The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority formally opened its 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration during the agency’s Flag Raising Ceremony at the TESDA Central Office, marking the beginning of month-long activities anchored on the sub-theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”
This year’s celebration continues under the 2023–2028 campaign banner, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” highlighting shared responsibility, collective leadership, and inclusive action across sectors.
In his message during the Flag Raising Ceremony, TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez underscored the historical roots of women’s leadership in the Philippines.
“If we look at Philippine history, women have always held leadership roles. And during our pre-colonial era, meron tayong mga babaylan o catalonan. Sabi nga ng tema ng National Women’s Month ngayong taon, ‘Lead like the Babaylans.’ It is because these babaylans were respected leaders who performed multiple roles in their communities,” Sec. Kiko said.
“In many ways, the Babaylans are among the earliest models of women’s leadership in our history. Today, that leadership lives on in institutions like TESDA. Here in TESDA, we are grateful for women who lead with the same quiet strength and grounded wisdom, kagaya ng mga babaylan. So, it is only fitting that during this celebration, we allow their voices to be heard,” the TESDA chief added.
The activities are conducted with the support of the TESDA (gender and development) GAD Focal Point System Technical Working Group, and the agency’s GAD Chairperson, Deputy Director General Rosanna A. Urdaneta.
During the launch, one of the “Juanas” in the congregation, Ms. Joenna Tabu Tattao of the TESDA Women’s Center, shared the significance and value of equity for every woman.
The celebration throughout March will feature key activities such as participation in the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Opening Ceremony, the CineJuana Film Showing, which will feature the movie “Ma’am Chief”, and the TESDA GAD hybrid webinar titled “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”.
Further, for the first time, TESDA will hold the GAD Awards sa TVET awarding ceremony, which will recognize TESDA offices and employees for their initiatives in gender mainstreaming in TVET, upholding women’s rights, and the effective implementation of TESDA’s gender-responsive programs.
TESDA offices nationwide will also roll out advocacy initiatives, including Purple Fridays, Start-Up Hubs for Women’s Empowerment, Serbisyo Para kay Juana, and the distribution of information, education and communication materials to further strengthen gender-responsive programs in the TVET sector.
As TESDA joins the nation in celebrating women’s leadership and contributions, the agency reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive TVET system where every Filipina is empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive.
