Six women leaders in the field of agriculture headlined the fifth installment of the Women in Agriculture Break Barriers: A Town Hall Consultation on March 27, 2025 as part of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) culminating activities,

Organized annually by the DA-Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), this year’s town hall consultation features successful women leaders who shared their humble beginnings, success stories, and words of wisdom for budding women agripreneurs in the Philippine agri-fishery sector.

Resource speakers include Esperanza Farmers Association President Jeleta Millanes, Sta. Magdalena Fisherfolk Association (SMFA) Secretary Robine Escarda, Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT) President Mary Mediatrix Villanueva, BidiBidi Enterprise Founder and Creative Director Bernadette De Los Santos, Arboleda Farm Owner Janet Arboleda, and Magsasaka Outlet Operations Head Ma. Loreta Dagui.

The women showed appreciation for the agriculture department for its various interventions and initiatives for local farmers and fisherfolk. Moreover, the women agripreneurs also noted that hard work, resourcefulness, commitment, honesty, maintaining trust and good relationships, and selflessness are keys towards successful agri-ventures.

“As we continue to champion women’s leadership in agriculture, it is crucial that we work together to remove the remaining barriers and create an environment where all women can thrive. Let us also reflect on how we can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women agripreneurs. The future of agriculture depends on women taking leadership roles and shaping the sector with their creativity and expertise,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said. ### (Text by Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara; Photos by Darius M. Mangampo, DA-AFID)