DA-WV Champions Women as Unsung Heroes in Agriculture

ILOILO CITY- The DA-Western Visayas Regional Executive Director, RED Dennis R. Arpia emphasized the critical role of women in agriculture and in life in a heartfelt and inspiring closing program message, branding them as the unsung heroes whose resilience is the driving force in overcoming the challenging and often frustrating conditions of agriculture.

Director passionately expressed, “Agriculture is really nothing without women, so is life; women are unsung heroes. The agriculture industry, with all its challenges and frustrations, finds its strength in the continuous resilience of women who tirelessly champion its cause. Perhaps the reason it remains unheard is that we haven’t looked at it closely enough.”

Highlighting the need for greater recognition, the director pointed to figures like USEC Agnes as exemplars of the essential component women play. “It is time now to acknowledge that rural women, exemplified by USEC Agnes, hold the keys to many roads, guiding the world along these paths. Let’s not grow weary of activities like these because, for me, success is witnessed as a whole. Emphasizing the success of one also sheds light on the challenges faced by the 99.”

Addressing the role of the Department of Agriculture, the director stressed the importance of molding enablers rather than just finding winners. “We need to realize that the failure of 99 is a part of our journey. Like the good quality of women who accept fault even when it’s not theirs, acknowledging our shortcomings is the first step towards solving the problems in agriculture.”

The director concluded, “As enablers, we must recognize that our shortcomings are inherent, and unless we are willing to confront them, progress may be elusive. Let us remember that we are difficult to talk to and hard to love, but through acknowledging our own flaws, we can pave the way for transformative change in agriculture.”

Moreover, a commendation echoed a gratitude and admiration, Undersecretary Agnes Catherine Miranda expressed her appreciation for the exceptional hosting by the DA-Western Visayas team during the recent event. Usec Agnes praised the region as the host for ensuring a successful and unforgettable experience, emphasizing the impeccable punctuality that characterized the implementation of programs on day one.

She remarked, “What truly captured me during my day one in the region is the punctuality with which programs were executed, maximizing our time effectively. Such dedication to precision is a testament to the region’s commitment to excellence.” The undersecretary went on to express her lasting appreciation for the support received from all local governments, acknowledging that this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of DAWV-GAD Focal Person, Carmelita C. Fantilanan.

As she concludes her closing remarks, Usec Agnes emphasizes the DA-Western Visayas team’s smooth teamwork and diligent efforts, showcasing their commitment to guaranteeing the success and significance of the program. She also anticipates similar dedication from other regions.