Cherrie D. Atilano is a transformative agricultural leader who has ignited a revolution in Philippine farming through her unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. As the founder and CEO of AGREA Agricultural Systems International Inc., Cherrie has demonstrated exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and a profound dedication to improving lives while contributing to nation-building.

Cherrie's journey began with a deeply personal mission to transform Philippine agriculture through sustainable practices and community empowerment. In 2014, she established AGREA with the vision of creating an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector that uplifts farming communities, mitigates climate change, and ensures food security for future generations. Her organization operates through a comprehensive dual structure comprising a for-profit entity and the AGREA Agricultural Communities International Foundation Inc., creating an ecosystem that addresses both commercial viability and social impact.

Through AGREA, Cherrie has transformed the lives of over 30,000 smallholder farmers and their families across the Philippines. Her innovative approach has resulted in 20-50% income increases for participating farmers through improved market access and enhanced farming techniques. A particularly compelling example is the Majayjay farming community partnership with Sodexo, where farmers' collective income grew from PHP 50,000 in January 2023 to PHP 5.7 million by December 2023, with operations expanding from small-scale farming to 60 hectares of diversified production encompassing 13 different vegetable varieties.

Cherrie's entrepreneurial spirit shines through her innovative solutions to persistent agricultural challenges. The Move Food Initiative, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, rescued and distributed over 200,000 kilograms of produce while establishing direct farm-to-table supply chains. This digital platform connects farmers directly to consumers and institutional buyers, addressing food waste and market access challenges simultaneously. Her leadership during the crisis demonstrated remarkable adaptability, pivoting from planned expansion to urgent food security needs in urban communities.

The impact of Cherrie's work extends far beyond economic improvements. Through the Women Food Producers Association (WFPA), she has empowered 1,000 women farmers through leadership and entrepreneurship training, establishing ten chapters with integrated savings clubs and business development support systems. These women have transformed from being "just housewives" to becoming empowered entrepreneurs who rise as early as 4 AM to tend their gardens, selling excess produce and gaining newfound dignity and purpose in their lives.

Cherrie's leadership philosophy is characterized by authenticity and hands-on engagement. She doesn't merely articulate vision statements but lives them, regularly traveling to remote farming communities, walking mountain trails, and meeting directly with farmers. Her ethical framework is unwavering, maintaining integrity and transparency even when facing corrupt practices that could compromise business opportunities.

Her contributions to nation-building are recognized internationally. As a United Nations Food Systems Champion and Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Cherrie represents Philippine agricultural innovation on global platforms. Her participation in international forums like the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos positions her as an advocate for Philippine agricultural development, attracting international investment and partnership opportunities.

Cherrie's vision extends to changing fundamental perceptions about farming as a profession. Through the AGREA Farm School and various educational initiatives, she has reached thousands of individuals, providing hands-on training in organic farming and agri-crop production. Her partnerships with international development agencies demonstrate her capacity to attract foreign development assistance while maintaining focus on Philippine priorities and community ownership.

The "One Island Economy" model that Cherrie has developed represents a replicable approach to sustainable development that can be scaled across the Philippine archipelago. From Marinduque to Siargao, Payatas, and various municipalities in Bicol and Eastern Samar, AGREA's impact demonstrates the scalable nature of their approach to rural development and agricultural transformation.

Through AGREA, Cherrie D. Atilano has ignited a flame of agricultural transformation, community empowerment, and sustainable development. Her exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to improving lives while building the nation make her a deserving recipient of the Ramon V. del Rosario Siklab Award 2025.