27/03/2026
๐พ๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ 2026 | ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐ป๐๐๐๐: โ๐ณ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐ป๐ฏ๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฉ๐จ๐๐ณ๐จ๐ต๐บ, ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ท๐ฐ๐ต๐จ๐บ!โ
At the break of dawn, the Municipality of Balungao demonstrated a strong commitment to gender-responsive and community-based empowerment initiatives as women from diverse sectors actively participated in a wellness and solidarity activity. By 5:00 AM, a Zumba session facilitated by Local Government Unit (LGU), municipal employees, BJMP Balungao District Jail
headed by JSUPT. RAY C. CABRADILLA and the Philippine National Police of Balungao, under the leadership of PMAJ Maria Theresa R. Meimban, served not only as a physical activity but also as a psychosocial support intervention promoting holistic well-being, social cohesion, and womenโs empowerment. The activity symbolized resilience, collective strength, and the nurturing leadership reflective of the Babaylan spirit.
In the afternoon, at 1:00 PM, the activity transitioned into a capability-building and advocacy session aimed at enhancing awareness on womenโs rights, protection mechanisms, and gender-responsive governance. Key topics included:
Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) โ discussed by Patrolwoman Jerlen Ann F. Soriben, emphasizing legal remedies, protection orders, and the Stateโs mandate to safeguard women and children from abuse and exploitation.
Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act / Anti-Bastos Law) โ presented by Danijean B. Ringor, focusing on the promotion of safe, inclusive, and harassment-free environments in public and private spaces.
Women-focused programs and services โ delivered by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), highlighting protective services, crisis intervention, referral systems, and social protection programs aligned with DSWD mandates.
Gender and Development (GAD) mainstreaming and gender-responsive governance โ articulated by GAD Focal Person Anthony Fe Mabalot, underscoring that empowering women is a development strategy and governance framework. He emphasized that inclusive participation of women strengthens families, enhances community resilience, and promotes sustainable local development.
Municipal Mayor Maria Theresa R. Peralta reinforced the importance of self-empowerment, agency, and leadership among women, encouraging every Filipina to embody the values of strength, compassion, and transformative leadership.
Vice Mayor Philipp G. Peralta affirmed the LGUโs commitment to advancing gender equality, upholding womenโs rights, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources.
Meanwhile, Sangguniang Bayan Member and Committee Chair on Family, Women, and Children, Gerry Guerzo Luna, expressed strong legislative support for women-centered policies and programs, recognizing women as key agents in family development, community building, and intergenerational empowerment.