Women researchers, leaders, agripreneurs and their significant contributions in the agriculture and fishery research for development (R4D) sector were lauded online by the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) in celebration of the 2021 National Women’s Month (NWM) through the #JuanaSays campaign.
It is an online advocacy anchored on the namesake initiative of the Philippine Commission on Women that provides a daily dose of inspirational quotes from Filipino women.
Featured in the month-long campaign were:
Dr. Irene M. Adion, 2018 Gawad Saka Outstanding Agricultural Researcher. She ushered the development of the research capacities of DA-Central Luzon’s four research outreach stations by establishing good research facilities and harnessing researchers’ competence resulting in award-winning papers and skilled staff.
Myrna D. Sanchez, 2019 Regional Outstanding Rural Woman. She helped ensure food availability at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing the youth and providing them with the necessary skills in backyard gardening.
Rose Mary G. Aquino, 2017 Presidential Lingkod Bayan awardee. She brought to life the Pinoy Gourmix, a vegetable- and protein-rich smart food that has been used in feeding programs nationwide earning PhP 6.8 million net sales from 2014-2019.
Dr. Emily A. Soriano, 2014 Gawad Saka Outstanding Agricultural Researcher. A mushroom expert, she paved the way for improvised community-based mushroom tissue culture laboratories operated and managed by the farmers themselves.
Dr. Leonarda A. Londina, 2017 Regional Gawad Saka Outstanding Researcher. She adopted the Bhoochetana (soil rejuvenation) principles and approach of India and developed locally applicable and appropriate technologies.
Concepcion C. Carillo, 2018 Regional Outstanding Rural Woman. A Magsasakang Siyentista, she co-developed a pelletizer machine that processes organic feeds and uses vermicast as a binder. She also produces bonsais from uncultivated coconut and banana shoots, turning farm wastes into an agribusiness opportunity.
Regina S. Ruferos, 2016 Gawad Saka Outstanding Fisherfolk. She adopted innovations, new technologies, and best practices that spurred her tilapia hatchery to expand. Thus, providing jobs to the locals while imparting her knowledge to them.
Librada L. Fuertes, 2019 and 2014 Regional Gawad Saka Outstanding Agricultural Researcher. She led the use of cashew apple, seldom utilized and neglected, in producing jam, jelly, prunes, among others. The value-adding technology was cascaded to hundreds of farmers through various training.
Lorena V. Duna, 1994 Presidential Lingkod Bayan awardee. She spearheaded the identification of high-yielding soybean; developed and introduced soybean cropping systems; and paved the way to ensure the sustainability of the soybean industry in Northern Mindanao through various institutional agreements and partnerships.
Dr. Berly F. Tatoy, 2017 Gawad Saka Outstanding Agricultural Researcher. She conducted R4D projects that eventually led to the availability and utilization of quality, disease-free potato seeds for market-driven potato variety at the community level.
They have shown the indispensable role of women in bringing about change and inclusive growth and development in the agriculture and fishery sector.
Other activities of DA-BAR in celebration of NWM were photo exhibit and painting contest for the rank and file as well as a free webinar for the public on edible landscaping.