TACLOBAN CITY — Hundreds of participants from government agencies, civil society groups, and various sectors joined a Women’s Walk early Friday morning, March 6, as the city formally kicked off the celebration of National Women’s Month.
Spearheaded by the Tacloban city government, the unity walk began at around 5 a.m. along Magsaysay Boulevard and proceeded through Real Street before culminating at the Tacloban City Convention Center.
The activity forms part of the nationwide observance led by the Philippine Commission on Women, which highlights the vital role of women in nation-building and advocates for gender equality and women empowerment.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “We for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” emphasizing the need to expand economic opportunities and ensure equal participation for women in all sectors while promoting inclusive development.
The campaign also highlights the subtheme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipina,” encouraging women to draw inspiration from the babaylan, the respected female spiritual and community leaders in pre-colonial Philippine society, known for their wisdom, leadership, and role in guiding their communities.
Participants in the walk included barangay officials, employees of the city government, and representatives from several partner agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Tacloban, Tacloban City Police Office, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology female dormitory personnel, the Philippine Information Agency, members of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, among others.
Ednadette Morado, a barangay council member and focal person on Violence Against Women (VAW), said joining activities such as the women’s walk helps highlight the growing role of women in society.
“The women’s walk shows that women are not just women, but a huge contributing factor that gives balance in our society. Today, women are already empowered and part of decision-making in many aspects of community life,” Morado said.
Following the walk, participants gathered in front of the convention center for a Zumba session, further energizing the morning celebration.
During the program, Visitacion Giva, city director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Tacloban, emphasized that the pursuit of gender equality remains a continuing journey that requires collective effort.
“Every step we take during the women’s walk reminds us that the journey towards equality is ongoing. It is shaped by courage, determination, and the collective effort of women and men working together to build a more just and inclusive society,” she said.
(RITCHEL O. BARONA, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
