In solidarity with the nationwide celebration of Women’s Month this March, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol through its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System puts the spotlight on women during its Bicol Women’s Month celebration 2025 held on March 19, 2025.
Themed “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event was held at the Central Bicol Experiment Station (CBES) DA Compound in Brgy. San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur. About 100 rural women composed of AgriPinay beneficiaries, members of the Regional/Provincial/Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), youth in agriculture, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), indigenous peoples (IPs), and Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs) , participated in the activity.
According to DA Bicol Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person Alvin J. Milan, the activity aims to reaffirm the agency’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment in the agriculture sector.
“This reinforces the core objectives of the RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities,” he said.
In her keynote speech delivered by Milan, DA Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Program Director Annray Villota Rivera underscored that the Women’s Month celebration is a reminder of women’s significant role in the country’s tale of progress and development.
“This is not just a fight for women. This is a fight for a better, more equal, and more inclusive world. As we build the Bagong Pilipinas, let’s remember: We don’t need to wait for tomorrow to rise. The time is now. The change starts with us,” she said.
Among the highlights of the activity was the #JuanaSays: Women as Champions of Climate Resilience and Food Security wherein Bicol Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairperson Bernadette Delos Santos, CamSur Multipurpose Cooperative General Manager Annielen Panerio, and RAFC Sectoral Committee on Cacao Chairperson Claudia Esmeralda Honrado shared their insights on women leaders’ contribution in attaining climate resilience and food security.
“Ang role po ng mga kababaihan is very crucial. Kung mapapansin ninyo, ang Earth is referred to as mother. Tayong mga babae meron tayong nurturing nature. Importante na tayong mga kababaihan, nakikita sa ginagawa natin araw-araw na pinapahalagahan natin ang ating naturalesa at ang ating kapaligiran,” De Los Santos said.
Also, representatives from DA Bicol’s attached agencies discussed their pro-women programs, projects and services. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Bicol Planning Staff Rica Sophia Lopez lectured on BFAR Programs and Projects while Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center 5 Planning Officer II Nida Hagos-Garcia oriented the participants on how to convert their farms into a Learning Site for Agriculture LSA). Organic Agriculture Research and Development Center Head Rosita De Lumen shared her expertise in organic farming during the Purple Walk to Organic Agriculture Production Center. Other highlights of the event include the Women in Motion, Strength in Action: A Zumba Fitness Session and the JuanaSell (Women’s Market Exhibit) featuring DA Bicol beneficiaries’ products and other businesses selling women products.
March is designated as National Women’s Month in accordance with Proclamation No. 227, series of 1988, which was signed by former President Corazon Aquino. (Annielyn L. Baleza, DA RAFIS V)