Apipa Cabaro is a driving force behind inclusive, community-centered development in Iligan City. As Chairperson of the Highly Urbanized City Agriculture and Fisheries Council (HUCAFC) for nine years, she has brought nearly two decades of civil society experience into a leadership role defined by practical results and long-term vision.
Chairperson Cabaro鈥檚 continued service to the AFC, earned her a National Volunteers Day award in the 鈥淧illars in Agriculture鈥� category鈥攁n acknowledgment of her leadership and commitment.
Among the key accomplishments of the HUCAFC under Cabaro鈥檚 leadership are the One Barangay, One Product (OBOP) program, the OBOP Village Expo 2025, and the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for Indigenous Peoples (IP) women.
Funded through the city鈥檚 development fund, the OBOP initiative empowers barangays to develop and market their own products with support from a broad network of partners. These include the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Mindanao State University鈥揑ligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), and the Iligan City People鈥檚 Council. As Co-Chair of the Technical Working Group, Cabaro plays a key role in coordinating this multi-sectoral collaboration.
The Program has since produced tangible results. The OBOP Village Expo 2025 showcased products from 44 barangays, strengthening market linkages and highlighting local innovation. Economic gains have also followed, ranging from charcoal briquette production and upland rice harvests to the expansion of biofertilizer initiatives. Infrastructure investments and private sector partnerships have likewise contributed to increased agricultural productivity, including the expansion of corn production to 1,200 hectares.
Among her most meaningful work is a livelihood program for indigenous women in Barangay Rogongon. In partnership with DSWD and the local government, the initiative supports diverse income streams such as organic farming, native chicken production, and medicinal plant cultivation. Built on community participation and cultural respect, it emphasizes shared ownership and long-term sustainability.
At the core of her advocacy is inclusive participation. Cabaro has championed the role of women in agri-fishery, expanding access to livelihood programs, skills training, and enterprise opportunities. With support from the local government and the Office of the City Agriculturist, these efforts have enabled women to become active economic contributors. Her push for household vegetable gardening has also strengthened food security at the community level.
Understanding that sustainable change begins early, she has worked with educators to introduce agri-fishery concepts in elementary schools, cultivating awareness among the youth. At the same time, she promotes environmentally responsible practices鈥攐rganic farming, composting, and tree planting鈥攚hile supporting initiatives aligned with Halal standards.
Looking ahead, Cabaro is helping steer major developments in Iligan鈥檚 agri-fishery sector, including plans for a Halal slaughterhouse, cold storage, fish processing facilities, and more鈥攑rojects aimed at strengthening the entire value chain.
鈥淢y vision is for Iligan City to achieve zero hunger and become a leader in the agriculture and fisheries sector, thriving despite the challenges posed by climate change,鈥� she said during the Lakbay Panayam.
Cabaro has also been working consistently with those often left behind. She serves as Vice President of both the Iligan City Urban Poor Workers Association, Inc. and the Federation of Senior Citizen Associations of the Philippines, and has been recognized for her leadership in advancing the rights of older persons under Republic Act 9994.
Apipa Cabaro鈥檚 leadership has redefined agriculture in Iligan City鈥攏ot as subsistence, but as a pathway to empowerment, innovation, and shared progress. At 72, she remains a steady, transformative presence, cultivating not only crops, but stronger, more resilient communities. | Jane Bri帽a
