BAGUIO CITY – The city government, through the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children, conducted a program and parade for this year’s National Women’s Month celebration and the 2025 Kababaihan Festival on 08 March 2025. The program was conducted at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center at 8:00 am, followed by the parade proper en route to People’s Park, Malcolm Square for the Service Caravan, and Concert at the Park.
The participants for this event were the past awardees of the Outstanding Women Leaders of Baguio, Girl Scouts of the Philippines Baguio, Commission on Human Rights Cordillera, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the members of the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina Districts 1 to 20, the City Social Welfare and Development Office staff, and the various national government agencies, non-government organizations, and civil society organizations.
Through the theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the celebration centered on the women going far and beyond for the community in their respective fields. Awards were handed to four (4) empowered women titled 2025’s Outstanding Women Leaders of Baguio: former National Economic and Development Authority Regional Director Milagros Aro Rimando for Peace and Development; Vicky Macay for Indigenous Peoples; Jingle Melanie Ku-Marquez for Health and Wellness; and City Librarian Easter Wahayna-Pablo for Literacy. They are a testament to women leaders who persevered and made their mark in society.
Making a mark on her field of expertise, Guest and Keynote Speaker Dr. Moeko Saito-Jensen is an addition to the women who excel in their chosen fields. She shared her work on Circular Economy as a project manager under the United Nations Development Program.
“When I grew up in a Japanese society which is male-dominant, I was constantly facing social norms and practices – questioning what girls can do. When I said I wanted to pursue my career in the economic field, some people asked questions about my abilities.” Dr. Moeko shared the journey and challenges she faced as a woman in her pursuit of finding ways to minimize the impact of economic activities towards zero-waste levels in the environment.
Elevating the role of women in society, Assistant City Social Welfare and Development Officer, Cynthia B. Langagan expressed the significance of the celebration by recognizing the pivotal role played by the women’s sector in various fields.
“We should be celebrated and recognized whenever and forever. Our role is to be the foundation of the family, the rank of society, and an invaluable part of our nation’s progress. Let us all stand in solidarity for equality, justice, and progress for a more equitable future.” Langagan said.
The observance is rooted in the global commemoration of International Women’s Day, and in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 6949 series of 1990, declaring March 8th of every year as National Women’s Day and Proclamation No. 227 series of 1988 on the observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month.
Furthermore, the annual observance of Women’s Month for the county is organized through the initiative and leadership of the Philippine Commission on Women, based on the core objective of RA 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women – a human rights law that aims to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. By Agnes Dela Peña
