𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊
𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝗱
The Cebu Provincial Government capped the National Women’s Month celebration with “Bongga Ka Dai: Stories of Women,” a series of talks tackling women’s rights, financial literacy, and empowerment.
Aimed at raising grassroots awareness, the event signaled the province’s renewed campaign in pursuing gender and development (GAD) initiatives.
First District Board Member Neneth Reluya, who chairs the provincial board’s committee on women, family, and minors, said the Capitol, under Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, is doubling down on inclusive development.
“We recognize that true progress happens only when development is inclusive and sustainable for all,” Reluya told women’s groups from the municipalities of Consolacion, Cordova, and Daanbantayan.
According to Reluya, gender and development rings hollow unless every individual, regardless of sex, enjoys equal opportunity, voice, and access to growth.
Inspiring stories
Adding color to the event were the stories of women who rose above challenges in their personal and professional lives.
Lawyer Karina Virginia Cabahug recalled flunking Property Law in law school. Though disappointed and discouraged at first, she persevered, eventually specializing in the subject, teaching it, and becoming a real estate broker.
“As a woman, I will not limit myself to one dimension,” she said.
Engineer Lairah Ibañez of the Provincial Planning and Development Office spoke about navigating a male-dominated field. Women make up only 26 percent of engineers in the country.
“We do not belong in engineering by exception. We belong here by purpose. A woman rises while carrying more, while proving more,” Engr. Ibañez said, adding that when a woman succeeds, she does not rise from a position of equality.
Awareness drive
The event also featured seminars on investment scams and prevention measures, led by Securities and Exchange Commission Cebu officer-in-charge Atty. Jesher Radaza.
He said financial literacy is important for women since they are often the ones managing the family budget.
Violence against women
Lawyer Charlene Dasig discussed the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act and the Safe Spaces Act, giving participants a clearer grasp of their rights and legal protections when they experience violence from partners or society in general.
As the Capitol wrapped up the month-long celebration, the message was clear: empowering Cebuanas through knowledge, protection, and opportunity is no one-day affair. Rather, it is a continuing commitment—one that builds stronger families and a more inclusive future. ICapitol PIO
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