DA 6 launch Search for Outstanding Rural Women Achiever
The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit No. (DA-RFU) 6 through its Gender and Development (GAD) program has launched the search for Outstanding Rural Women Achiever and Outstanding DA-GAD advocate in the region recently.
According to Dir. Demeterio, OIC- Regional Executive Director, DA 6, the search aims to give due recognition to outstanding rural women for their exemplary accomplishments and contributions in rural life development and to document the success stories of the awardees.
The search is open to all women, currently active in improving rural life provided they meet the criteria set by the Women's World Summit Foundation (WWSF). Nomination shall be mabe by the RED or head of the agency and only qualified nominees with complete documents shall be accepted for evaluation.
There are three finalists for the outstanding rural women achievers namely Ms. Evelyn Moscoso of Hamtic, Antique; Ms. Barbara Robles of Oton, Iloilo; and Ms. Medialin Barcelona of Altavas, Aklan.
"They were chosen based on their awareness, advocacy and application of GAD principles. Specifically the nominees were evaluated on rural woman's qualities such as planning and management skills, record keeping, entrepreneurial ability and marketing skills, innovativeness and resourcefulness," said Ms. Annie Moncada, the DA -- GAD focal person.
She further stressed that evaluation also consider the farm operation such as farming diversification, value adding activities, maintenance of farm operations and sustainability, ecological conservation and proper waste management the productivity which include volume or value of production, and increased income or return of investment.
Finally the impact of accomplishments will be evaluated considering the improved standard of living, contribution to women empowerment and gender advocacy, contribution to agriculture fishery sector and to local economy.
GAD was created under executive Order 273. section 27 which states that all government agencies including government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to formulate a GAD plan designed to empower women and address gender issues.
(Eleanor B. Rivera/RAFID 6)