Capping its 2026 National Women’s Month celebration, the Iloilo Provincial Government highlighted women leadership through the “Estorya Ta! The Babaylan Spirit in Ilonggo Women Leaders” forum, which gathered provincial scholars, teen center peer helpers, local youth leaders, young agriculturists, and entrepreneurs.
Organized by the Provincial Gender and Development Unit GADIloilo and its Technical Working Group, the activity featured a panel discussion with women leaders including Regional Director of the National Commission of Senior Citizens Region VI Ann Rapunzel Ganzon, Modern Ilongga owner Magge Dela Cruz-Cerado, and Dumangas municipal environment officer Flosel Almirante, who shared their experiences on leadership grounded in empathy, sustainability, and moral values.
Participants, mostly young women, engaged in an open forum where they raised questions on leadership, community involvement, and personal development, allowing them to gain practical insights from the speakers.
The activity was also graced by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK) President Esara Aldeguer Javier, who both highlighted the significant and inspiring roles women have played in shaping their personal journeys and leadership perspectives.
A cultural performance by the West Visayas State University’s Irong Irong Dance Company added highlights to the program.
The activity aimed to inspire participants to take active roles in their communities and develop leadership skills, as part of the provincial government’s efforts to promote gender equality and women empowerment.
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