Women in Agriculture

Meet Ate Mary Jane Matre from Cawit, Boac, Marinduque. She is one of our many “madiskarte” nanays in WFPA. She said, "Farming has always been my passion. In fact, I have a small garden beside our house where we harvest fresh fruits and vegetables. As a mother and a homemaker, I am the one who prepares and cooks food for my family, and I believe it is much better if the food we serve comes from our own garden—fresh and free from chemicals. Through this, I can contribute to protecting the environment while also supporting my husband and family. It also helps us save money since we no longer have to buy these from the market.

I joined WFPA because I wanted to be part of a strong and united group where we could grow fruits and vegetables together and help address the needs of our community. I believe that through what we do, women become more valuable—not only in our homes but also in our communities. By joining WFPA, I had the opportunity to connect with other women and realize that we are not just simply women, we have the ability to help and support our loved ones.

Since joining WFPA, my life has changed for the better. I have met more people, made new friends, and formed strong connections. In our WFPA garden, we work together in unity, planting crops with joy and laughter. We share stories, jokes, and experiences, allowing us to understand each other better. I can proudly say that WFPA has become a part of my daily life, and I am happy to be an active member of this organization."