BACOLOD City — The city government will conduct today, March 16, a “Serbisyo Para Kay Juana” One-Stop Shop service for women at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) as part of its month-long celebration of National Women’s Month 2026.
The initiative aims to make government services more accessible while highlighting the importance of gender equality, respect, and the empowerment of women in the community.
The one-stop shop will gather several government offices and partner agencies in one venue to provide a wide range of services to the public.
Participating agencies include the City Health Office (CHO), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Pag-IBIG Fund, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) through its Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), and the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).
The activity is organized by the Gender and Development (GAD) Council, chaired by Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, with Councilor Celia Matea R. Flor serving as vice chairperson.
City officials emphasized that the services are open to both women and men, underscoring that the celebration promotes respect, equality, and fair treatment for all members of the community.
Residents seeking more information may contact Anjanette Servano, Social Welfare Officer II and GAD Council secretariat, at 0909-640-7382.
Earlier, on March 11, the city government formally launched its Women’s Month celebration through a kickoff ceremony at the lobby of the BCGC.
With the theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” the event honored the contributions of women in the city and gathered 61 punong barangays along with 61 officers for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).
Speakers emphasized the importance of protecting women’s rights, noting that safeguarding women also means protecting future generations.
Mayor Gasataya, represented by Executive Assistant April Rose Mayo, acknowledged the vital role women play in community development.
“Let us continue to support and uplift every woman in this city,” Mayo said.
Assistant City Prosecutor Shelou Matti-Go also called for stronger advocacy for women’s rights, stressing that such efforts should be grounded in Philippine history.
“Women’s Month is not just an annual celebration; it should be celebrated every day until respect and validation are inherent,” she said. “It should be celebrated until no woman feels that being born female is unfair and true equality is achieved.”
Matti-Go also assured that the Public Attorney’s Office remains ready to assist women seeking justice and emphasized that no woman should feel afraid or unsupported.
She likened modern women to babaylans, the respected spiritual leaders in pre-colonial Philippine society, noting their courage, strength, and leadership in today’s world.
The city government is also encouraging residents to observe “Purple Wednesdays” throughout March by wearing purple, a color symbolizing justice, dignity, and women’s rights.
The celebration will culminate on March 27 with the “ZumBabayi” event, where participants are again encouraged to wear purple in solidarity with the campaign for women’s empowerment.
Through these initiatives, Bacolod City continues to promote inclusive programs recognizing the strength, leadership, and invaluable contributions of women in society./PN
