PCW, SM Supermalls, UN Philippines Rekindle the Babaylan Spirit;
MOA Globe Illuminates in Purple for Women’s Month
LIGHTING UP THE SPIRIT OF THE BABAYLAN (Left to Right):SM Supermalls Marketing EVP Joaquin L. San Agustin, SM Supermalls Corporate Compliance SAVP Atty. Pearly Joan J. Turley, PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla,
and UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral lead the illumination of the SM Mall of Asia Globe in purple in celebration of Women’s Month, honoring the leadership and contributions of Filipino women.
Marking the beginning of the Women’s Month Celebration this March, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), SM Supermalls, and the United Nations (UN) Philippines held a ceremonial lighting of the SM Mall of Asia Globe purple on March 2, 2026 in Pasay City. The iconic landmark transitioned into a vibrant purple to symbolize the country’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment globally.
This year’s celebration centers on the sub-theme, “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” The campaign urges today’s Filipino women to draw inspiration from the culture of the Babaylan; the highly respected healers, spiritual leaders, and advisers who held significant authority in pre-colonial Philippine societies.
CELEBRATING WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP – PCW Chairperson Valdeavilla stands in front of the illuminated SM MOA Globe as it shines purple in honor of the women’s month celebration.
Reclaiming a Legacy of Leadership
According to PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, the theme serves as a powerful reminder that women’s power and gender equality are not new or imported concepts, but a foundational element of Filipino identity.
The illumination serves as a reminder of this enduring legacy and seeks to reignite and reclaim the empowered position of women in all sectors.
A United Front for Gender Equality
The illumination ceremony was led by PCW Chair Valdeavilla, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Arnaud Peral, and SM Supermalls Marketing Executive Vice President Joaquin L. San Agustin and Corporate Compliance Senior Assistant Vice President Atty. Pearly Joan J. Turley.
The event is part of the larger #PurpleYourIcon campaign, which encourages the decoration of buildings, establishments, and other iconic landmarks in purple, in support of Women’s Month and to signify solidarity and recognition of women’s empowerment across the nation.
Representatives from PCW, SM Supermalls and UN Philippines gather in solidarity to celebrate
the 2026 National Women’s Month
SM Mall of Asia Globe displays the women’s month campaign banner ‘WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society’, showcasing efforts to empower women across the nation.
By honoring the achievements and leadership of Filipino women today while echoing the authority of the Babaylans of the past, the PCW and its partners aim to inspire a new generation of women to step forward as leaders and achievers in their chosen fields. Empowered women, empower others; when women are empowered to lead, they create ripple effects that uplift not only themselves and their families, but entire communities.