Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, March 3, 2025 – – As we welcome the first Monday of March, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA RFO 02) proudly joins the nations in launching the month-long 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration. This year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” highlights women’s empowerment across all sectors as a cornerstone for building a brighter future in the progressive Philippines.

DA RFO 02 remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering women, not only within the agency but throughout the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The office recognizes and celebrates women’s exceptional contributions and dedication to agricultural development and acknowledges their role in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for the agriculture industry.

This year’s celebration highlights the achievements of women who, despite facing numerous social, economic, and cultural challenges, have redefined and remained strong in their roles in agriculture.

During Monday’s convocation, Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, Regional Executive Director of DA RFO 02, delivered a heartfelt message to the agency’s women.

“Happy Women’s Month sa ating mga kababaihan who work passionately and dedicatedly here at DA RFO 02! As women and working mothers, half of your thoughts are about your children worrying about their well-being, wondering if they’ve arrived safely, and planning what to send them next. That’s the big role of a mother.”

She added an encouraging note about self-care: ” Gustong-gusto ko kapag tayong mga kababaihan, kapag nagtampo, ay pumupunta sa parlor nagpapagupit, nagpapakulay, at nagpapa-facial. Sana lagi tayong magtampo para mailabas ang ating kagandahan. Hayaan mo na kung maubos ang pera ng asawa mo hayaan mo siyang bigyan ka ng budget para sa sarili mo.

Magtampo ka lagi, basta’t mahalin mo rin ang sarili mo!.”

In addition to Women’s Month, DA RFO 02 also observes Fire Protection Month and Rabies Awareness Month throughout March.

Under the leadership of the Institutional Development Unit, spearheaded by Ms. Sheila Orpilla de Asis, and through their Gender and Development Program, DA RFO 02 has organized numerous activities throughout March:

Week 1

• March 3, 2025: Kick-Off Ceremony during flag-raising with interactive Q&A sessions for all attendees
• DA RFO 02 Ulirang Ina: Recognition of outstanding mothers (Single, Married, and Widowed) within the agency

Week 2

• March 10, 2025: Tienda ni Juana or Kadiwa Wheels
• International Women’s Day Celebration
• Zumba Day

Weekly Activities

• Every Friday (March 7, 14, 21, 28): Purple Day
• Every Tuesday (March 4, 11, 18, 25): “DA DOS Empowers Women: Employee Voices” on DZDA 105.3 FM Radyo Pangkaunlaran
• Every Thursday (March 6, 13, 20, 27): “Celebrating DA Region 2’s Ulirang Ina”

Culminating Events

• March 28, 2025: Recognition ceremony for 2024 Region 02 Outstanding Rural Women
• 2025 Region 02 Search for Outstanding Rural Women (Online Featuring)
• Women Agricultural Summit

The 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration is more than just a series of events it’s a testament to the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women in agriculture and beyond. By honoring their achievements and empowering them to reach greater heights and their capacity to go beyond, DA RFO 02 is helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future of the people, by the people, and for the people.