By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo Provincial Government capped the National Women’s Month celebration with a vibrant display of creativity and a renewed commitment to gender equality, honoring women’s contributions to community development and leadership.
The culmination activities on March 27 featured the “Purple Your Office” initiative, where provincial government offices decorated their spaces in shades of purple to show solidarity in advancing women’s rights.
Employees actively participated, showcasing creative and innovative decorations.
The celebration also included “Estorya ‘Ta: Kababainhan sa Kauswagan,” a forum that gathered women leaders from 11 municipalities to discuss their roles in peacebuilding and grassroots development.
The event was organized by the Gender and Development Unit (GAD Iloilo) in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias, co-chair of the province’s Gender and Development Council, reaffirmed Iloilo’s commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment as part of its broader social justice agenda under Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
“The province under Gov. Toto Defensor has always espoused gender and development and women’s economic empowerment,” he said.
“This subsector of women is part and parcel of our social justice agenda for healing and transformation and in the pursuit of ending local conflicts.”
Retired Maj. Gen. Rene Glen Paje, OPAPRU regional adviser on peace and security, emphasized the crucial role of women in promoting peace.
“When there is conflict, women think about how to make life more peaceful and orderly,” he said.
“In everyone’s heart, we know the vital role women play in achieving peace.”
The forum featured two panel discussions on women’s leadership and the government programs available to support their economic participation.
It also included the election of new federation officers to ensure continued representation and advocacy for women’s initiatives across the province.
As National Women’s Month ends with the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive and equitable society.
It also pledged to ensure that efforts to uplift and recognize women’s contributions extend beyond March and continue year-round.
