The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) hosted the Stakeholders Forum for the ongoing project “Strengthened Socio-Economic Empowerment, Governance, and Resilience to Climate Change of Vulnerable Women in Pili” on August 1, 2025, at the Alvaro Rabina Hall.
The project is spearheaded by Religiosas Siervas de Jesus de la Caridad and Fundación de Religiosos para la Salud (FRS), with funding support from the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID). Implemented in collaboration with CBSUA, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pili, the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the Goat Raisers Association of Camarines Sur (GRACS), and 25 Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs), the project is now at its mid- implementation stage. It seeks to empower vulnerable women in Pili by strengthening their capacities in social enterprise, governance, and climate change resilience.
The forum provided a venue for stakeholders, beneficiaries, and project partners to review progress and consolidate resources. Ms. Marie Joyce Cheryl B. Armea, FRS Local Coordinator, and Mr. Alfonso C. Nuñez, FRS Philippine Coordinator, presented the project’s accomplishments to date and outlined the remaining targets.
Stakeholders, cooperative members, technical specialists, and social enterprise consultants participated in the forum. They were warmly welcomed by Prof. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez, CBSUA Vice President for Research and Innovation. Prof. Allan B. Del Rosario, Campus Administrator, delivered an inspiring message to beneficiaries and stakeholders on behalf of Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, SUC President IV. Meanwhile, Prof. Vladimir R. Foronda, Director of the Extension Services Division, emphasized the roles, responsibilities, and commitments of each stakeholder in achieving the project’s objectives.
The LGU of Pili also expressed its strong support. Representing Municipal Mayor Hon. Marivic B. Solano was Mr. Alfon John Pato, together with Hon. Romy Salazar, Municipal Councilor; Ms. Maria Odessa Navarez, Planning Officer I of the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO); and Ms. Caroline Resayaga, representative of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO).
Further reinforcing the initiative, Mr. Pedro T. Oliver, Focal Person of the Mushroom Project of the Department of Agriculture–RFO V, conveyed the agency’s continuing technical and developmental support. Likewise, Mr. Larry L. Villaluz, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist and Chief of the CPDAS at CDA, reiterated the agency’s commitment to empowering grassroots communities.
GRACS President, Mr. Roy Nelson G. Layosa, also affirmed support for promoting sustainable farming methods and alternative income sources for women in Pili.
Amid growing social, economic, and climate-related challenges, the forum highlighted the shared commitment of all partners to empower women in the municipality. Through collective action, the program is expected to create lasting improvements in the lives of its beneficiaries and the wider community. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵
