ANTIQUE— The Provincial Government of Antique officially kicked off the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration during its regular Monday flag-raising ceremony at EBJ Freedom Park.
Provincial employees showed their support by wearing purple shirts in solidarity with the nationwide observance.
Gov. Paolo Javier led the ceremonial launch together with sponsoring agencies, including the Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (OPPDC) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Antique.
In his message, Javier called for collective action in upholding women’s rights and recognizing their contributions to society.
“We must protect women’s rights and celebrate the achievements of women for their resilience and for being the ilaw ng tahanan,” the governor said.
Addressing the women of Antique, he added: “Sa ating mga kababaihan, respeto at suporta ang ating ipagkakaloob sa inyong mga karapatan at kapakanan.”
This year’s celebration highlights the strength and leadership of Filipina women from precolonial times to the present, carrying the sub-theme, “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas.”
In the rationale delivered by Prisceli Joyce Galuego of the Gender and Development Inter-Agency Committee (GAD-IAC) of Antique, the Babaylans were described as figures who “exemplified wisdom, courage, and transformative leadership.” She noted that modern-day Filipinas continue this legacy as leaders in governance, education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, health, and grassroots movements.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Robin Rubinos likewise underscored the historic role of the Babaylans, describing them as prominent figures in precolonial society who served as healers, spiritual leaders, and mediators between the community and the spiritual realm.
As part of the month-long observance, streamers promoting gender equality will be displayed in government offices and public spaces across the province.
A Women’s Empowerment Exhibit, set from March 16 to 30 at Robinsons Antique, will showcase women’s products, innovations, talents, and achievements, highlighting their vital role in economic and community development.
The GAD-IAC of Antique also encouraged the public to wear purple every Wednesday of March as a symbol of support for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The celebration will culminate on March 30 with the province’s participation in the global One Billion Rising campaign, which calls for collective action to end violence against women and girls.
In addition, the GAD-IAC will conduct a free legal aid activity led by the Office of the Provincial Legal Officer, with details on the date and venue to be announced./PN
