Mylin V. Tayapad conveyed joy, disbelief, and gratitude in her acceptance speech as she bagged the National Winner award of the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s Search for Outstanding Rural Women (SORW) 2023.
The 43-year-old mother of six hails from Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental, where she cultivates a two-hectare land using organic and eco-friendly farming practices. She is also a respected woman farmer-leader in her community, a steward of agriculture, health, and women’s rights, and for bridging the gap between members of her community and the DA.
“Sana po marami pang kababaihan ang maengganyo ngayong mag-serve sa kapuwa natin. ‘Wag kayong mag-expect na may kapalit kasi ang Panginoon, nagbibigay po talaga Siya ng blessing sa tamang panahon. Maglingkod lang po tayo nang walang measure at all (I hope many more women will be invited to serve our fellowmen. Don’t expect anything in return because the Lord really gives blessings at the right time. Let’s just serve without measure and all),” Tayapad shared.
Tayapad also acknowledged the DA, which paved the way for her to reach greater heights.
The SORW is an annual recognition bestowed by the DA through the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) to Filipina farmers and fisherfolk from rural areas who have exhibited stellar performance and contribution to agricultural and community development.
“Kinakatawan ng ating SORW 2023 national awardees ang kuwento ng bawat kababaihan sa kanayunan—ang kanilang matapang na pagharap sa diskriminasyon at iba pang hamon ng buhay; ang kanilang madiskarteng pagtugon sa nagbabagong klima, mga sakit at peste, at iba pang suliranin ng kanilang kabuhayan; at ang kanilang pagbabahagi ng mga kaalaman, oportunidad, at inspirasyon sa kanilang kapuwa (Our SORW 2023 national awardees represent the story of every rural woman—their courageous face of discrimination and other life challenges; their strategic response to climate change, diseases and pests, and other problems of their livelihoods; and their sharing of knowledge, opportunities, and inspiration with each other),” said DA Undersecretary for Finance Agnes Catherine T. Miranda.
Through the Undersecretary, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel relayed his message of support to the country’s rural women, specifically noting some of the DA’s GAD-related achievements. These include allocating over P10.5 billion for GAD initiatives, providing production support services, distributing agricultural equipment and machinery, conducting capacity-building activities, expanding marketing opportunities, and extending access to financial credit and services.
“Let us recommit ourselves to the national effort to make ours a country where women are accorded the respect and opportunities they rightfully deserve. And let us double our efforts to allow them the support they need to raise their families in peace and to contribute to national progress and food security to the best and fullest of their talents and abilities,” Tiu Laurel said.
