QUEZON CITY – In a remarkable feat of recognition, Josephine Lay-os of Bangaan, Sagada, Mountain Province, proudly clinched the third-place spot in the esteemed 2023 National Search for Outstanding Rural Women (SORW) or the Gawad Parangal para sa Katangi-tanging Kababaihan sa Kanayunan. The prestigious awarding ceremony took place on December 14, 2023, at the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Diliman, Quezon City.
Lay-os is the Cordillera Administrative Region’s (CAR) SORW regional winner and is among the Top 7 national finalists along with the outstanding rural women of Regions’ 2, 3, 5, 10, 11, and 12. Her exceptional dedication and tireless commitment to rural development and community upliftment was formally recognized especially in empowering and enhancing the lives of her fellow iSagada, thus, have been heralded as an inspiring example for rural women nationwide this year.
She will be receiving PhP75,000 cash award aside from the Plaque of Recognition, tokens, and bouquet of flowers which she received during the awarding proper. Joining Lay-os on stage was her husband Osenio Lay-os; Sarah Ap-apid of Sagada municipal government; DA-CAR OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and GAD Focal Person Arlene Sagayo, and Regional SORW Committee Member Janice Agrifino.
This distinguished recognition not only celebrates Lay-os’ individual accomplishments but also highlights the invaluable role of rural women in driving sustainable progress and fostering resilient communities in the Philippines primarily contributing to food security and rural development. The honor bestowed upon Lay-os signifies her outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and significant impact within the rural landscape.
“Manyamanak tan adu ay adal di naadal ko baken wat din siping. Din adal ay at least ay umipagaget pay en sek-a ay man ubla. Ilaen di weaknesses ta man-improve tapnu ad-adu pay di maimula,” (I am grateful not just because of the cash award but more importantly of all the learnings throughout the journey that inspired me to continue on my work; to look into my weaknesses to improve and be able to contribute further in agriculture.) Lay-os remarked.
She encouraged the other rural women farmers to be supportive of the agricultural programs of the government such as attending to invitations to trainings to deepen agricultural understanding and ultimately apply it in their farms.
The SORW is an annual recognition for outstanding rural women that is led by the DA’s Gender Focal Point System with Undersecretary for Finance Agnes Catherine Miranda as the Chairperson. It stands as a testament to the relentless spirit and commendable efforts of individuals like Josephine Lay-os, illuminating their invaluable role in shaping a brighter future for rural areas across the country. The recognition is also in sync with the Magna Carta of Women. By JBAgrifino