CALABARZON – Women’s resilience and capabilities to lead in male-dominated sectors were highlighted in the “AgriTalk 2021: Agriwomen in Agricultural Development in CALABARZON” online forum.

During the activity, four women leaders in the region recounted and shared their experiences in successfully navigating their way into the fields of agricultural research and extension, farm enterprise, and leadership and governance.

Cavite State University Extension Director Almira Magcawas was one the speakers and talked about the innate strength and capabilities of women to tackle challenges particularly as researchers and extensionists.

“As a woman, we have our own strength and abilities that we can use to serve others who are in need,” she said as she shared her study focusing on the role of social entrepreneurship in the development of farming communities to the viewers online.

Meanwhile, Noriko Usui, Farm Manager of Cortijo de Palsabangon, an accredited School for Practical Agriculture of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in CALABARZON, underscored the importance of being a hands-on leader.

“To lessen the judgment and gain the trust and confidence of your community, be a hands-on leader,” she stated.

In terms of leadership and governance, Officer-in-Charge, Regional Executive Director Vilma Dimaculangan, of the Department of Agriculture in CALABARZON, and Municipal Agriculturist Adelia Poblete, of Silang, Cavite, emphasized the need for women to constantly be proactive in all the areas of community-building.

Poblete advised all women in agriculture to “be assertive and be part of the decision-making.”

“Always take part in the economic, political, social, and cultural development of the country,” Dimaculangan, meanwhile, stressed.

This online event was organized by the ATI Regional Training Center in CALABARZON, as part of the Center’s culmination of this year’s International Women’s Month. It was also made in collaboration with Agriculture Magazine and supported by the Manila Bulletin and Smart Communities.

This was livestreamed through the ATI CALABARZON and Agriculture Magazine Facebook pages last March 26.