Valencia City Celebrates Women’s Month 2026 with Inclusive and Empowering Activities

The Local Government Unit of Valencia City successfully celebrated the annual Women’s Month Celebration 2026, anchored on the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” and its sub-theme, “Lead like Babaylans, Filipinas!” This year’s celebration paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of women throughout history and recognized their vital role in shaping a more inclusive and progressive society.

The City Government’s unwavering commitment to empowering women reflects its long-standing advocacy for gender equality and inclusive development. With the strong leadership and support of Mayor Amie G. Galario, alongside the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Vice Mayor Greizl Galario-Fernandez, the Gender and Development (GAD) Office spearheaded a series of meaningful and impactful activities throughout March 2026.

The celebration formally commenced with a Ceremonial Parade, which gathered participants from various National Government Agencies (NGAs), Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), Local Government Unit offices, private institutions, and women’s organizations across the city. The parade symbolized unity and collective action toward advancing women’s rights and gender equality.

Highlights of the Women’s Month Celebration

One of the major attractions of the celebration was the Women’s Bazaar and Expo, which showcased locally produced goods and highlighted the entrepreneurial skills of women in Valencia City. The event provided a platform for women’s organizations to promote their products, strengthen market linkages, and support local economic development.

Winners of the Women’s Bazaar and Expo:

  • Booth No. 10 – Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization (Barangay Lurugan)
  • Booth No. 11 – Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization (Barangay San Carlos)
  • Booth No. 3 – Rural Improvement Club
  • Booth No. 13 – Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization (Barangay Banlag)

The Health and Wellness Day drew significant participation, with more than a thousand women availing themselves of free services. These included medical check-ups, vital signs monitoring, step tests, breathing exercises, distribution of vitamins and supplements, therapeutic massage, nail care, haircut services, and mental health consultations. Services such as family planning, solo parent assistance, self-breast examination awareness, and cervical cancer screening further emphasized the importance of women’s holistic health and well-being.

Adding vibrancy to the celebration was the Women’s Variety Show, which served as a platform for showcasing the diverse talents of women from different barangays.

Winners of the Women’s Variety Show:

  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Sinabuagan
  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Guinoyuran
  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Concepcion

To further promote safety and preparedness, a Basic Defense and Tactical Combat Training for Women and Girls was conducted. Participants were equipped with essential self-defense techniques and practical knowledge to enhance their confidence and personal security.

Environmental stewardship was highlighted through a Tree Growing Activity, participated in by various city offices and women’s organizations. The activity emphasized the vital role of women in environmental protection and sustainability. It was further inspired by the presence of Valencia City’s representative to the Miss Philippines Earth 2026, Fhamel Castillo Detomal, who advocated for environmental awareness and encouraged participants to take active roles in climate action initiatives.

The celebration also featured the Women’s Sports and Wellness Festival, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and camaraderie.

Winners of the Sports Events:

Basketball:

  • Champion – Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization (Barangay Lumbo)
  • 1st Runner-up – Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization (Barangay Lurogan)

Volleyball:

  • Champion – Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization (Barangay Lumbo)
  • 1st Runner-up – Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization (Barangay Batangan)
  • 2nd Runner-up – Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization (Barangay Lurogan)
  • 3rd Runner-up – Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization (Barangay Bagontaas)

Laro ng Lahi:

Sack Race:

  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Lumbo
  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Lurogan
  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Bagontaas

Bakya Race:

  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Lurogan
  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Batangan
  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Lumbo

Tug of War:

  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Lurogan
  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Bagontaas
  • Panlibatuhan Women’s Organization – Barangay Batangan

These activities fostered camaraderie while celebrating Filipino culture and the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.

In line with strengthening gender-responsive governance, the GAD Office conducted a Seminar-Workshop on the Formulation of the GAD Agenda 2027–2031 and Initial GAD Planning and Budgeting for FY 2027. This initiative enabled stakeholders to collaboratively develop long-term strategies that integrate gender perspectives into local policies, programs, and budgeting processes.

Valencia City also actively participated in the Provincial Women’s Summit held in Malaybalay City, where delegates engaged in discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration with other local government units across the province. The summit strengthened partnerships and reinforced collective efforts toward advancing women’s empowerment at the provincial level.

Another key activity was the Seminar-Workshop on GAD Concepts, Gender Mainstreaming, and Barangay GAD Planning and Budgeting for CY 2027, attended by barangay officials and members of the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS). The training enhanced their capacity to implement gender-responsive programs and services within their respective communities.

The Women in Water Governance Seminar in Barangay Bagontaas emphasized the importance of women’s participation in managing and protecting water resources, recognizing them as key contributors to sustainable development.

Additionally, the Legal and Psychological Support Seminar for Barangay Women’s Desk Officers strengthened the capability of barangay frontliners in addressing cases of violence against women and children. The turnover and deployment of the MAVIC System further improved case management and service delivery efficiency.

Culmination Activity

The month-long celebration concluded with the prestigious “Saludo sa Babaeng Valenciano: Search for the Most Outstanding Juana”, recognizing women who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, dedication, and impact in their communities.

Awardees:

  • Julie Ann Brigoli
  • Ma. Socorro Ester R. Paluga
  • Marciana M. Bongocan
  • Isabel I. Casilang
  • Joriegae M. Abales

Overall, the Women’s Month Celebration 2026 in Valencia City stood as a strong testament to the city’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive development—empowering every woman to lead, participate, and thrive in building a better and more equitable society.