In celebration of the National Women’s Month (NWMC) and the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) underscored the vital role of women in the attainment of community development, agricultural advancement, food security, and prosperity across nations during its opening ceremony on March 9. The ceremony highlighted the indispensable role of women in driving community development, food security, and economic prosperity.
The 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration, themed “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society,” aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision. This year’s sub-theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” draws inspiration from pre-colonial history. It honors the strong leadership of Filipino women as an integral part of the country’s colorful history and identity.
Asec. Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, representing the Executive Committee, DA-Gender and Development Focal Point System Chairperson, Atty. Alvin John Balagbag, highlighted the babaylan—ancient priestesses and healers—as models for modern leadership.
“The babaylans led through wisdom, empathy, and moral guidance rather than force,” Asec. Guevarra noted. “We call on every Filipina to embody that same courage. Gender equality is the responsibility of all of us—WE—working together to build a just society.”
The event also aligns with the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 and the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders Summit, signifying the unrelenting role of Filipino women in fostering inclusive governance, peacebuilding, and community development not only within the country but also in the ASEAN region.
Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also declared the year 2026 as IYWF, further highlighting the pivotal role that women in agriculture play in sustaining families, communities, and economies.
The IYWF 2026 aims to nurture fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable agri-food systems through the promotion of gender equality and equity, specifically giving women and girls in agriculture access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making, while also encouraging collective action and increased investments to address gender gaps, strengthen women’s livelihoods, and promote their leadership across the agri-value chain.
To meet these global standards, DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has pledged to reform policies that bridge gender gaps in the agri-value chain. Undersecretary for Finance Nora Oliveros emphasized that empowering women is a strategic economic move:
- Yield & Income: Equal access to resources directly increases farm productivity.
- Stability: Higher female participation leads to improved nutrition and more peaceful communities.
- Equity: Ensuring a woman farmer in a remote barangay has the same opportunities as a city entrepreneur.
As part of the month-long celebration, the DA-GFPS is translating these ideals into visible action through several month-long initiatives:
- Purple Wednesdays: DA personnel will wear purple weekly to signal solidarity with gender equality movements.
- Agri-Bazaar: A showcase of products from women-led enterprises is currently running at the DA Central Office.
- “Breaking Barriers” Photo Exhibit: Launched by the DA-AFID, features the harrowing yet inspiring stories of four Muslim women leaders from conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
The exhibit highlights leaders from conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, namely: Crystal Ali Solaiman (DA Search for Outstanding Rural Women 2019 National Winner from Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat); Amenah Taratingan (Cooperative Specialist and From Arms to Farms Program Mentor at the Municipal Government of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte); and Inoya Mangompia and Zanayra Sarip (From Arms to Farms Program beneficiaries and agri-leaders from Munai, Lanao del Norte).
These women farmer leaders also headlined the sixth season of the Women in Agriculture Break Barriers: A Town Hall Consultation at the DA-Agricultural Training Institute, Quezon City, on March 9, 2026. With the theme, “Unfolding Extraordinary Stories of Women Farmer Leaders in Conflict Areas,” the event showcased their tenacity and dedication as Muslim agri-women and mothers in the face of poverty, gender inequality, and armed insurgencies. By honoring both the spiritual heritage of the babaylan and the practical grit of the modern farmer, the DA reinforces that women are not just development partners—they are its primary architects.
