Cultivating Growth and Innovation for Antique Farmers

In Antique, where farming is more than just a livelihood but a way of life, one research station stands as a pillar of support for local farmers striving for sustainability and progress. At the Antique Research Outreach Station (ROS) in Tigmanali, Patnongon, Center Chief Marilou Ostan spearheads efforts to equip farmers with modern agricultural technologies, high-quality planting materials, and technical expertise- ensuring that they can increase their productivity, lower costs, and secure better incomes.

Equipping Farmers with Resources

Under her leadership, Antique ROS provides fruit tree seedlings and assorted vegetable seeds, enabling farmers to diversify their crops and improve their harvests. The station also supplies forage grasses and legumes to support livestock nutrition, strengthening the province’s cattle industry.

“As a woman leading the Antique Research Outreach Station, it is my duty to help farmers improve their livelihoods. By implementing DA programs, we encourage them to adopt new technologies that reduce costs, increase harvests, and improve their income,” Marilou shares.

Strengthening the Livestock Industry

Beyond providing planting materials, the station plays a crucial role in cattle genetic improvement, a key factor in enhancing Antique’s livestock industry. Through artificial insemination services and access to superior cattle breeds, farmers can raise healthier livestock with better meat quality and higher market value. These efforts not only improve farm profitability but also strengthen Antique’s position in the livestock sector.

Addressing Agricultural Challenges

Recognizing the many challenges faced by farmers- including climate change, soil health issues, pest infestations, and rising input costs- Marilou and her team at the ROS continue to find ways to provide technical assistance, research-based solutions, and training programs to address these concerns.

“With the help of our personnel and staff, we make sure that farmers receive the guidance they need to improve their production and livelihood,” she explains.

Women in Leadership

For Marilou, agriculture is more than just providing seeds and technical support- it is about empowering farmers to take charge of their future. Every program implemented, every innovation introduced, and every farmer trained is a step toward building a resilient and progressive agricultural community in Antique.

With her leadership at the Antique Research Outreach Station, Marilou continues to bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern technology, ensuring that every farmer- regardless of gender- has the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to thrive.

Her work is not just about improving yields or lowering costs- it is about transforming lives, strengthening rural economies, and inspiring a new generation of farmers to embrace innovation. As she looks ahead, Marilous remains steadfast in her mission, to cultivate not just crops, but also a future where agriculture in Antique flourishes for generations to come.###

Texts and Photos by Myleen S. Subang