Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. leads the kickoff celebration of the Department of Agriculture for 2024 National Women's Month. (Photo Courtesy: DA) 

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) slated various activities aimed at recognizing the contribution of women in the advancement of the country’s agricultural landscape in line with the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC). 

Among the said activities is the month-long exhibit showcasing the success stories of women in the subsectors of crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries. This is located at the Central Office. 

The exhibit will also feature the winners of the Search for Outstanding Rural Women (SORW) that is being conducted annually to give recognition to different women who significantly aided in the achievement of agricultural progress and community development through rural farming. 

During the first week of March, the DA set up concessionaire booths enabling women entrepreneurs to showcase their crops-based agri-enterprises. Meanwhile, women agripreneurs in the livestock, poultry, and fisheries subsectors will be given the opportunity to feature their products in the third week of the month. 

In addition, there will be a Webinar on Women’s Health on March 8, 15, and 20 organized by the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH).  

“This annual tribute to women's historic achievements, resilience, and leadership aims to provide an opportunity to raise awareness about gender equality, promote women's rights, and inspire future generations,” said the DA. 

This initiative adds to the women-centered programs and services that the DA prepared throughout the month including technology demonstrations of the department’s banner programs, symposium featuring women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, and free spa and skincare services. 

For his part, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. championed the cause of women, particularly in the agricultural sector. 

“Ang pagdiriwang natin ay hindi lamang pagbabalik-tanaw; isa itong panawagan para patuloy ang pagkilala at pagsuporta sa mga kababaihan. Nawa’y magkaisa tayo sa pagsalubong ng isang Bagong Pilipinas na makatarungan, masagana, at mapagkalinga sa lahat,” said Laurel. 

(Our celebration is not only to look back, but a call to action to continue the recognition and support to women. I hope that we all unite in welcoming a New Philippines that is anchored on justice, prosperity, and empathy.) 

“Ang inyong sipag, tiyaga, at katatagan sa harap ng mga hamon ay hindi lang nakikita sa trabaho, sa bukid, at sa dagat, kun’di pati na sa inyong araw-araw na buhay,” he added. 

(Your industry, hard work, and resilience despite the challenges are not only seen in the work that you do in the farm and in the sea, but in your everyday life.) 

Undersecretary for Attached Agencies and Corporations Agnes Catherine Miranda, who concurrently serves as DA-GFPS Chairperson, also imparted an important message that seeks to advance women inclusion. 

“The National Women’s Month is a celebration of respect, appreciation, love, and care towards women. Society is better when women are given equal rights and are not taken for granted. Women’s involvement extends beyond mere labor; they are key decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and agents of change in their communities,” said Miranda.  

The 2024 NWMC celebration bears the theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!,” highlighting the commitment of the national government to empower women to take part in the achievement of progress and development. (DA/PIA-NCR)