BAGUIO CITY – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Cordillera Administrative Region (BJMP-CAR) kicked off its month-long celebration for National Women’s Month 2025 with the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” focused on empowering female Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with skills training and personal development activities.
According to Jail Superintendent April Rose Ayangwa, the hanging of streamers across jail facilities on March 1 marked the official start of the celebration, followed by a hybrid kick-off ceremony on March 5 at the male dormitory quadrangle.
The program demonstrates BJMP-CAR’s commitment to uplifting not only the female PDLs, but also the jail personnel. Various initiatives include medical missions, seminars on ethical leadership, environmental activities, a solidarity day for female personnel, and a culminating event on the last day of the month to wrap-up the celebration.
“Hindi tayo babae lang—tayo ay babae,” Ayangwa said. “As we achieve that remarkable success, let us also lift others with us. We rise with others, not just ourselves,” she added, emphasizing the importance of collective growth.
One of the key trainings under the Women’s Month celebration is skills training in beauty care and grooming for female PDLs, held at the BJMP female dormitory on March 5.
Melda Panganiban, an Avon Sales Leader, led the talk with a demonstration on skincare and makeup tips. “Gusto ko matuto sila para meron din silang pag-aabalahan while they’re inside. Tapos after that, syempre magiging negosyo na rin ito kapag lumabas na sila. Magkakaroon na sila ng ideas kung paano kumita ng pera ulit,” she said, highlighting the financial opportunities Avon offers.
Women’s month at BJMP is more than just a celebration. It is a beacon of hope that opens doors for female PDLs to progress despite their current circumstances.
According to a female PDL, their schedule is fully packed with activities from various government and private organizations, providing not only education and skills training but also a sense of belonging. They will also have self-defense trainings, including judo and karate, as well as livelihood trainings from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Alternative Learning System.
“Hindi namin nararamdaman na nakakulong kami. Hindi rin namin nararamdaman ‘yung araw na nandito kami because of the activities that is being given by BJMP,” she said.
Her message to all the women out there is to keep fighting despite life’s hardships. “Huwag lang tayong tumigil sa pakikibaka sa buhay. We have to follow our dreams pa rin. Kahit na may mga iba na sabihin nila they don’t have any hope anymore in life because of their situation, never stop. Never stop hoping.”
National Women’s Month is observed the entire month of March under Proclamation No. 227, s. of 1988, to celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout history and empower women today to grow and shape a better future together. By Julianna Mallari
