and business knowledge, allowing them to expand their opportunities and earn more from their harvests.

“FEP encourages farmer clusters to ensure that all members contribute to success and can be leaders regardless of gender,” said JGF Executive Director Gisela Tiongson.

Helping Hand

Tulay sa Pag-unlad, Inc. (TSPI), JGF’s local FEP partner, introduced the program to the calamansi farmers in 2017. The following year, MASIFAGCA was founded and began supplying Jollibee Group.

FEP taught them supply management, financial planning, and the benefits of using technology. Before joining JGF, MASIFAGCA farmers relied on middlemen to sell their produce at lower prices.

“FEP ensures that all members benefit from the training. It is not just the leaders but every member contributing to the success of the group,” said Aquilina Onesa, TSPI’s Head of Alliance and Programs Group.

JGF also provided grants to improve the organization’s sorting area and storage room, while TSPI funded monitoring expenses and coaching materials.

Success Story

Since 2018, MASIFAGCA has been delivering calamansi to Jollibee Group despite challenges posed by the pandemic. The group has connected with other buyers, and Jollibee is considering sourcing other vegetables from MASIFAGCA.

MASIFAGCA was the first FEP group to be recognized at the Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) Supplier Summit, winning the Bronze Award in 2021 for compliance with supply requirements.

MASIFAGCA has also hired out-of-school youth in Nueva Ecija to help with the harvest, sorting, and delivery. Patingo remains committed to giving back by supporting her community and empowering future generations of farmers.

“We must aspire to succeed regardless of our gender or social status. Keep learning, whether in business or in life,” Patingo said.

Women farmers form the majority of MASIFAGCA members. Through the JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program, they have improved not only as calamansi farmers but as entrepreneurs supplying to Jollibee Group.

MASIFAGCA received a donation of a printer and laptop from Tulay sa Pag-Unlad, Inc. to aid in their communication and documentation activities.