RIC Western Visayas women leaders harvest their fruit of sacrifices with Dr. Ma. Jhoanna Gonzales-Guarin, JD, Associate Professor V of Aklan State University/Resource Person, and Ms. Lyn G. Bantigue, Agriculturist II/Alternate RBO Focal Person.
BANGA, Aklan – Thirty RIC Western Visayas women leaders announce commitments to drive change for gender equality and women empowerment in all their diversity during the conduct of the second batch of the Capability Enhancement of Rural-Based Organization Leaders in Western Visayas on May 21-23, 2024 at ATI Training Hall.
This three-day training aimed to enhance and strengthen the capability of the RBO officers and members by creating a five-year development plan as the basis for their plans, programs, and activities towards their active participation in the agriculture and fisheries sector and to complement the activities of ATI.
RIC Western Visayas has committed to accelerating and scaling up its efforts to uplift the morale of women leaders in the region, including improving access to quality agri-fishery and home extension services and strengthening women's leadership. These commitments build a progressive and transformative woman in Western Visayas.
Dr. Ma. Jhoanna Gonzales-Guarin, JD, Associate Professor V/Resource Person, informs the women leaders about the importance of crafting a 5-year development plan aligned with their commitment towards women empowerment.
Dr. Ma. Jhoanna G. Guarin, Associate Professor V of Aklan State University, who served as the resource person, informed the women leaders about the importance of crafting a five-year development plan aligned with their commitment to women empowerment. She pointed out that a plan generally clarifies our directions and allows us to aim and focus specifically on our priority targets. This principle holds why a five-year development plan is essential.
"A five-year development plan narrows down the organization's vision, mission, goals, and objectives. Moreover, a five-year development plan serves as the blueprint that guides the organization in crafting its tactical and operational plans. Hence, it allows us to identify better relevant specific targets and appropriate actions that serve as the basis for the organization members to know how and where to allot their time, talents, efforts, and resources," said Dr. Guarin.
Amelyn P. Fernandez, RIC Western Visayas Federation President, extends her appreciation and challenges the women leaders in Western Visayas.
Amelyn P. Fernandez, RIC Western Visayas Federation President, extended her appreciation and, at the same time, challenged the different women leaders in the region. She said, "To empower women leaders in the region, we must support our RIC members. We need to strengthen this organization. We do not wait for government support. For me, that is my definition of empowered women. Strong, independent, and resilient".
Investing in women's empowerment is an essential element that yields paramount peace, inclusivity, equality, equity, and economic stability. Their vision states: Competitive and Empowered RIC Women towards food-secured and progressive Western Visayas.
