Davao del Norte farmer feted

A WOMAN in the agriculture sector of Davao del Norte was one of the Department of Agriculture-awarded outstanding rural women finalists nationwide.

Josefina Colonia-Aranjuez, of Carmen, Davao del Norte was among the eight women finalists nationwide chosen to be an outstanding rural woman.

The awarding was held to recognize women who excelled in farming and fishing nationwide.

“The nominees were evaluated based on the following criteria: contribution to the food security/agricultural and fishery development: productivity, profitability of economic activities, and quality of products and services; contribution to sustainable development; impact to rural development: promotion of women empowerment and gender equality, improvement in family life, excellence in character and ability to hurdle difficulties, and contribution to local economy,” a DA official statement said.

Aranjuez received P10,000 cash, trophy, and plaques. To be nominated for the award, one must be an active farmer or fisher with land holdings not exceeding three hectares.

The awarding was conducted at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Diliman, Quezon City. This is a yearly event by DA’s Gender and Development (GAD) program.

Aside from Aranjuez the other awardees from Mindanao also include Lilibeth Puerto-Galendez of Maramag, Bukidnon who won third prize. This year’s Outstanding Rural Woman winner is Rebecca SanchezPurisima of Tigaon, Camarines Sur.