The growing number of people affected by hunger and food insecurity, especially during the pandemic, is one of the biggest challenges in the rural areas. A livelihood project was implemented from 2019 to 2021 among the 33 members of a… More

The growing number of people affected by hunger and food insecurity, especially during the pandemic, is one of the biggest challenges in the rural areas. A livelihood project was implemented from 2019 to 2021 among the 33 members of a women’s association in a disadvantaged upland community in Bukidnon province, Southern Philippines, for inclusive development. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the livelihood intervention in changing income, knowledge about farming, social capital, and food security amidst the pandemic. The project implemented facilitated extension activities and surveys considering the health protocols imposed by the government. The technical training has resulted in a positive change in the knowledge level, promoted the production of vegetables in the households which generated additional income vital during the pandemic. Besides, there was a significant increase in the social capital of rural women during the last two years. Though not statistically significant, the project has caused an increase in food availability, accessibility, and utilization in the household during the pandemic. The findings indicated that a livelihood intervention can effect changes in the social and economic situation of the rural women even during the pandemic which could be promoted to other members of the community. Less

While deliberately formulated initiatives on achieving peace in Mindanao are recognized, there may also be latent, unintentional mechanisms that could be derived from mundane, casual social relations. Thus, this study explored the experiences of M?ranao women traders in relating with… More

While deliberately formulated initiatives on achieving peace in Mindanao are recognized, there may also be latent, unintentional mechanisms that could be derived from mundane, casual social relations. Thus, this study explored the experiences of M?ranao women traders in relating with their non-Muslim clients in two selected non-Muslim cities in Bukidnon. As an exploratory study, it employed In-depth Interviews among selected M?ranao women traders. Their diaspora in these communities are brought about by economic, socio-political, and climatic factors. They both have negative and positive experiences in relating to their non-Muslim clients. They may have negative responses to the unpleasant treatment by some non-Muslims, but generally, their responses demonstrate both a potential for a multicultural ethnic relation and a sense of agency despite their subordinated position as women, small-scale traders, and ethnic minority. There is also a need for their host communities to raise their level of cultural sensitivity to eliminate prejudices towards Muslims. The study recommends for the LGUs concerned to conduct socio-cultural activities bringing Muslims and non-Muslims together, and ask the big companies to consider advertisement that promote cultural understanding, and to sponsor IECs fostering multi-culturalism. Likewise, curricular program planners are encouraged to embed cultural senstitivity in the curriculum. Less

As agro-industrialization promotes alterations in the landscape and lifescape of indigenous people (IP) particularly their women who are viewed as ‘carers’ of their environment and ‘bearers’ of their culture, it is interesting to explore how these communities cope and view… More

As agro-industrialization promotes alterations in the landscape and lifescape of indigenous people (IP) particularly their women who are viewed as ‘carers’ of their environment and ‘bearers’ of their culture, it is interesting to explore how these communities cope and view them as agencies rather than as victims of such changes. Anchored on Gidden’s Structuration theory, this paper aims to describe the Manobo-Pulangihon women’s adaptive strategies on agro-industrialization and explore on the enabling mechanisms that facilitated these strategies. Using qualitative methods (Focus Group Discussions & Key Informant Interviews) and reviewing secondary data, this study revealed that the Manobo-Pulangihon women demonstrated their sense of agency by strategizing psychological, economic, and socio-cultural ways of adaptation to agro-industrialization. It also shows the support of government, a private company, and non-government organization in their adaptation. Thus, knowing the capacities and strategies of women could possibly lead to a more participatory, inclusive and sustainable development in rural communities. Less