Led by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, the opening of the 2026 National Women’s Month celebration was held this morning, March 4, at the Jimmy L. Fernandez Center (CSI Stadia), honoring the strength, leadership, and invaluable contributions of Dagupeñas in shaping a more empowered and inclusive community.
With the theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” Mayor Fernandez emphasized the vital role of women in leadership and community development, encouraging fellow Dagupeñas to continue rising as catalysts of change and progress.
“With this year’s theme, we honor women as trailblazers in building inclusive communities. Women have long been at the forefront of grassroots leadership — organizing neighborhoods, advocating for social protection, and ensuring that no one is left behind. Their compassion and resilience form the backbone of a city that values participation, equality, and shared progress,” she said.
The local chief executive also reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s rights and improving access to justice, urging participants to stand in solidarity in ensuring that Dagupan continues to prosper as a city where every woman is protected, heard, and empowered to thrive.
Similar to the Girl Child Week 2026 celebration held at the same venue yesterday, the event also featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the booths and exhibits prepared by various local government offices and partner organizations.
Participants also took part in a series of lectures on key issues, including inclusivity and women’s rights, combating Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), breast and cervical cancer awareness, health and nutrition, gender equality, suicide awareness, waste recycling and segregation, solid waste management, home-based livelihood opportunities, and disaster resilience.
Present at the event were Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua, former councilor Maybelyn Fernandez, City Legal Officer Atty. Aurora Valle, Chief of Staff Luz De Guzman, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rowena Banzon, WCPU R1MC Psychologist III Dr. Bernadette Velasco, R1MC Nutritionist and Dietician Sandra Rimando, Dagupan City Police Office (DCPO) City Director PCol. Arnold Solomon, Dagupan City Justice Zone Convenor & RTC Dagupan City Executive Judge Hon. Dorothy Alarcio-Padilla, City Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Fiscal Atty. Ma. Victoria Cabrera, and City Prosecutor’s Office Assistant City Prosecutor Atty. Ann Karen Aquino-Go, department heads, barangay councils, Girl Scouts of the Philippines – Dagupan Council, Maaron Ina, KALIPI and civic organizations.
The gathering stands as a testament to the city’s continuing push for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive public service for all.
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