Farmer-vlogger reaps success with technology

In Tuguegarao, where farming is one of the main sources of livelihood, 36-year-old Maureen Ann Blancad has transformed her life as a farmer and her community through the power of technology.

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Once a traditional farmer, Maureen has turned to vlogging to share her journey and knowledge with her followers online. Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of women in agriculture, especially in the face of adversity.

Maureen's journey into farming began under challenging circumstances. "I started farming when my husband had an accident and couldn't work. There was no one else to tend to our land, so I took over," she recalled. Despite the initial struggles, including learning how to plow and manage the farm, Maureen persevered. "With my husband's guidance, I learned the ropes. It was tough, but I had to stay positive for my family."

Maureen's farming skills received a substantial boost when she joined the Scaling Up Sustainability Project, an initiative led by the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA) in collaboration with PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. With funding support through a GlobalGiving grant in partnership with Corteva, this project aims to train 100 Filipino farmers on climate-smart practices and entrepreneurship, to enhance productivity and resilience.