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About us
The Santa Barbara Municipal P4MP Federation of Farmers Associations is a unified body representing a wide spectrum of agricultural producers in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, Philippines. Registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), we bring together 54 farmers' associations, encompassing 1,626 members (933 men and 693 women).
Our core mission is to advocate for the collective economic, social, and political interests of our diverse farming community at the local, regional, and national levels. We actively engage in policy discussions, champion sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, and strive to improve the livelihoods and overall well-being of our rural communities. By fostering collaboration and providing a strong, unified voice, we aim to shape a thriving and resilient agricultural sector in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.
Our Vision
To be the leading federation of farmers in the region, recognized for its effective advocacy, promotion of sustainable agriculture, and contribution to the prosperity of our member communities.
Our Sectors
Our Sectors
We proudly represent a diverse range of agricultural sectors, each playing a vital role in our community's food security and economic growth.
Rice
Supporting rice farmers with sustainable cultivation techniques, market access, and policy advocacy.
Corn
Empowering corn farmers through improved farming methods, post-harvest management, and market linkages.
High Value Crops
Promoting the cultivation of diverse high-value crops, providing training, and facilitating market opportunities.
Coconut
Working with coconut farmers on sustainable harvesting, processing, and value-added product development.
Soybean
Spearheading the development of the local organic soybean industry, from production to processing and marketing.
Livestock
Supporting livestock farmers with improved animal husbandry practices, feed management, and market access.
Aquaculture
Promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and supporting fish farmers in enhancing their production and market reach.
Mushrooms
Encouraging mushroom cultivation as a viable livelihood option through training and technical assistance.
Organic Farming
Advocating for and supporting the adoption of organic farming practices across all sectors for a healthier environment and community.
Empowering Growth through Strong Leadership
Empowering Growth through Strong Leadership
Our federation is led by Gemma Bautista Sumague, who also serves as the President of the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Santa Barbara, Iloilo.
She served as the Program Coordinator of the Ecosystem of Stakeholders for Sustainable Agriculture (ESSA) program, a Lifebank Foundation initiative that collaborated with farmers to promote organically grown food and produce. ESSA advocated for the shift from conventional to organic agriculture by enabling farmers to share their stories, establishing a database of proven practices and results.
Gemma was Office Manager at Lifebank Foundation’s Smart Agriculture Program, focusing on sustainable agricultural value chains, and Program Coordinator at SEA, Inc., which she co-founded. She earned the Star Employee award as a Department Manager in 2004 and was recognized for leadership in Community Extension Service in 1996.
A nurse and health advocate, she volunteers in schools and communities.
She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, holds multiple professional eligibilities, and earned units in Public Administration, Law, and Teaching.
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