THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has committed its full support to the women in rural areas, specifically to the Gender and Development (GAD)-related initiatives.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA has allocated over P10.5 billion for GAD initiatives, provision of production support services, distribution of agricultural equipment and machinery, conduct of capacity-building activities, expansion of marketing opportunities and extending access to financial credit and services.

Laurel made the commitment during the recent awarding of the winners for the Search for Outstanding Rural Women (SORW) 2023.

“Habang kinikilala at pinararangalan natin ang talino, galing, at sipag ng SORW winners natin, magpasya tayong pagbutihin pa lalo ang ating mga pagsisikap na maiangat at mapabuti ang buhay ng mga kababaihan sa kanayunan.

Let us recommit ourselves to the national effort to make ours a country where women are accorded the respect and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

And let us double our efforts to allow them the support they need to raise their families in peace and to contribute to national progress and food security to the best and fullest of their talents and abilities,” Laurel said in his message delivered for him by DA Undersecretary for Finance Agnes Catherine T. Miranda.

This year’s National Winner award was given to cancer survivor Mylin Tayapad, who conveyed a mix of joy, disbelief and gratitude in her acceptance speech.

“I am just a cancer survivor po. Naging VAWC victim din po ako. Pero salamat sa Panginoon dahil lagi Niyang itinatayo ang bandera ko ng pagkababae—na dapat ipaglaban ko ito para sa sarili ko, para sa mga anak ko, para sa komunidad, at sa buong mundo lalo na sa mga kababaihan. Kasi kung wala pong lalaban para sa ating mga sarili, sino pa ang tatayo po para sa atin?” Tapayad said.

She is also a respected woman farmer-leader in her community, a steward of agriculture, health, and women’s rights as well as for bridging the gap between members of her community and the DA.

Tayapad also acknowledged the DA which, she said, paved the way for her to reach greater heights.

The SORW is an annual recognition bestowed by the DA through the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) to Filipina farmers and fisherfolk from the rural areas who have exhibited stellar performance and contribution to agricultural and community development.

This year, six other nominees also took home recognitions. They are Marivic C. Dubria, Region XI (First Runner-up); Josephine P. Lay-os, Cordillera Administrative Region (Second Runner-up); Thelma T. Alabon, Region II (Third Runner-up); Gina B. Deypuyart, Region XII (Fourth Runner-up); Vilma O. Coronel, Region V (National Finalist); and Agrifina A. Gabres, Region III (Special Citation).

The DA’s Board of Judges led by Miranda selected and evaluated the nominees. Miranda was by the DA-GFPS Vice Chairpersons, namely Assistant Secretary for DA Inspectorate and Enforcement James A. Layug and DA Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs and Department Legislative Liaison Officer Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra, as well as the members of the SORW National Technical Committee (NTC).