Submitted by admin-r4b on
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro - In celebration of National Women’s Month, NIA MIMAROPA hosted a "Herstory: Women's Forum", aligned with Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Memorandum Circular No. 2025-01, at the NIA Training Center, Bayanan II.
The forum featured three distinguished women leaders from NIA: Administrative and Legal Services Department Manager Atty. Ailyne C. Agtuca-Selda, Financial Management Department Manager Ms. Milca B. Cayanga, and Officer-in-Charge Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Sector Engr. Josephine B. Salazar (who joined virtually). They shared valuable experiences on topics including their initial roles as women employees at NIA, their leadership journeys, balancing work and personal life, challenges faced, qualities of effective leaders, and offered advice to the GAD Co-Champion Employees of NIA MIMAROPA.
During his message, Regional Manager Engr. Ronilio M. Cervantes highlighted the achievements of women leaders within NIA, an agency traditionally dominated by men, during National Women's Month. He emphasized that the forum aimed to empower female employees by showcasing their resilience and contributions, and encouraging them to recognize their strength and potential. The forum provided a platform for these leaders to share their experiences and strategies for success.
Administrative and Legal Services Department Manager Agtuca-Selda stated that she never felt intimidated despite being a woman, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than burdens. She also stressed the importance of men and women complementing each other, recognizing their equal significance in national development and serving farmers.
Financial Management Department Manager Cayanga encouraged perseverance and reliance on divine grace to overcome challenges. She reminded participants not to underestimate women, asserting their capability to match or even surpass men's achievements.
Officer-in-Charge Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Sector Salazar advised that fulfilling dreams requires continuous learning while pursuing one's passion. As a GAD advocate, she emphasized the importance of partnership between men and women, particularly within NIA, where employees share a common goal of serving and improving the lives of farmers.
The event was also graced by GFPS Executive Committee members: Engineering and Operations Division Manager Engr. Lowell L. Lozano and Administrative and Finance Division Manager Kirsty Caroline M. Hernandez-Aceron. Employees from the Regional Office and members of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) committee from MOMARO IMO attended, while GFPS members from Occidental Mindoro IMO and Palawan IMO joined virtually.