The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) joins the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) to the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) Kickoff Ceremony with the sub-theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!,” held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Malate, Manila on 06 March 2026.
The event was graced by FIRST LADY LOUISE ARANETA-MARCOS, together with SECRETARY JUANITO VICTOR REMULLA of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and CHAIRPERSON ERMELITA V. VALDEAVILLA of the PCW.
The event featured messages and presentations from the leaders of different agencies, emphasizing the vision of the government to Filipino women as influential drivers of inclusive growth and sustainable development in the Philippines and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
The ceremony was attended by BuCor personnel, including CT/SSUPT DOROTHY C BERNABE, Director, Directorate for Reformation and Chief, Education and Training Division, along with C/CINSP ARLENE I CASILIHAN, Chief Admin, Office of the Deputy Director General for Security and Operations (ODDGSO); CT/SINSP LARIZA V MARTIN, Officer-In-Charge, Directorate for Reception and Diagnostics (DRD); MR. THEODORE R. PEREZ, Deputy Director, Directorate for Planning and Management (DPM), MS. LORNA ALCANTARA, Deputy Chief, Human Resource Division (HRD); and MS. JORDINE ROSE R. OCON, Chief, Strategic Communications Office (SCO).
The 2026 NWMC underscores the growing role of women leaders across different sectors by embodying the Babaylan tradition which is anchored in wisdom, compassion, courage, and commitment to community service.
The event also highlighted Ceremonial Ribbon-Cutting to officially open the Trade and Services Fair, interactive activities such as raffle, educational games, and cultural performances.
This year’s celebration aimed to showcase the leadership and contributions of women, to promote gender-responsive programs and policies, and to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration and accountability.
The BuCor reaffirmed its support for initiatives that advance empowerment and gender equality for women through its participation in the 2026 NWMC. By standing alongside various government agencies and stakeholders, BuCor underscores its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where leadership contributions of women continue to shape meaningful progress in public service and national development.
