Over 70 women leaders from across the country convened in Tagaytay City from July 30 to August 1, 2025, for the 2025 Women’s Dialogue organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) through its Gender and Development – Focal Point System (GAD-FPS). Anchored on the theme “FarmHERs and FisHERfolk in Agri-Enterprises”, the dialogue aimed to recognize and strengthen the role of women in agriculture and fisheries, particularly in promoting inclusive food systems.
The event brought together women from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) accredited by the Department of Agriculture, representatives of the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) and National Sectoral Committees (NSCs), as well as women farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-entrepreneurs. It served as a platform to amplify women’s voices, identify key barriers to their participation and leadership in agri-fisheries, and promote collaboration across sectors.
In her inspirational message, PCAF Executive Director Bernadette De Los Santos emphasized the often-unseen contributions of women to food security, nutrition, and community development.
“Today, we shine a much-needed spotlight on the women who serve as the backbone of our agriculture and fisheries sector. Women who till the land, harvest the seeds, lead enterprises, and nurture communities,” she said.
“Let this event be a reminder that your voices matter, your leadership is needed, and your potential is limitless… Mabuhay ang kababaihan sa agrikultura at pangisdaan. Mabuhay tayong lahat,” De Los Santos added.
Dr. Macario Jusayan, Chief of the Sectoral Coordination Division of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), echoed this sentiment by highlighting the growing participation of women in sectors that were once male-dominated.
“Mga kalalakihan lang dati ang makikita nating andiyan, pero ngayon dumadami na rin ang mga kababaihan. This dialogue is a very important reminder of the significant role that women in agriculture play,” he said.
He also noted that as of January 21, 2025, 41 percent of those registered in the RSBSA are women—a figure that underscores the expanding role of women in agriculture.
Throughout the three-day event, participants engaged in a series of talks, storytelling sessions, and discussions that highlighted grassroots innovation, gender-responsive value chains, indigenous food systems, and the role of youth in agri-fisheries. These exchanges not only surfaced practical solutions but also celebrated the resilience and leadership of women across the value chain.
The dialogue concluded with renewed energy for collaboration, as participants strengthened linkages and identified opportunities to support women-led agri-enterprises. With its wealth of shared experiences and actionable insights, the 2025 Women’s Dialogue stands as a testament to the transformative role of women in the agriculture and fisheries—and a call to further invest in their leadership for a more inclusive and sustainable future. | Joy Camille Luza
