The Bacolod City Government, through the Gender and Development Council (GDC), led a Women’s Month celebration yesterday at the lobby of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
The event honored the contributions of women in Bacolod, with the theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” and drew 61 barangay captains and 61 officers for the prevention of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).
Speakers emphasized that protecting women is equivalent to safeguarding an entire generation.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, represented by executive assistant April Rose Mayo, recognized the vital role women play in the community.
“Let us continue to support and uplift every woman in this city,” she said.
Assistant City Prosecutor Shelou Matti-Go encouraged advocacy for women’s rights by grounding efforts in Philippine history.
She said, “Women’s month is not just an annual celebration; it should be celebrated every day until respect and validation are inherent. It should be celebrated until no woman feels that being born female is unfair, and true equality is achieved.”
Matti-Go also assured that the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) stands ready to support women seeking justice, stressing that no woman should be afraid or left without assistance. She likened modern women to Babaylans—traditional Philippine spiritual leaders—highlighting their strength and bravery in contemporary society, and mentioned key laws protecting women’s rights.
A “Serbisyo Para Kay Juana” one-stop-shop will be held on March 16, offering free services from the City Health Office, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), PAO, and other partner agencies. Men are also welcome to access the services.
The celebration is part of a series of activities for Women’s Month. The month-long observance will culminate on March 27 with the “ZumBabayi” event, where participants are encouraged to wear purple.*
