The Department of Agriculture (DA) paid homage to Filipinas as movers of agricultural and economic development in the Philippines during its kick-off celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month (NWMC) last March 3.
Revolving around the main theme, “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society,” as well as the sub-theme for this year, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Senator Imee Marcos, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and guest of honor for the Department’s NWMC this year, called attention to the pivotal role of women in addressing both local and global food and agricultural crises.
“We are all fully aware that women have been the primary food preparers throughout history. When it comes to food security, it is women who make sacrifices and make the contributions to ensure that there is food on every table and that every family is fully nourished and grown. These are the real contributions of women—feeding the world, feeding the Philippines, and feeding each and every one of our families,” Senator Marcos said.
Despite being overlooked and not being counted as agricultural laborers due to the notion that agriculture work is simply an extension of their familial duties, the lawmaker lauded the resilience of Filipinas in the sector, especially those in the rural areas, as evident in their remarkable contributions to the development and modernization of Philippine agriculture.
Senator Marcos also expressed her support for the Department of Agriculture, whose mandate places it in a unique position to uplift local farmers, fisherfolk, and agripreneurs, most especially those from the underprivileged and vulnerable sectors.
“Sa aking mga kapuwa lingkod-bayan dito sa DA, napakahirap po ng public service. Ang huling mapupuntahan ng mahihirap na magsasaka at mangingisda ay kayo at kayo lamang. Alam natin na hindi sapat na maging mahusay, hindi sapat na mabilis at magaling magtrabaho. Kinakailangang lampasan mo pa, higitan mo ‘pagkat sila’y kung minsan nagdadamdam. DAserve ng Pilipino ang ‘DAserve-ice’ natin sa pamahalaan,” she addressed.
The 2025 NWMC is anchored on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a new Philippines with an all-inclusive plan on national development and transformation.
Meanwhile, in the DA chief’s message delivered by Undersecretary for Finance Nora Oliveros, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. encouraged the DA family to take on the challenge of surpassing its current capabilities and continuing to craft and implement gender-responsive initiatives.
“Let us continue to champion gender equality, create more opportunities, and ensure that every woman in this sector has the tools and support they need to thrive. As your DA Secretary, I promise that your contributions will always be recognized, valued, and celebrated. The future of agriculture in the Bagong Pilipinas is one where women stand equally, empowered, and at the forefront of progress,” the agri chief expressed.
Foreign dignitaries joined the DA family officials and employees in launching a series of activities for the entire duration of the said celebration.
A Kadiwa bazaar featuring women-led and organized agri-based businesses from various parts of the country showcased locally made products at the DA Central Office, Quezon City.
The month-long photo and video exhibition on the Department’s women leaders as well as the national finalists of the 2024 DA Search for Outstanding Rural Women (SORW)—an annual undertaking of the DA GAD FPS to recognize the achievements and contributions of rural women in Philippine agriculture and community development—was also featured thru the LED wall at the main lobby of the DA Central Office.
The DA GAD FPS also hosts a series of webinars on livelihood training, GAD mainstreaming, intersectionality, and related legislations throughout the month.
In support to the PCW’s #PurpleWednesdays campaign, a memorandum was issued by the Department to show the DA Family’s commitment to women empowerment and gender equality by wearing purple every Wednesday for the entire NWM celebration.
A Town Hall Consultation featuring successful women agripreneurs and the 2024 SORW awarding ceremony will be held on March 27 and 28, respectively, to formally cap off this year’s event. ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)
