In the face of mounting challenges in local agriculture, Lucila Abucejo stands out as a steadfast advocate for community-driven development. Serving as Treasurer in the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MAFC) in Garcia Hernandez, Bohol, she has consistently demonstrated resilience, collaboration, and a deep commitment to service. Her story is a compelling example of grassroots leadership shaping agricultural transformation. Her story, captured through PCAF’s Lakbay Panayam initiative, is a compelling example of grassroots leadership shaping agricultural transformation.
Preparedness and proactive planning marked her MAFC鈥檚 response to El Ni帽o in 2024. Through Abucejo鈥檚 leadership, the council secured 11 large water drums from the provincial government. These were distributed to 19 people鈥檚 organizations (POs), prioritizing those with significant vegetable production. This initiative was supported by 19 resolutions, each signed by the participating organizations鈥攄emonstrating unity and shared commitment.
One of the most pressing issues Abucejo had raised during MAFC consultations was the persistent high price of fish in the local market, despite the island’s abundance of marine resources. The root of the issue lies in middlemen intercepting the catch, diverting it to resorts and hotels before it reaches the local market. Despite raising the concern, it remains unresolved. However, advocacy efforts have been formally communicated to the Municipal and Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council for policy and implementation support.
Beyond large-scale issues, Abucejo has championed sustainable and income-generating practices within the community. She has actively promoted the use of organic fertilizer, composting, and encouraged home-based vegetable gardening鈥攅specially for women鈥攁s sources of livelihood and food security.
In line with community-building efforts, income generated by MAFC-supported activities is shared annually through gatherings such as Christmas events, further strengthening social bonds.
One of the MAFC鈥檚 annual events is the Agro Fair, which is held every May. Co-organized with the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council (PAFC) and the local government unit (LGU), the fair showcases the community鈥檚 best agricultural products. With the support from private sponsors, contests and exhibits are being held to encourage innovation and pride in local produce. The LGU assists with the transportation, while MAFC manages exhibit setup and coordination.
Another notable ongoing initiative of the MAFC is the distribution of fruit-bearing seedlings, such as avocado, jackfruit, and cacao, sourced from the local nursery. This program promotes long-term agricultural sustainability and food security.
Back in 2020, the onset of the pandemic brought significant disruptions to the MAFC鈥檚 usual operations, particularly in communication. Meetings were halted, and information flow among stakeholders was disrupted. In response, Abucejo led efforts to maintain connectivity by sending formal letters to stakeholders鈥攁n initiative that helped bridge the gap and keep community leaders informed despite restrictions.
With the implementation of the Mandanas Ruling, which anticipates increased LGU budget allocations for agriculture, Abucejo is advocating for improved projects鈥攑articularly in banana production. She emphasizes the importance of MAFC鈥檚 role in planning, monitoring, and evaluating agricultural projects to ensure that the increased resources translate into meaningful outcomes for farmers.
She also takes pride in the council鈥檚 gender composition: 60% women and 40% men. While men primarily engage in farm work, women actively participate in meetings and organizational affairs. This dynamic setting fosters inclusive decision-making and strengthens the leadership capacity of women in rural development.
Beyond her role as MAFC Treasurer, she serves as a Barangay Councilor, leads as President of the Garcia-Hernandez Federated Farmers鈥� Association, and manages the association鈥檚 local meat processing enterprise.
Amid these responsibilities, her hopes for the community remain clear. 鈥淚 hope that the fish prices in the local market become more affordable, that the Department of Agriculture provides financial assistance to our association, and that the marketing of our local produce is enhanced,鈥� she shared with the Lakbay Panayam team.
While the path is not without its challenges, Lucila continues to move forward with quiet resolve鈥攇rounded in the belief that adversity can be a catalyst for action, and that purposeful action leads to lasting change.
Hence, in Lucila Abucejo, we see the profound impact of local leadership鈥攚here service, sincerity, and action converge to uplift communities and cultivate lasting change.| Jane Bri帽a
