Estrella recognizes women ARBs as equal to men

“We recognized agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) as equal to men, “ Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III said during the opening of the National Women’s Month Festival, a five-day trade fair of ARB organizations (ARBOs) agricultural products nationwide to showcase its locally affordable but world-class quality products.

He said that in the past two years of agrarian reform under the Marcos administration, they have given land titles to women ARBs.

“I am happy to have DAR’s women officials and employees here. I am proud to say that they are competent and highly efficient in implementing land reform,” Estrella added.

Undersecretary for Support Services Rowena Niña Taduran, who is also the Chairperson of the Gender and Development National Steering Committee of the DAR, led the opening ceremony of the week-long tiangge with Representative 1st District of Bataan Representative Geraldine B. Roman, Broadcast Journalists Cecilia Victoria Orena- Drilon and Rikki Wek Mathay as guest speakers.

“This trade fair is in support of our ARBOs where women also play a huge role in producing high-quality agricultural products. Let us patronize their products and show to the people our farmers’ exceptional products,” Taduran said.

“Let’s fight for women’s rights and let us fight for the rights of other marginalized sectors as we journey towards an inclusive society where all Filipinos, regardless of race, gender, social status, physical appearance, and religion are one in making the world a better place,” Roman said.

The DAR will conduct various fora on gender sensitivity, health and wellness activities, a food festival, bloodletting, a bazaar, and a film showing on women empowerment to celebrate National Women’s Month.