The Province of Cavite successfully hosted the 2026 Regional Women’s Month Celebration on March 25, 2026, at the New Provincial Government Center in Trece Martires City, gathering key stakeholders and advocates from across the CALABARZON region in support of gender equality and inclusive development.
With the theme “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society” and sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the event highlighted the vital role of women as leaders and partners in nation-building. The celebration was led by the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) and hosted by the Provincial Government of Cavite.
The program opened with welcome messages from Trece Martires City Mayor Gemma B. Lubigan and Provincial Administrator Gilbert V. Gandia, who represented Governor Abeng Remulla. Both officials emphasized the importance of empowering women and strengthening gender-responsive governance at all levels.
Inspirational messages were delivered by Hon. Atty. Ma. Charis Kay S. Ilagan-Conde, 1st District Board Member of the Province of Rizal, who underscored the need to honor the vital role of women in society, and by Dir. Carmel P. Matabang, Co-Chairperson of the Regional GAD Committee, who reaffirmed the region’s commitment to advancing gender and development initiatives.
Dr. Carlos P. Buasen, Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region IV-A, delivered the keynote message, emphasizing women as enabling partners in development and highlighting their contributions to inclusive progress, particularly in indigenous communities.
The celebration also featured a cultural performance by Cavite State University (CvSU), showcasing the rich heritage and talents of Filipinas. A talk show titled “Modern-Day Babaylans: Filipinas Who Lead with Purpose” brought together distinguished panelists, including AProf. Thea Maries P. Perez of the CvSU GAD Resource Pool and PSSg Florenda C. Asotigue, Human Rights and Custodial Officer of the Bacoor Component City Police Station. The panel discussion explored leadership, empowerment, and the evolving role of women in contemporary society, followed by an engaging open forum.
A musical performance further enlivened the program, while one of the highlights of the event was the Turn-Over Ceremony of the 2027 Regional Women’s Month Celebration hosting duties from the Province of Cavite to Quezon Province, symbolizing continued regional collaboration.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Josephine C. Parilla, Chairperson of the Regional GAD Committee, expressed gratitude to all partners and participants and reiterated the importance of sustaining efforts toward gender equality and inclusive development.
The event was attended by representatives from the Provinces of Rizal and Quezon; City and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers; GAD Focal Persons from various local government units in Cavite; members of the RGADC; representatives from the academe in CALABARZON; the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) IV-A; Cavite Local Council for Women; MOVE-Cavite; department and unit heads of the Provincial Government of Cavite; and GFPS Council members.
In line with the celebration, various services were made available to participants, including legal consultation, assistance from the Philippine Statistics Authority, and PAG-IBIG Fund services. Health and wellness services under “Serbisyo Para kay Juana” were also provided, such as breast screening, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), HIV testing, counseling, provision of contraceptives, and distribution of hygiene kits.
The 2026 Regional Women’s Month Celebration in Cavite reaffirmed the region’s commitment to empowering women, promoting gender equality, and fostering an inclusive society for all. — OPIO