ILOILO City – The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6 recognized women who have made significant contributions to the agricultural sector during the “2024 Gawad Parangal sa Katangi-tanging Kababaihan sa Pagsasaka at Pangingisda sa Kanayunan” on October 17.
The recognition ceremony, led by DA-6 regional executive director Dennis Arpia and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional director Remia Aparri, was part of the 2024 Search for Outstanding Rural Women (SORW).
The program highlights the advocacies and achievements of rural women in agriculture and fisheries, particularly their contributions to the community.
Ma. Ninfa Desiree Segovia, 56, of Barangay Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan, emerged as the regional winner.
A member of the LGBTQ+ community, Segovia received a P50,000 cash prize and a plaque of recognition for her work as a community organizer and mobilizer.
She is a passionate advocate of organic agriculture, climate change resiliency, and agricultural technology. Through her organization, Pinay Boracay, she has spearheaded the production of various products from local plants such as blue ternate, malunggay, gumamela, and tanglad.
Segovia also established the Boracay Women Producer Association, now a cooperative known as the Boracay Women Producer Cooperative.
First runner-up Fatima Ebanen of Barangay Poblacion 6, Igbaras, Iloilo received P30,000 and a plaque of recognition.
Ebanen introduced the Nova Vita Integrated Model Farm, focusing on natural farming techniques for crops, fruit trees, rice, and native chicken.
Her farm also serves as a field school for demonstrating modern agriculture technology while promoting eco-friendly practices.
Second runner-up Nieva Dela Torre of Barangay Balighot, Maayon, Capiz received P20,000 and a plaque. D
She ventured into mushroom farming in 2019 and has since grown to become a supplier to retail stores and malls in the region.
Special citation recipient Beatriz Lastimoso of Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental received P10,000 and a plaque for her leadership in the Barangay Codcod United Women’s Association.
The group engages in projects such as abaca weaving, soap making, micro-lending, meat processing, and hydroponic gardening.
DA-6 regional technical director and Gender and Development focal person Zarlina Cuello said the criteria for recognizing the winners included their contributions to food security, agri-fishery development, sustainable practices, and the use of climate-resilient technologies.
Cuello hopes that the stories of these four outstanding rural women will inspire others in the region.
Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla, who attended the event virtually, praised the achievements of rural women in Western Visayas.
In her keynote address, she acknowledged their invaluable role in ensuring food security and supporting the local economy, despite the challenges they face, such as climate change and the lack of infrastructure.
“Whether you received your award or not, the strength of your contribution to our economy and the well-being of rural communities cannot be overstated,” Valdeavilla said, expressing her gratitude to DA-6 and BFAR for recognizing the rural women’s efforts.
“Rural women are the backbone of our rural communities. They play an invaluable role in securing our food supply and contributing to the local economy, and despite their long-unrecognized domestic roles, they continue to empower rural life,” she added.
Valdeavilla acknowledged the many challenges rural women face but commended their resilience and continued success in agriculture./PN
