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DILG XI Celebrates Women’s Month with a Series of Empowering Activities

In line with the celebration of National Women’s Month, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office XI (DILG XI) organized a series of meaningful and engaging activities that highlighted women’s empowerment, creativity, and well-being. With the theme of “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas”, the events provided a platform for DILG personnel to showcase their talents, engage in friendly competitions, and prioritize self-care.

Ribbon cutting with the ARD Charissa Guerta, LGCDD Assistant Division Chief Camille Flores, LGMED Assistant Division Chief Ruby Batingal, and FAD Chief Gale Marie S. Gravador

Kapehan sa Onse: A Gathering of Ideas and Insights

DILG XI kicked off its Women’s Month celebration with the “Kapehan sa Onse” on March 3, 2025, setting the tone for a month filled with camaraderie and empowerment. The event featured the Battle of the GAD-iators, a competition that tested participants’ knowledge of gender and development (GAD) concepts, fostering awareness and advocacy for gender-related issues.

Due to the resounding success and enthusiasm from the initial event, another “Kapehan sa Onse” was held on March 24, 2025, reinforcing the commitment of DILG XI to continuous learning and engagement in gender and development initiatives. Further igniting creativity and artistic expression, the Poster Making Contest provided an avenue for participants to visually interpret the significance of Women’s Month. Meanwhile, the Spoken Poetry Contest allowed individuals to voice their thoughts and emotions on women’s rights and gender equality through powerful spoken-word performances. 

The winners of the abovementioned competitions are the following:

ContestWinnersDivision/Unit
Battle of the GAD-iatorsLGOO III Atty. Shermin Mae Monteza-SimbanaganLGOO VI Jessica ItilLGMED
Poster Making ContestMr. Larry June EscalaRICTU
Spoken Poetry ContestMr. Joseph Ervin YapPDMU

Culmination Activity: A Day of Wellness and Celebration

On March 12, 2025, DILG XI gathered at the LGRRC Conference Room for the culmination activity, a day dedicated to holistic well-being and celebration. To ensure that personnel could focus on self-care, a basic health check-up was provided for all attendees, underscoring the importance of maintaining good health while fulfilling professional duties.

Adding a touch of fun and relaxation, a photobooth was set up, allowing participants to capture memories of the occasion. A bazaar featured various local products, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses within the community. One of the highlights of the culmination activity was the pamper station, where participants enjoyed paid services such as blind massages, manicures, and pedicures, giving them a much-needed break from their daily routines.

A Meaningful Celebration of Women’s Strength and Contribution

DILG XI’s Women’s Month celebration successfully fostered unity, creativity, and self-care among its personnel. Through activities that encouraged learning, artistic expression, and well-being, the event reinforced the department’s dedication to gender and development advocacy. As the month came to a close, the spirit of empowerment and inclusivity continued to resonate, inspiring everyone to champion gender equality in both their professional and personal lives.

With the success of this year’s celebration, DILG XI looks forward to more initiatives that will uplift and empower women in the years to come.