Before this year’s Women’s Month officially comes to a close, the CDA-R3 launches its first ever live podcast called “CDA R3 Podcast: Kwetuhang Makabuluhan Para Sa Mga Kooperatibang Pinaglilingkuran”.

Its first episode entitled “Women in Cooperative Leadership” featured three outstanding leaders in the cooperative sector, namely, Ms. Marieta P. Hwang, Regional Director of CDA Regional Extension Office III, Ms. Janice D. Gulinao, Municipal Cooperative Development Officer (MCDO) of Sta. Maria, Bulacan, and Ms. Emeliza G. Laurenciana, Chairperson of the Catmon Multipurpose Cooperative and proprietor of the Aquinas de Escolar Academy where the episode was filmed as it was broadcast live via the CDA-R3’s Facebook page.

The three cooperative leaders had received notable achievements from reputable institutions/organizations in the Philippines and abroad. Ms. Gulinao was given the “Hall of Famer for Rice Achiever Award” by the Department of Agriculture from 2015 to 2017, RD Hwang had received the “International Cooperative Innovator Award” from the Overseas Cooperative Development Council in 2024, and Ms. Laurenciana was hailed the “Natatanging Babae ng Lalawigan ng Bulacan” (Exceptional Woman in the Province of Bulacan) by the Provincial Government of Bulacan and the Panlalawigang Komisyon para sa mga Kababaihan ng Bulacan (PKKB) in 2025.

These, among the many other awards they received over the years, reflect how big an imprint each of them has left in the communities they serve.

Through Mr. Brian John C. Mendoza, Cooperative Development Specialist II of the CDA-R3 and host of the podcast, the guests were able to share their journeys; where they started, how they got engaged in the cooperative sector, what struggles they faced as female public servants in a highly competitive industry, and how they got to where they are now – strong women who are capable of making a difference in people’s lives. They also gave tidbits on the awards they received, as well as their memorable encounters when they received them.

The three of them highlighted different experiences. RD Hwang emphasized her family’s initial reservations on the nature of her work because of security concerns, though later on, she would even bring her kids with her to coop engagements. Ms. Gulinao shared how she doubted her own abilities in the beginning, partly because of prevalent gender norms at the time, but later on, she learned to stretch her limits and rise above her perceived weaknesses. Ms. Laurenciana recounted how she went from being an educator of young minds to educating her fellow members in the coop to leading their coop towards greater heights. One thing they had in common was how they were able to perform exceptionally well in their professions while taking good care of their families; three superwomen, indeed.

Asked on what advice they could give to fellow women, both young and seasoned, the three of them also had different words of wisdom to share. Ms. Gulinao said that women should not be afraid of stepping up and taking on leadership roles, because women are highly capable. RD Hwang reminded the audience to aim high and hit the mark. She also reminded them to be brave, especially when they’re already at the top and making hard decisions, because it is impossible to please everybody and certain decisions may require prioritizing the needs of the majority. Ms. Laurenciana put emphasis on the value of education, as it is, according to her, a woman’s strongest weapon and best way to achieve empowerment.

Before Mr. Mendoza wrapped the podcast up and invited the audience to watch out for the next episode, Ms. Laurenciana left the female audience with a short but very meaningful reminder, “You ARE a woman, not JUST a woman.”