WASP Asia Joins WE Talk, Celebrating Women’s Month

Central Luzon – March 25, 2026 – The Gender and Development (GAD) Team of the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) successfully hosted its “WE Talk” event, themed “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change”, highlighting women’s leadership and innovation across sectors. 

Featured in the event is WASP Asia’s Director for Innovations, Rogerine Miguel-Irvine, who shared about WASP Asia’s advocacy work, which champions women’s leadership in peace, security, innovations, and regional development, inspiring participants to recognize the transformative potential of women in society.

​​Ms. Miguel-Irvine, stands as a strong driving force in advancing women’s leadership in innovation policy and governance, having previously played a pivotal role in implementing the Philippine Innovation Act (RA 11293) during her tenure as Chief for Strategic Policy and Innovations at the Department of Economy Planning and Development / National Innovation Council. 

In her talk, she also shared about her personal journey as an innovator and advocate for women’s empowerment, inspiring participants to pursue leadership with purpose and inclusivity. Ms. Irvine emphasized the importance of women claiming their rightful place in leadership and innovation. She shared,

“You need to take up your space and you need to really own it, you are so much more than who you think you are. Power is not about being above others. But it's about lifting others up. It's not about proving that you are better but it's about showing others they can shine, too - because real empowered women, empower women.”

The WE Talk provided a platform for participants to engage with distinguished resource persons, including Ms. Bernadette B. De Los Santos, Executive Director III of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, and Ms. Michelle Dela Cruz, Manager of Casile-Guinting Upland Marketing Cooperative. The interactive session fostered knowledge sharing and dialogue on leadership, innovation, and women’s empowerment.

Photo courtesy of PhilMech Biswal Anihan