DAR Crowns Bb. Agraryo 2024; Highlights Women’s Role in Agrarian Reform

QUEZON CITY, October 17, 2024 – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) held the coronation night for the Bb. Agraryo 2024 beauty personality search, celebrating the contributions of women within the department in advancing agrarian reform, gender equality, and rural development. The event took place at the DAR Gymnasium in Quezon City and was themed "Ang Babae sa Panahon ng Repormang Agraryo at Pagbabago," underscoring the pivotal role women play in agrarian reform and rural transformation.

The Bb. Agraryo 2024 pageant serves as a platform to recognize women’s vital contributions to the department’s mission. Candidates from both DAR Central and Regional Offices showcased not only their beauty and talent but also their advocacy for gender equality and agrarian justice.

The highlight of the evening was the crowning of Gean Ariane R. Ponce from DAR Central Luzon as Bb. Agraryo 2024, earning her the title of DAR’s Ambassadress for Agrarian Reform.

In her new role, Ponce will represent DAR in promoting women’s empowerment and championing gender equality initiatives across the country.

Other major titles were awarded to Precious Joezhel T. Mortel from the Bicol Region as Bb. Luzon 2024, Josephine M. Realubit from Zamboanga Peninsula as Bb. Visayas 2024, and Angelica B. Valenzuela from DAR Central Office’s Finance, Management, and Administration Office (FMAO) as Bb. Mindanao 2024.

Crowd Favorite, Regional Winners Shine

Among the candidates, Bicol Region’s Precious Joezhel T. Mortel emerged as the crowd favorite, sweeping five awards: Social Media Star, Best in Traditional Costume, Best in Sportswear, Best in Philippine Terno, and Best in Evening Gown.

Meanwhile, Leslie Ann C. Carin from Davao Region received the Sulong Agraryo Award for Best Advocacy Video, and Hazel C. Diego from MIMAROPA took home the Best in Talent and Miss DITO Telecommunity Award, who also received a Galaxy cellular phone.

The event also featured an esteemed panel of judges, including Christine Salcedo (Miss Universe Philippines Marinduque 2023), Ronnie Ong (Chairman of Local Water Utilities Administration), Joy Arguil (Founder of FabPhil), Ivhory Ann Sarte (Director of Project Development for G3