March 7, 2025- Bacolod City officially launched its National Women’s Month 2025 Kickoff Celebration today at the Bacolod City Government Center Lobby with the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

The event began with a warm welcome from Councilor Celia Flor, Vice Chairwoman of the Gender and Development (GAD) Council. She stated, “Women must be celebrated because we are more than half of the population.. because despite of all the gains and wins of the women’s movement over the years, there is still a lot to be done to achieve gender equality. Patriarchy still exists. Women should be empowered to have a voice and be heard. Not just during women’s month, but everyday.”

This was followed by an overview of the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration, presented by Dr. Richelle Verdeprado, Head of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD). Councilor Kalaw Puetevella then delivered a message, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.

Representatives from various sectors shared their insights on women’s empowerment, highlighting their roles in different fields. Among the speakers were FSUPT Jenny Mae Masip of the Bacolod City Fire Station, Rowena Jean Magan from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), Atty. Norman Vincent Gentugaya from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Dr. Lalaine Deles of the City Health Office, and Ms. Jinky Besa from Seven Seas Entertainment. Additionally, members of women-led associations such as the Alangilan Livestock and Vegetable Farmers’ Association, United Bacolod Women Vendors Association, and Purok Lilag Integrated Fisherfolk Women’s Association voiced their experiences and advocacies.

The event concluded with a commitment signing, where various organizations and sectors pledged to advance gender equality in policies and programs, empower women’s leadership across all sectors, ensure equal access to resources and opportunities, challenge biases while fostering inclusivity, and engage men as allies in gender advocacy.

Attendees included representatives from different barangays and organizations such as PDAO, KALIPAY, DSSD, PAO, BFP, DPS, BHA, DSWD, and many more. To show their support for the celebration, all participants wore purple, symbolizing women’s empowerment and gender equality.

Through this event, Bacolod City reaffirms its commitment to uplifting women across all sectors, striving for a more inclusive and progressive future.

Source – Bacolod City PIO