MANILA – Filipino farmer-leader Rebecca Purisima has been named one of the “100 women heroes in agrifood systems and rural development,” a global recognition launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) this year.
Purisima, an Agta Tabangnon, was recognized for her award-winning agro-tourism and organic farm that pioneered climate-resilient farming practices, value-added food processing and farmer training.
“Ms. Purisima serves as a shining example that women are not simply beneficiaries of agricultural development. They are leaders, innovators and agents of change. This is why we need to ensure that innovation is designed with women, not simply delivered to them,” FAO Representative in the Philippines Lionel Dabbadie said.
The executive said her recognition brings honor not only to her community in Camarines Sur but also “to the Philippines and to the many women farmers whose contributions sustain rural economies and food security every day.”
Purisima is a Political Science graduate who once envisioned a career in law and unexpectedly found her true calling after receiving a land grant through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in 1996.
She started her farm with just seven cups of corn kernels, which later became VK’s Farm, a Good Agricultural Practices and organically certified producer of rice, corn, vegetables, herbs and fruits.
Beyond her personal farming success, which earned her national recognition such as the Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Outstanding Rural Woman award and the 2019 National Gawad Saka award, she has served as a DAR paralegal, an Agta Tabangnon Indigenous chieftain and a parole and probation officer aide.
In a separate statement, Philippine Ambassador to Italy and Permanent Representative to FAO Neal Imperial said Purisima’s selection “reflects not only her remarkable individual achievements, but also the steadfast commitment of the Philippines to championing women as leaders, entrepreneurs, and agents of change in agriculture.”
“Her accomplishments serve as a beacon of pride for our nation and an inspiration to women and youth worldwide,” he said.
The FAO 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development, launched under the umbrella of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, acknowledges the world’s most outstanding women leaders, innovators, producers and changemakers across the agrifood value chain.
Purisima received the recognition during a special ceremony hosted by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu in Rome, Italy, on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joyce Rocamora/PNA)
