Once a traditional farmer, she has embraced vlogging to share her farming journey, inspiring others and proving that digital tools can transform rural livelihoods.
Maureen's journey into farming was born out of necessity. “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. With no prior experience, she learned the trade under her husband’s guidance, tackling challenges head-on.
Climate-smart techniques, digital entrepreneurship
Her breakthrough came when she joined the Scaling Up Sustainability Project, a collaborative initiative led by the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA), PLDT Inc., and Smart Communications Inc., with funding support through a GlobalGiving grant in partnership with Corteva. The project aims to train 100 Filipino farmers in climate-smart practices and digital entrepreneurship to boost productivity and resilience.
Through this program, Maureen was introduced to modern farming techniques and digital tools that changed the way she managed her farm.
"Technology has made a big difference. From online marketing to new farming methods, I've learned so much," she said.
One of the most significant changes was the use of social media for marketing her produce.
“Thanks to social media, we can sell our products faster and reach more customers. Sometimes, our harvests are sold out even before we bring them to the market,” she added.
Training fellow farmers
Currently undergoing a three-month mentorship program facilitated by PLDT and Smart, Maureen is learning about digital entrepreneurship, water management, and drip irrigation for corn and vegetables.
With training from Harbest Agribusiness Corp., she aims to train other farmers and encourage them to integrate technology into their farming practices.
"It's a big responsibility, but I want to help other farmers learn about modern farming and how to use social media for marketing," she explained.
Her vlogs, which showcase farming techniques, best practices, and digital tools, have gained traction online, becoming a valuable resource for fellow farmers. "It also helps that Smart’s signal is strong in our area, so I have no trouble uploading my videos," she noted.
Balancing family, farming, and vlogging
As a farmer, vlogger, and mother of three, Maureen emphasizes the importance of time management. “It’s all about balance. My children help on the farm during summer, making it a family effort,” she said.
Looking ahead, she dreams of turning her farm into a training school to educate more farmers. “I hope to get approval for our farm school. It’s my way of giving back to the community,” she shared.
Her message to fellow farmers? "Don’t be afraid to embrace new technologies. They can help increase your yield, reduce costs, and make farming more manageable." — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
