Demonstrating the unwavering strength and leadership of women across all sectors, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino graced the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration as the Guest Speaker on March 5, 2025 at the Philippine National Police Police Regional Office 02 Grandstand, Camp Marcelo A. Adduru, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The event, themed “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” highlighted the indispensable role of women in nation-building, particularly in governance, law enforcement, and agriculture.

Police Brigadier General Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV, Deputy Regional Director for Administration, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the PNP’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment in law enforcement.

He commended the efforts of women police officers who continue to uphold excellence and integrity in public service.

In her keynote speech, RED Aquino shared her journey as a woman leader in the agriculture sector, from being a researcher to heading DA RFO 02.

She stressed her role in technology transfer, ensuring that farmer cooperatives and associations and local government units gained access to scientific innovations to improve farming practices.

She also underscored the DA Region 02’s pioneering efforts in implementing the Food Safety Act, the establishment of ISO 17025-certified laboratories, and the strong convergence between DA RFO 02, PNP, and other enforcement agencies in curbing illegal activities such as the unauthorized and alleged sale of DA’s not-for-sale seeds.

“Bilang isang babae, naniniwala ako sa kahalagahan ng pagiging detalyado at masigasig sa anumang adhikain,” Aquino said, citing the DA RFO 02’s status as the first DA Regional Field Office in the Philippines to achieve ISO certification.

Aquino also emphasized the Gulayan sa Opisina at Gulayan sa Bakuran Project, a collaboration between DA RFO 02 and PNP that promotes food security and urban gardening in police offices and residential areas.

One of the event’s highlights was the awarding of Certificates of Recognition and the Medalya ng Kagalingan to the 10 deserving women police officers who have made significant contributions to law enforcement and community service.

RED Aquino personally conferred the awards, assisted by PBGEN Antonio Marallag Jr., Regional Director, Police Colonel (PCOL) Rodelio Samson, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, and PCOL Allen Rae Co.

As a gesture of gratitude and support, RED Aquino distributed packs of assorted vegetable seeds to all women police officers of PRO 02, encouraging them to take part in sustainable urban gardening initiatives.

Additionally, she handed over packs of Pinoy Gourmix for PRO 02, reinforcing DA RFO 02’s commitment to nutrition and food security within the uniformed service.

The product itself was a brainchild of RED Aquino during her prime as DA RFO 02’s notable researcher.

As the event concluded, PNP officials and attendees lauded RED Aquino’s advocacy in empowering women in leadership roles, both in agriculture and public service.

Her message of determination and service to the nation resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the crucial role of women in the society.

“Hindi madali ang pagiging pinuno, lalo na sa sektor na pinangungunahan ng kalalakihan, ngunit patuloy tayong magiging boses ng pagbabago, huwaran ng katatagan, at ilaw ng ating lipunan. Higit sa lahat, huwag din natin kalimutang mahalin ang ating mga sarili,” she ended with a sweet but determined smile.