In the scenic province of Quezon, Flordeliza Maleon is a pillar of leadership and advocacy in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Her journey from banker to farmer-leader is a testament to her perseverance, passion for continuous learning, and steadfast dedication to empowering her community. 

Today, as the Chairperson of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) in CALABARZON, Maleon’s leadership continues to make a significant impact on the region’s farming and fishing communities. However, her path to success has not been without challenges, including the devastating African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak that led her to close her piggery business.

Originally from Catanduanes, Maleon relocated to Unisan, Quezon, after retiring in 2008. Having spent 26 years in the financial sector, Maleon sought a new direction in life. Inspired by her late husband, a poultry specialist, Maleon ventured into the agricultural industry. She started raising pigs and poultry, focusing on both layers and broilers. 

In 2012, Maleon became involved with the Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) and was appointed as the Representative of the Sectoral Committee on Livestock in Unisan, Quezon. Her understanding of the industry, combined with her leadership skills quickly earned her the respect of her colleagues within the council.

However, in 2019, the ASF outbreak hit the Philippines, and Maleon’s piggery was among the many businesses affected. “Masakit makita na unti-unti silang nagkakandamatay. Tapos nagka-pandemic pa, kaya patong-patong talaga yung naging problema”, she recalled. (It was heartbreaking to see them die one by one. Then the COVID-19 pandemic happened, which piled onto to our problems.) 

The ASF epidemic devastated many pig farms across the country, including hers. Despite this painful setback, Maleon chose to remain resilient. Rather than retreating from agriculture, she redirected her energy toward helping other farmers and fishers in her community.

Though Maleon no longer runs a livestock and poultry business, her commitment to the agricultural sector has not wavered. She shifted her efforts to advocating for policy changes, building capacity, and supporting local farmers and fishers. In 2019, Maleon’s influence expanded when she was appointed as the Provincial AFC (PAFC) Chairperson of Quezon. Under her leadership, the PAFC received the prestigious Outstanding PAFC Award at the 49th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda in 2020, a testament to her leadership and dedication to improving the agricultural landscape in Quezon province.

A key part of Maleon’s leadership approach is fostering collaboration and open communication. Through a group chat system within the RAFC, members are encouraged to share what they’ve learned at training sessions and community events, helping spread valuable knowledge throughout the Council. This system has proven to be an effective way to keep the agricultural community in CALABARZON informed and connected.

Maleon has also been a strong advocate for farmers and fishers to organize themselves and obtain Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation. She explains, “Ito yung effort ko, personally, in expanding membership ng AFC. Ine-encourage ko sila na maging CSO-accredited para makakuha ng benefits [financial assistance, training, or new technologies] from the government and then I encourage them to join the AFC para yung mga issues and concerns nila on the grant or support na binigay ay masosolusyunan and yung knowledge ay mas mapalawak with the help of other members.” (This is my personal effort in expanding AFC membership. First, I encourage them to be CSO-accredited to access government support and then I urge them to be part of the AFCs so that they will have an organization that can help them address their issues and/or broaden their knowledge and skills.)

Looking forward, Maleon envisions a future where the agriculture and fisheries sectors are more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive. “Ang pangarap ko para sa agri and fishery sector ay abundance: abundance in food, abundance in productivity, and abundance in government support to fight poverty and to achieve food security,” she said. (My dream for the agri and fishery sector is abundance, abundance in food, productivity, and government support to fight poverty and achieve food security.) She is committed to ensuring that farmers and fishers have the support, training, and resources they need to thrive and contribute to a more secure food system in the Philippines.

Despite the personal losses and challenges she has endured, Maleon’s commitment to the agricultural sector remains unshaken. While her leadership may not come with grand promises, her quiet perseverance encourages those around her to stay focused and keep moving forward, even when faced with setbacks.

Away from the public eye, Maleon also finds great joy in her role as a mother. She is the proud parent of three accomplished children—a doctor, an engineer, and a consul. When asked about the secret to raising such successful children, Maleon shared that one of her guiding principles was to foster a love of learning from an early age. “Noong nagbubuntis ako, mahilig akong bumili ng encyclopedia at kung ano-anong makakapal na libro para yun ang unang makikita at mahahawakan ng mga anak ko paglabas nila,” she recalled. (When I was pregnant, I loved buying encyclopedias and all sorts of thick books so that these would be the first things my children would see and touch when they are born.) This early exposure to knowledge undoubtedly played a role in their success, but for Maleon, her children’s accomplishments are a reflection of her belief in the importance of education, hard work, and discipline.

Until now, continuous learning is what motivates Maleon in her volunteerism journey. As she puts it, “You become addicted to learning within the AFC and that’s what keeps me going.” With her steady approach, the future of agriculture in CALABARZON and beyond continues to move forward, one step at a time, guided by the hands of a mother, leader, and advocate who remains an inspiration to all. | Joy Camille Luza