WOMEN in Tagbilaran City were honored, empowered, and celebrated throughout March as the local government conducted a month-long series of activities under the theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” highlighting leadership, wellness, and community engagement.
All activities were actively participated in by women representatives from the 15 barangays and women employees of the city government.
The celebration kicked off on March 6 at the Saulog Gymnasium, setting the stage for a month dedicated to recognizing the vital roles of women in society.
Mayor Jane Yap expressed her strong support for the initiative, saying, “Taking care of women is also taking care of the Pamilyang Tagbilaranon,” emphasizing the essential role of women in the welfare of the community.
From March 9 to 12, the City Government hosted discussions on women’s psychological and gynecological wellness during the pre-menopausal stage, equipping women with knowledge to navigate important health transitions.
In tandem, the Women-Led Pop-Up Shops ran at the City Hall atrium, providing a platform for local women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products to city employees and residents, with Mayor Yap highlighting the importance of supporting women-led businesses.
The Serbisyo Para sa Kababayen-an initiative brought much-needed medical and veterinary services to female employees and clients on March 13 at the City Hall atrium, in partnership with the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility and the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office.
Mayor Yap ensured that all services were free, demonstrating her commitment to women’s health and well-being.
Women’s legal empowerment was also highlighted with a paralegal orientation and legal aid mission on March 17 at JJs Seafood Village, organized in collaboration with Legal Alternatives for Women, Inc.
On the same day, Part 2 of Serbisyo Para sa Kababayen-an took place at the City Hall atrium, offering beauty and wellness services at no cost to women employees and walk-in clients, generously supported by Mayor Yap.
Hands-on skills and environmental stewardship were promoted through a Body Massage and Ventosa training on March 18 at the Tourism Gallery and mangrove planting at Cabisea Ubujan, while sustainable livelihood initiatives were emphasized with Paper Briquette Making on March 19 at JJs Seafood Village, in partnership with the Catholic Relief Services.
The celebration extended to women in confinement, as services were brought to the Tagbilaran City Jail female dormitory on March 24, providing free medical assistance to incarcerated women.
Female empowerment in environmental protection was further strengthened with a wildlife enforcement seminar on March 25 at JJs Seafood Village.
The month-long celebration concluded on March 30 at JJs Seafood Village with a culminating activity that featured discussions on social enterprise and the conceptualization of “Ube as Ube Pasalubong,” encouraging women to harness local products for entrepreneurship and community development.
Through these activities, Tagbilaran City, proved its commitment to uplifting women across health, legal, environmental, and economic spheres, celebrating their contributions, nurturing their leadership, and inspiring them to “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” with full participation from women across all 15 barangays and city offices.
