The Iloilo Provincial Government through its Gender and Development Unit (GADIloilo) in celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month held today the “Estorya ‘Ta: Kababaihan sa Kauswagan” Women’s Forum on March 27, 2025, at Days Hotel, Iloilo in partnership with The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
The event, anchored on the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” brought together women community leaders from the eleven municipalities where our former rebels are to highlight their indispensable role in community transformation and development.
Iloilo Provincial Administrator and Co-Chairperson of the Iloilo Provincial Gender and Development (GAD) Council, Dr. Raul Banias, emphasizing the provincial government’s commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women at the grassroots level.
“The province under Gov Toto Defensor has always espoused gender and development and women economic empowerment. And with this sub sector of women this is part and parcel of our social justice agenda for healing and transformation and in the pursuit of ending local conflicts,” said Banias.
Retired Major General Rene Glen Paje, the Regional Adviser on Peace and Security of OPAPRU stressed that women’s innate concern for the well-being of their families and communities makes them natural advocates for peace, reconciliation, and healing.
“Kapag may gulo, ang kababaihan ang nasa isip niyan ay kung paano mas maging mapayapa at tahimik and pamumuhay,” said Paje.“Sa puso ng lahat, alam natin kung ano ang papel ng kababaihan pagdating sa kapayapaan.”
Paje further underscored the importance of integrating women’s voices and perspectives in decision-making processes to achieve lasting peace and development.
The forum featured two insightful panel discussions. The first panel, “Women Empowerment: Making Change Work for Women”, included inspiring women leaders such as Ms. Gemma N. Moquete (KALIPI President, Concepcion), Ms. Joy Palmada (Manager, Pavia Entrepreneurs Multi-Purpose Cooperative), and Ms. Juffeylyn Venus Semolava (KALIPI President, Janiuay), who shared their experiences, challenges, and triumphs as empowered leaders in their communities.
The second panel, “Programs, Projects, and Services for Women in the Communities,” provided valuable insights into government programs that support women’s empowerment. Resource persons from TESDA, DOLE, DSWD-SLP, and DTI highlighted opportunities in technical education, livelihood assistance, and entrepreneurial support, enabling women to contribute significantly to their communities and the local economy.
As part of the event, an election of federation officers was also conducted among the participants, ensuring that women leaders continue to have a platform to advocate for their communities and lead initiatives that promote sustainable development. The newly elected officers are expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the network of empowered women across the province.
#morprogresiloilo