QUEZON CITY — ALBAY 3rd District Rep. Raymond Adrian E. Salceda has pledged support for rural women and farmers through a community-based organization helping families build sustainable livelihoods and improve food security.
Salceda expressed his backing for Empowering Rural Mothers and Nurturing Agriculture Sustainability, Inc. (ERMaNAS), which provides livelihood opportunities, agricultural training and other community-based programs in Ligao City.
He said empowering rural mothers and women would benefit entire families, particularly those struggling with limited income and rising household needs.
“When we support mothers and women in rural communities, the whole family benefits,” Salceda said, stressing the need to provide them with training, livelihood opportunities and government assistance.
ERMaNAS has nearly 5,000 members from 52 of Ligao City’s 55 barangays. Its programs include climate-smart farming, backyard gardening, livelihood development, nutrition and women’s leadership.
The organization secured registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2026. Fourteen of its barangay-based groups have also registered with the Department of Labor and Employment as Rural Workers Associations.
Salceda, who chairs the House Special Committee on Food Security, said government assistance must reach farmers and rural women who play a vital role in food production and household welfare.
One beneficiary, Virgie B. Pillarda Santillan, a sari-sari store owner from San Vicente, Ligao City, was able to earn additional income through vegetable gardening after joining the organization.
With support from ERMaNAS and the congressman’s district office, Santillan learned to grow vegetables that she could sell while providing fresh food for her family.
ERMaNAS Chief Executive Officer Nelson B. Baltar said the organization’s SEC registration would strengthen its partnerships with government agencies and private institutions and help expand its programs.
The group is also organizing women and mothers in Pio Duran, Albay, to extend its livelihood and agricultural training initiatives to more communities.
Salceda assured the organization of his office’s support in linking its members with government agencies providing agricultural assistance, skills training, livelihood programs and social protection.
He said investing in rural women would help build stronger families, improve local food production and create more sustainable communities.
About the Author
