Bicolana fisherfolk, bags 2nd place in Outstanding Rural Women search

OUTSTANDING RURAL WOMAN

Susan P. Aceron (4th from left), leader of the Samahan ng mga Kababaihan ng Caringo and a deputized fish warden from Caringo Island, Mercedes, Camarines Norte won 2nd place in the Department of Agriculture’s Search for Outstanding Rural Women. Also in photo are Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (3rd from L), Mayor Alexander Lo Pajarillo of Mercedes (2nd from L), Mildred Buazon, Vice-Chairperson of Gender and Sensitive Development (GAD) Focal System of BFAR Central Office (2nd from R), Gigi Federis, BFAR5 GAD Coordinator (extreme R) and Sarah Flora Balares, BFAR5 GAD Secretariat (extreme L).

Susan Pasacay Aceron, 35, a Deputized Fish Warden from the island-barangay of Caringo, Mercedes, Camarines Norte bagged 2nd place during the awarding ceremonies of the 2012 Search for Outstanding Rural Women in the Philippines. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala led the awarding rites held at the National Irrigation Administration in Quezon City on October 18, 2012.

Susan is the only representative from the fisherfolk sector in the competition showcased her exceptional courage and dedication in the conservation, protection, and sustainability of the coastal resources as leader of the Samahan ng mga Kababaihan sa Caringo (SKC). Her women’s organization voluntarily conducts regular sea-borne patrol operation in their community-based fish sanctuary which contributed to the decline of illegal fishers, thus increasing the fish catch of the fisherfolk.

She also leads in the household and school visitation in their barangay to educate the elementary and high school students on the importance of the sanctuary and the disadvantage of the destructive ways of fishing. She also initiated the distribution of vegetable seeds and medicines in the community.

Susan is a mother of two and a wife of Arnel, a barangay official and fisherman. But despite her various responsibilities in the community, she is still able to maintain the harmonious relationship of their family. At her young age, she proved that women can be stewards of the marine resources and partners of men in creating awareness and effecting change in the perspective and beliefs of the people.

Susan shared her place with Conchita Masim, 67, from Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, a CARP (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program) recipient who fought for land reform implementation, plants organic high value plants and vegetables, processes value-added products like fish and fishery products and indigenous materials and leads other women in the production and selling of bags, coconut vinegar and soy, among others.

The first place went to Tiny “Inday” Rosareal-Tamayo of Antipas, North Cotabato who was the first woman-farmer in Antipas to asexually propagate cleft grafting of cacao. She also rehabilitated and revived the watershed area in her farm which became the source of drinking water for the community.

The other women-achievers are farmers Felomina Hernando-Janiva of Palawan, Alejandrina Lazaro-Correa of Cagayan and Desiree Butuhan-Duran of Bulacan who placed 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively.

As second placer, Susan received a cash prize of P50,000; a Plaque of Recognition; P200,000 worth of livelihood project and one (1) unit hand tractor with trailer. According to Susan, she will continue the advocacy of her women’s group to achieve sustainable coastal resources and to provide alternative livelihood for women and the fisherfolk.

The Search for Outstanding Rural Women in the Philippines is an annual contest by the Department of Agriculture since 2003 to recognize the vital role and valuable contribution of women in ensuring food security and stability in the rural areas. - kathiloton