Beyond Celebration:
2026 Women’s Month Urges Filipinas to Lead Like the Babaylans

_{WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society: Filipino women leaders, government officials, and gender and development (GAD) advocates gathered at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum to officially kick off the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC). Spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the ceremony brought together more than 4,000 participants from all sectors of society.}

RIZAL MEMORIAL COLISEUM, 06 MARCH 2026 — As the Philippines kicked off the National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) on March 6, 2026, and amid recent gender-based remarks by public figures against women, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) urged Filipinas to lead like the Babaylans—women leaders of pre-colonial Filipino communities who held authority equal to men and guided their people with wisdom, courage, and service.

This year’s celebration underscores women’s leadership as a driver of inclusive development and gender equality, gathering over 4,000 participants from government, civil society, the private sector, and the general public at the ‘herstoric’ Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

^{The First Lady at the 2026 NWMC Kick-off Ceremony: First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, joined by her son, PSC Sports Ambassador William Vincent Marcos; PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla; PSC Chairperson John Patrick Gregorio; and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Christina Roque, led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the opening of the NWMC Trade and Services Fair, which showcased women-led enterprises, gender-responsive programs, and inclusive innovations.}

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairperson John Patrick Gregorio delivered the welcome message and paid tribute to some of the country’s most celebrated women athletes, including bowling world champion and PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo; 15-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Elma Muros; two-time Asian Games gold medalist sprinter Lydia de Vega; Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz; two-time Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio; tennis star Alex Eala; two-time U.S. Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso; Olympian golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina; Olympic silver medalist swimmer Kayla Sanchez; Asian Games gold medalist skateboarder Margielyn Didal; and national gymnast Mazel Alegado.

“Today, we celebrate the many ways women—and their courage, perseverance, and leadership—have changed history time and again,” Chairperson Gregorio said, noting that these achievements reflect the strength, discipline, and leadership Filipina athletes continue to demonstrate on the global stage.

^{Women are Champions in Sport and Beyond: PSC Chairperson John Patrick Gregorio paid tribute to women who carry the courage that moves society forward—they lead, nurture, endure, and push boundaries with incredible determination. He added that they are the champions of families, the threads that bind communities, and the backbone of the nation’s strength.}

Reclaiming the Babaylan Spirit in the Bagong Pilipinas

While the 2026 NWMC continues under the 2023–2028 campaign banner, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” it carries the sub-theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, reaffirming that women’s leadership is a fundamental part of Filipino identity—and that it is high time Filipinas in the Bagong Pilipinas reclaim it.

In her opening message, PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla said, “If you believe in the power of one, let us also believe in the power of everyone. Let us aspire and work together for all Filipino women to thrive, excel and meet the version of themselves that they have never met before. You are more than who you think you are, Filipinas. Let us build a Bagong Pilipinas where we push each other to success and victory.”

Against a backdrop of recent misogyny and gender-based discrimination against women, Chairperson Valdeavilla emphasized that this moment is both timely and critical for women to rise—just like the Babaylans of pre-colonial Filipino societies.

^{The Vision Lead of ASEAN for Gender Mainstreaming: PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla highlighted that this year’s Women’s Month celebration is especially significant as the Philippines chairs Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In her Opening Remarks, she delivered the State of the Filipino Women address, emphasizing that as the ASEAN vision lead for gender mainstreaming, the Philippines has a platform to sustain regional leadership, share innovations, and embed gender equality across ASEAN’s broader development agenda.}

Before colonization, Babaylans—spiritual guides, healers, and community leaders—embodied leadership grounded in wisdom, courage, and service. Chairperson Valdeavilla stressed that reclaiming this legacy reminds Filipinas that women have always held positions of influence and responsibility.

“We are heirs to the Babaylans, women who led with wisdom, courage, and integrity; who did not use power to oppress, dominate and control; who demonstrated the kind of power that empowers and lifts humanity. It is time to reclaim this important part of our national identity,” she said, highlighting that this leadership remains essential today—in governance, regional cooperation, and national development.

President Marcos and First Lady Honor Filipino Women’s Leadership

First Lady Louise Araneta – Marcos highlighted the “strength and leadership of Filipino women” who continue to shape their communities in ways both “seen and unseen”. Delivering the keynote message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the First Lady conveyed his warmest greetings and his hope that the celebration would “deepen our resolve to listen to the real experiences of Filipino women”.

^{Renewing Commitment to Building a Country Worthy of its Women: Gracing the 2026 NWMC kick-off ceremony, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos recognized the strength, leadership, and service of Filipino women who continue to shape communities in ways both seen and unseen. Reading the message of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the First Lady extended her husband’s warmest greetings to all women and expressed hope that the NWMC celebration deepens the resolve to listen to the real experiences of Filipino women.}

The message of the President reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a country “worthy of its women”. Key initiatives highlighted include: safety and justice through strengthening of laws, institutions, and frontline services to protect women both locally and abroad; and building an economy designed for women to thrive through expanded digital and financial inclusion, access to livelihood programs, and specific reskilling for today’s digital economy. The President likewise noted the investments in women’s health, citing programs such as the Department of Health’s Safe Motherhood Program, reproductive health services, and nationwide breast and cervical cancer screenings. These efforts are designed to ensure safer pregnancies and address the most serious but preventable health concerns affecting women. 

On the international and regional front, he underscored that as the Chair of the ASEAN this year, the Philippines is advancing regional dialogue on gender-responsive budgeting, women’s leadership, and inclusive recovery. 

“Our direction is clear: deepen leadership, strengthen opportunities, and expand empowerment of women,” the President emphasized.

The President acknowledged the importance of National Women’s Month Celebration in raising public awareness of women’s rights, strengthening advocacy against gender-based violence, and keeping gender equality firmly on the national development agenda.

The message concluded with a call to action for all Filipino women to take up the mantle of leadership to share the nation’s future. “Together, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas guided by equality, strengthened by peace and sustained by shared prosperity,” he ended.

Navigating Our Future, Together

In line with the Philippines’ chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026—where the country invites fellow member states to walk the path not apart but side by side—PCW encourages the nation to build a Bagong Pilipinas, where people uplift one another toward shared success and victory. The Commission also emphasized that advancing gender equality requires strengthening women’s leadership at all levels—from communities to national governance and regional cooperation within ASEAN.

^{Championing Gender Mainstreaming Across ASEAN Pillars: PCW Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar and Deputy Executive Director for Operations Anita Baleda posed for a photo opportunity with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, lead agency of the ASEAN Political-Security Community; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Denise Florence Bragas, lead agency of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community; and DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, lead agency of the ASEAN Economic Community.} 

With the ASEAN 2026 theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” PCW strategically aligns this year’s NWMC sub-theme as a rallying call for sustained engagement. It also complements the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders Summit, themed “Shaping the Future of ASEAN: Women’s Leadership in Advancing People Empowerment, Regional Security, and Economic Prosperity,” demonstrating how Filipino women continue to advance inclusive governance, peacebuilding, and community development both locally and across the ASEAN region.

By underscoring that women’s full participation is essential to sustainable progress, and by amplifying women’s achievements, this year’s celebration champions a Bagong Pilipinas and a resilient ASEAN where equality is practiced, inclusivity is sustained, and every woman’s contribution strengthens communities, institutions, the nation, and the region.

To foster regional integration, peace, and prosperity, the ASEAN Community is composed of three pillars:

• ASEAN Political-Security Community, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);
• ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); and
• ASEAN Economic Community, led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 

To mainstream gender equality across all pillars of governance, women leaders from these three agencies delivered their respective messages, showcasing the Philippines’ commitment to inclusive leadership, regional cooperation, and women’s empowerment across ASEAN.

DFA: Leading the ASEAN Political-Security Community

Delivering a speech on behalf of DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega emphasized that to lead like the Babaylans is “to remember who we are—and who we have always been.” She added that in the context of ASEAN Vision 2045, leading like the Babaylans means understanding that true leadership is anticipatory: “It is strategic. It prepares communities not just for today’s challenges—but for tomorrow’s uncertainties.”

^{From Commitment to Sustainable Transformation: DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega said that championing gender mainstreaming in the ASEAN Political-Security Community under Vision 2045 means “moving from commitment to more sustainable transformation.” She highlighted upcoming initiatives, including the Southeast Asian Women Ambassadors’ Forum on Peace; the ASEAN Women, Peace, Security Conference, which supports the ASEAN Women, Peace, and Security Regional Plan of Action, the Pasay Declaration of 2024, and the Joint Statement on Promoting Women, Peace and Security in ASEAN; and the ASEAN Declaration on Gender-Responsive Implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which spans all ASEAN Community pillars.}

Undersecretary Dizon-De Vega underscored that “A resilient ASEAN requires the full participation of women—as diplomats, defense officials, mediators, cybersecurity experts, humanitarian responders, entrepreneurs, community builders, and policy architects, among many others.”

She also highlighted that the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship and this year’s NWMC provide an opportunity to advance sustainable gender equality in regional governance. “As we honor the legacy of the Babaylans, let us commit to shaping ASEAN Vision 2045 with gender equality at its core. Let us ensure that when future generations look back, they will see that this was the moment when ASEAN chose inclusive leadership. Let us empower Filipinas—and all women of ASEAN—to lead in shaping regional peace, stability, and innovation.”

DSWD: Steering the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community

Representing DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Undersecretary Denise Florence Bragas joined the PCW in celebrating women’s leadership rooted in the Babaylan heritage and highlighted the agency’s role as the lead for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. She noted, “Today, Filipino women lead in government, civil society, business, communities, and homes,” just like the Babaylans in pre-colonial Philippines.

^{Strengthening Regional Commitments and Eliminating Violence Against Women: DSWD Undersecretary Denise Florence Bragas said that under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, the Department pushes for the strengthening of regional commitments to gender- transformative policies and the elimination of violence against women and their children (VAWC). She added that Filipino women can expect that the country’s ASEAN commitments will strengthen the services and protection for them.}

Undersecretary Bragas shared that the DSWD advances a people-centered, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN, ensuring that economic growth and political cooperation are grounded in social justice and human development. The pillar also addresses poverty, inequality, social protection, health, education, disaster resilience, youth engagement and gender equality.

With strong leadership from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and in partnership with the PCW and ASEAN counterparts, the DSWD envisions a future where the Philippines advances a region in which gender equality is real, and women are resilient, included, sustained, and empowered.

DTI: Driving the ASEAN Economic Community

Speaking on behalf of DTI Secretary Maria Christina Roque, Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona highlighted the vital role of Filipinas in leading the ASEAN Economic Community, recognizing them as “the heartbeat of the global workforce and the engine of regional growth.” She affirmed that the NWMC sub-theme, “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!,” reflects that women’s leadership is deeply embedded in the nation’s DNA.

^{Women as Visionaries Leading Toward a More Inclusive Future: DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized that empowerment must be more than a sentiment—it must be backed by resources. For 2026, she reported that the Department has institutionalized a ₱387 million Gender and Development (GAD) budget, a direct investment in women’s access to technology, markets, and finance. Moreover, the Department is bringing the Philippines’ best practices to the ASEAN stage through flagship programs, including ETAAS (Empowering Local MSMEs and Women Entrepreneurs, Train for Success, Access a Wider Market, Amplify Philippine-Made Products, and Sustain Growth) ang Pinay, OTOP Next Gen (One Town, One Product Next Generation), and other initiatives.}

Undersecretary Lantayona encouraged overseas Filipino women workers and repatriated kababaihan to reinvest their world-class skills in the Philippines, saying that the DTI’s doors are open to help them transition “from earning a wage to owning an enterprise.”

She further emphasized, “When a woman progresses, the nation follows; and when you thrive, you stabilize your family, and you advance the national economy,” underscoring the Department’s mission to ensure that the story of the Filipina does not end with sacrifice but continues as a success story written at home. 

“As we lead ASEAN this year, let us show the world the strength, the intellect, and the heart of the Filipina,” she concluded.

Beyond Celebration, Women’s Month is a Reminder that Women Matter

PCW Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar closed the 2026 NWMC kick-off ceremony by reminding attendees that this celebration is more than a gathering—it is a call to action, affirming that every Filipino woman matters and every step toward equality shapes the nation’s future. She highlighted the Philippines’ rank in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 as the 20th most gender-equal country globally and Asia’s top nation, noting that “These numbers are inspiring, but they are only meaningful if we continue to open doors and create opportunities for every Filipina to lead.”

^{“Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” Echoing the 2026 NWMC sub-theme, PCW Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar said in her closing remarks that the Babaylan legacy lives on in every Filipina who leads with purpose. “Nakikita natin ito sa mga kababaihang lider sa pamahalaan, sa negosyo, sa komunidad, at sa tahanan. Sa bawat sektor at sa bawat komunidad, ang pamumuno ng kababaihan ay hindi lamang nag-aambag sa pag-unlad, ito ay humuhubog sa direksyon ng ating kinabukasan bilang isang bansa.” She concluded with a powerful reminder: “Kapag ang kababaihan ay binigyang-lakas na mamuno, ang buong lipunan ang umaangat.”}

The event brought together government officials, civil society partners, private sector representatives, and members of the public, all united in celebrating women’s leadership across all sectors. More than 4,000 participants were reminded of the Babaylan heritage and how gender equality was once a lived reality in the Philippines.

Also in attendance were New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Catherine McIntosh; Deputy Head of Mission and First Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Austria in Manila Ms. Margit Loidolt; Annick Peter from the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines; ASEAN-BAC Philippines Senior Adviser for Women Nora Terrado; Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla; Department of Health Undersecretary Farwa Hombre; Department of Science and Technology Assistant Secretary Diana Ignacio; and Department of Labor and Employment Assistant Secretary Amuerfina Reyes.

^{United in Purple and for a Purpose: As Women’s Month officially begins, the PCW urged Women and Everyone (WE) to not just unite in purple, but unite with a purpose—embracing the Babaylan spirit and leading with wisdom, courage, and compassion. The PCW emphasized that, amid recent discriminatory remarks against women, WE will continue the work that the Babaylans began until Women’s Month is no longer needed, when gender equality and an inclusive society are fully realized, just as in pre-colonial Philippines.}

Other delegates present at the kick-off ceremony included National Youth Commission Chairperson Joseph Francisco Ortega and Executive Director Leah Villalon; PCW Commissioners Myrna Yao, Rosemarie Rafael, and Catalina Leonen-Pizarro; PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo; President of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines Cynthia Carrion; sports legends Nesthy Petecio and Elma Muros; SM Cares for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers Senior Assistant Vice President and Program Director Atty. Pearl Jayagan Turley; and partners supporting initiatives that advance gender equality and women empowerment.

The celebration also showcased the generosity of the event’s partners and sponsors, whose exhibit booths featured essential services and programs for women. Among the highlights of the program was the powerful performance of renowned Filipina folk artist Bayang Barrios, whose appearance was made possible through the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Her soulful set, alongside a separate musical showcase by the Police Community Affairs and Development Group, serenaded the crowd, bringing everyone together in a shared love for music and creating a lively, memorable atmosphere. This synergy between government and private sector underscored a renewed commitment across sectors to build a Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino woman is heard, recognized, and empowered to lead—truly embodying the theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”