Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the recognition of Negrense women living in rural areas, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to agriculture, food production, and food safety, during the 5th Provincial Rural Women Summit at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City Oct. 15.
The awardees are Mercedita Supangan of San Carlos City, the 2025 Outstanding Rural Woman; Mary Ann Villafuerte of Himamaylan City, 2025 Outstanding Rural Women Entrepreneur; Hda. San Jose RIC Women’s Association of Victorias City, Outstanding Rural Improvement Club (RIC) Organization; and the Bulata Small Fisherfolk Association of Cauayan, Best Agri-Fishery Livelihood GAD Implementer.
“Rural women stand at the heart of agriculture, and their deep connection with the land reminds us that progress should never come at the expense of nature — that sustainability and development must walk hand in hand,” Lacson said in a Capitol press release.
He added that the event is not only a celebration, but a reaffirmation of the shared responsibility to ensure that rural women have access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to continue leading their vital work.
The event, on the theme “Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future”, was in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Rural Women, observed every Oct. 15.
It highlighted the vital role of rural women in advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, and reflected the province’s commitment to empowering women as key partners in nurturing both the land and their communities toward a resilient and sustainable future.
Along with Lacson at the awarding ceremony were Negros Occidental Board Members Rita Gatuslao and Bambi Depasucat, OIC provincial agriculturist Dina Genzola, and provincial GAD Focal Point System action officer Marie June Castro. ||
