Community Profile
History of the Community:
Bataan is one of the main agricultural areas in Luzon. Owing to the dominance of a few large private landowners and large numbers of small farm workers, Bataan has always been an area of agricultural issues and disputes, even after the supposed implementation of the government’s agrarian reform program. With the problems brought about by the deteriorating condition of our agricultural sector and the increasing costs of farm inputs and the cheap price of rice, farmers find an increasing need to organize.
Sitio Pugadlawin, Bryg. San Juan, Samal, Bataan
Sitio Pugadlawin is composed approximately of 100 households, with five to six members each. The main sources of livelihood include rice farming, backyard farming and hog/poultry raising. People in the community often also take on jobs as farm workers of private landowners. With regards to education, most members of the community are elementary school graduates. Some have reached high school but eventually had to stop due to the need to help their families earn a living.
Sitio Sto. Nino, Barangay Sapa, Samal, Bataan
Sitio Sto. Nino is composed of approximately 25 families of about 5 members each. The main source of livelihood is farming. Most of the members of the community are tenant farmers. Some engage in fishing and open sari-sari stores, while some earn their living as jeepney and tricycle drivers.
Sitio Imelda, Barangay Batol, Samal, Bataan
Sitio Imelda is composed of about 50 households, with five to six members each. Main sources of livelihood include rice and backyard farming, hog/poultry raising and pakikisaka. Most members of the community are elementary school graduates.
Projects
The Almaba Learning Center in Sitio Pugadlawin, San Juan, Samal, Bataan aims to provide primary education to the children of the member farmers of ALMABA aged 4-7. Education is given primary importance by the community and is seen as a tool to lift them out of poverty. Presently, however, the center is faced with the lack of funds to continue its operations.
For a detailed breakdown of their expenses, please click here.
Partner Institutions
Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Bataan, or ALMABA was established twenty years ago to participate in advocacies pertaining to issues and problems faced by farmers. The organization represents the interests of its members to the government, as well as promotes awareness and knowledge on the different issues affecting farmers today. It likewise assists its members in resolving land issues and securing their rights with regards to the agrarian reform program of the government.
Some of its notable programs/projects/activities include the provision of para-legal assistance to its members, community organizing for a more productive farming community, and the establishment of a day-care aimed towards improving the quality of education for the children in the community.
Partner POs: ALMABA-Brgy. San Juan Chapter; ALMABA-Sto. Nino Chapter