By Kenneth Marcos 
In a quiet coastal community in southern Mindanao, the day begins before sunrise. Mothers prepare food for their families, farmers head to their fields, and fisherfolk get ready for the sea. Among them is Crystal Ali Solaiman of Barangay Barongis in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat — a woman whose story reflects strength, leadership, and hope for many Filipino women.
This March, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is joining the nationwide celebration of National Women’s Month with the theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” As part of the campaign, the agency is highlighting inspiring stories of women who continue to shape their communities and contribute to the country’s food security.
Crystal Ali Solaiman is one of those women.
Living in Barangay Barongis, a coastal village known for farming and fishing, Solaiman represents the growing number of women stepping forward as leaders in agriculture and community development. Like many women in rural areas, she balances multiple responsibilities — caring for her family while also helping support their livelihood.
Through her work and participation in local programs, Solaiman has become an example of how women can play a vital role in strengthening agriculture and rural communities. Stories like hers are being recognized by the DA’s Gender and Development (GAD) and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) initiatives, which aim to empower women in farming, fisheries, and agri-based enterprises.
The DA said the celebration of Women’s Month is not only about honoring achievements but also about recognizing the important role women play in ensuring food security and sustainable development across the Philippines.
Across the country, women farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-entrepreneurs continue to prove that leadership in agriculture is not limited by gender. According to national data, millions of Filipino women are involved in agricultural work, from planting crops and managing farms to processing food products and running small agri-businesses.
Programs under the DA’s gender initiatives aim to provide women with equal access to training, financial assistance, technology, and markets. These efforts are designed to strengthen women’s participation in agriculture while helping communities become more resilient to economic and environmental challenges.
For communities like Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat, empowering women means strengthening families and improving livelihoods. When women receive support and opportunities, the benefits often extend to the entire community.
The theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” draws inspiration from the Babaylans — respected women leaders in pre-colonial Philippine societies who served as healers, spiritual guides, and community leaders. Today, the message encourages modern Filipinas to continue that legacy of leadership and courage.
By sharing stories like Crystal Ali Solaiman’s, the Department of Agriculture hopes to inspire more women to take active roles in farming, fisheries, and rural development.
As the country celebrates National Women’s Month, the story of one woman from Barangay Barongis serves as a reminder that leadership can grow anywhere — even in small coastal villages — when courage, dedication, and community spirit come together.
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