In the heart of the Philippines’ rural landscapes, women are not only nurturing crops and raising livestock—they are leading their communities toward sustainable progress.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) honored these remarkable women in the annual Search for Outstanding Rural Women (SORW) with 2024 Gawad Parangal sa Katangi-tanging Kababaihan sa Pagsasaka at Pangingisda sa Kanayunan awarding ceremony held at Zuri Hotel Iloilo on October 17.
Launched by the DA’s Gender Focal Point System, the SORW recognizes the invaluable role rural women play in fostering economic growth, environmental stewardship, and gender equality.
Through their hard work and vision, they are shaping a future where agriculture thrives, and communities prosper.
The award not only celebrates individual achievements but also promotes the empowerment of women in agriculture, aligning with the principles of the Magna Carta of Women.
The winners are recognized for using innovative, climate-resilient, and women-friendly technologies that benefit both their local economy and environment. Selected winners receive cash prizes, plaques of recognition, and public accolades during a national ceremony.
For Western Visayas, DA recognized the following outstanding rural women:
• Ma. Ninfa Desiree Segovia, Municipality of Malay, Aklan, Regional Winner
• Fatima Ebanen, Municipality of Igbaras, Iloilo, 1st Runner-Up
• Nieva Dela Torre, Municipality of Maayon, Capiz, 2nd Runner-Up
• Beatrice Lastimoso, Municipality of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Special Citation
These women were selected based on their contributions to food security, economic development, use of climate-resilient technologies, and promotion of gender equality.
Desiree Segovia
Ma. Ninfa Desiree Segovia, 56, is a name synonymous with resilience, transformation, and leadership. Born and raised in Negros Occidental, she began her career in the bustling world of media and advertising in Manila. However, her life took a significant turn after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, which led her to rediscover her passion for organic agriculture and rural development.
Now known as a transformative figure in Aklan, Desiree is the chairperson of the Boracay Women Producers Cooperative (BWPC), an organization dedicated to empowering women through sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, the BWPC has created communal gardens, established a Kadiwa outlet network, and introduced innovative products like gumamela tea, Indian mango balsamic vinegar, and organic soaps.
Her unwavering commitment to food security, women’s rights, and environmental conservation has earned her national recognition. She continues to advocate for gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainability, making her an inspiring figure for many.
Fatima Ebanen
Fatima Ebanen, founder of Novavita Integrated Farm in Igbaras, Iloilo, is a leading advocate for sustainable agriculture. Her farm practices natural farming methods, cultivating crops and raising livestock without commercial feeds. Novavita serves as a certified learning site for sustainable farming, partnering with local government to educate fellow farmers.
Nieva Dela Torre
Founder of EBangZ Mushroom Farm in Capiz, Nieva Dela Torre has transformed her farm into an international business, exporting mushroom products like her signature Mushroom Chicharon to markets in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Canada. Her story reflects innovation, perseverance, and community-driven growth.
Beatrice Lastimoso
A leader within the Brgy Codcod United Women’s Association, Beatrice Lastimos has spearheaded community projects like abaca weaving, soap making, and hydroponic gardening. Through her leadership, she fosters collaboration and economic empowerment among the women in her community, while also advocating for environmental conservation.
DA hopes that these exemplary women will inspire more rural women to take leadership roles in agriculture, contributing to sustainable development in the Philippines.
