The Philippines’ Rural Improvement Club (RIC) marked its 86th RIC National Convention, which brought together 340 members to honor the organization’s vital role in empowering and inspiring rural women toward socioeconomic advancement last Nov. 20-22 at Hotel Supreme Baguio City.
This year’s event with the theme, “RIC WONDER: Women’s Empowerment, Optimal Nutrition, and Sustainable Development through Enhanced Resilience,” provides a platform for members to network and learn more about cutting-edge, relevant, and contemporary agricultural topics like nutrition-sensitive agriculture.
The First Lady of Cagayan, lawyer Mabel Villarica-Mamba, the president of RIC Cagayan and RIC Region 2 Federation, stated her goal was to give Cagayan Valley’s women more influence.
“Giving the women in the area pride, capability, and authority is what we aim to do here,” she said.
The lawyer hopes to create RIC chapters in every barangay and incorporate all local government units (LGUs) to empower women in the Cagayan Valley.
She said delegates of RIC Region 02 won awards during the Ginang RIC competition: RIC Tuguegarao City’s Margarita Macatuggal Micua stood out as Miss Photogenic and the fourth runner-up, while RIC Tuao and RIC Lal-lo were named the Most Energetic.
Each leader of the RIC Regional Chapter gave a speech during the oath-taking event, which was attended by RIC National Federation officers.
Important discussions about the different opportunities provided by different government agencies and the commercial sector were also highlighted.
There are 68 RIC Cagayan Valley visiting delegates, of which 55 are from Cagayan province, Mamba added.