City, CPPO line up activities; Pam talks on trials of women

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Cebu City government highlights the importance of women this March through a series of activities for the 2026 National Women’s Month celebration.

Anchored on the theme “We for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society.” the celebration began with a parade from Fuente Osmeña Circle to Plaza Sugbo, where city officials, barangay representatives, women’s groups, and partner stakeholders gathered in a unified call for women’s rights and empowerment.

The program featured a Zumba session, the distribution of emergency “GO Bags” to single mothers. A Wellness Caravan dubbed as “Women Care and Beyond” followed, which ran until yesterday at Plaza Sugbo where health services, counseling, and empowerment programs were offered.

Mayor Nestor Archival expressed full support for the Women’s Month activities, stressing that these initiatives form part of the city’s broader commitment to inclusive governance. Empowering women as leaders of households and communities is central to building a resilient and equitable Cebu City, he said.

Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña likewise conveyed support, ensuring that city departments and barangays are aligned in implementing gender-responsive programs.

The month-long celebration continues with tree-planting today on International Women’s Day (March 8), near the Cebu City Quarantine Center.

Tomorrow on March 9, seminars on RA 11861 (the Expanded Solo Parent Welfare Act) and on mental health will be held at the Legislative Building.

From March 11 to 13, gender sensitivity and paralegal training sessions will be conducted for GAD focal persons, Violence Against Women (VAW) desk officers, and couples joining the 19th Cebu City Mass Wedding.

The mass wedding itself will take place on March 18 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and Plaza Sugbo.

Further activities include the GeRL Ka Ba Assessment Internal Evaluators Seminar on March 19 and 23 at Parklane Hotel, a Stress and Conflict Management Seminar on March 24, and GeRL Ka Ba Orientation and Training Seminars from March 27 to 30 at Cebu City Hall.

Each event is designed to strengthen women’s capacities, promote mental health, and foster gender sensitivity across communities.

The National Women’s Month in the Philippines is observed every March, aligning with International Women’s Day today, March 8.

International Women’s Day itself traces its roots to early 20th-century labor movements, when women campaigned for fair wages and better working conditions.

The tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 in New York, which killed more than 140 women workers, galvanized global calls for reform.

The United Nations formally recognized International Women’s Day in 1977, and in the Philippines, Proclamation No. 224 (1988) and Republic Act 6949 institutionalized March 8 as National Women’s Day.

These were later reinforced by the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), mandating government agencies to implement programs advancing women’s rights and gender equality.

By situating Cebu City’s celebration within this historical and legal framework, the local government affirms its role in advancing gender-responsive policies.

The month-long activities not only honor women’s contributions but also strengthen the city’s vision of building an inclusive society where every Cebuana is valued, supported, and empowered.

Pam at CPPO awards for policewomen

Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro is expected to grace the kick-off and awarding ceremonies of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) for the National Women’s Month Celebration tomorrow Monday, February 9.

Police Lieutenant Ritchil Tesoro, chief of the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the CPPO, confirmed that the governor will serve as the guest of honor of the event that will be attended by nearly 400 policewomen assigned across the province.

Tesoro told The Freeman that Baricuatro will lead the opening and awarding ceremonies, which will be held at the CPPO Headquarters in Sitio Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

She said that the CPPO will give recognitions to the deserving police women who have shown exemplary service and performance in line of duty, highlighting their valuable contributions in the provincial police.

“Ang award nato is (para sa) mga police officers nga nag-serve or present sila during operations during trafficking,” said Tesoro. “Na pod ta’y police officer nga hatagan nato og award because of exemplary niya nga good deeds nga performance.”

Additionally, Tesoro shared that awards will also be conferred on the Provincial Advisory Council and the Provincial Internal Affairs unit, in recognition for their significant contributions and support for the CPPO’s activities and programs.

She also said that in the third week of March, various seminars and symposiums on Gender Equality are being organized for the police personnel and will be held at the CPPO Headquarters in Lahug.

Tesoro further said that some CPPO policewomen will participate in the series of activities prepared by the Police Regional Office-7, also in line with the National Women’s Month Celebration.

She added that the month-long observance will conclude with a fellowship and culminating activity with Baricuatro to be held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on March 31, the last date of the month.

Meanwhile, Tesoro also admitted that some policewomen like her have also experienced gender-based discrimination in line of their duty as police officers.

“Dile gyud nato malikayan sa atoang organization nga mapangutan-an gyud nga ‘kaya ba niya?’,” she shared. “For example, mag-lead sa usa ka operation, makaya ba niya nga babae ra ba siya.”

Nevertheless, Tesoro emphasized that the celebration will serve as a significant reminder to everyone, especially among women, that gender is not a barrier to success. “Even if babae ta, naa ta’y capability to lead and mura siyag ma-empower ang atong mga kababaihan na we are given equal rights,” she stressed.

Pam on challenges of women in power

While marking this year’s Women’s Month, Baricuatro has likened herself to a “wonder woman” as she reflected on the pressures and personal toll of leadership she has faced as governor of Cebu Province.

Baricuatro remarked in a social media post where she spoke candidly about the realities of being a woman in power and the challenges she has encountered while in office.

Calling herself a “wonder woman” for managing the pressures of leadership, the governor said she sometimes finds herself wondering how she continues to carry on despite the difficulties. “I think I’m a wonder woman. I always wonder how I manage,” Baricuatro said.

In the same message, she described leadership not as a triumph alone but as a continuing test of resilience and determination. “Being a woman leader today isn’t a victory alone; it’s a daily test of grace, grit, and a future that often feels out of reach,” she said.

Baricuatro also recounted the personal and political challenges she has encountered during her time in public service. These included slander, death threats, political persecution, and facing a warrant of arrest in connection with a cyber libel case, she said.

She also pointed to what she described as lies from political opponents, attacks from online trolls, and demolition campaigns aimed at undermining her work.

Despite these experiences, Baricuatro said she remains focused on her mandate to serve the people of the province. “I stay focused on my mandate: to improve lives in our community,” she said.

Baricuatro said that reaching what she described as the pinnacle of her career has not shielded her from increasing pressures and expectations.

She also mentioned criticisms from various quarters, including party mates and some local officials. She said there were those who claimed she was being manipulated or that she owed political favors, allegations she said added to the challenges she faces in office.

Still, Baricuatro said she draws strength from her family and from the support of the Cebuanos. She credited their encouragement for helping her continue despite moments when she feels overwhelmed.

Baricuatro also reflected on how the pressures she experiences might mirror the struggles faced by other women. “If I, who has weathered this storm, feel overwhelmed, how much more do other women face?” she said, using the reflection to call for greater empathy and understanding in society.

For her, choosing kindness over hostility could create a more supportive environment for women and leaders alike. The governor also urged people to redirect their energy toward policies and initiatives that protect and empower women. Communities should recognize leadership that combines compassion with competence, she said.

Addressing women directly, she emphasized that women’s voices matter and that perseverance can bring change even when the results are not immediately visible. She also called for accountability among leaders but emphasized that public officials should be judged by the impact of their work rather than by rumors or personal attacks.

Baricuatro ended her message with a note of determination, saying she intends to continue serving the people of Cebu. “I will keep fighting—not for praise, but for progress,” declared the governor.

DSWD-7 intensifies drive against VAWC

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7–Central Visayas has intensified its campaign to combat Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) following the 299 cases recorded in 2025.

The figure was based on consolidated reports from the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) offices in Cebu and Bohol, as well as the Regional Haven for Women.

Of the total cases, Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances (WEDC) accounted for the highest number with 168 cases. WEDC covers women experiencing family conflicts, those seeking legal advice on child custody matters, individuals facing documentary-related concerns, victims of unfair labor practices, women involved in prostitution, those with medical or health problems, and stranded women in need of temporary shelter.

Meanwhile, 102 incidents of VAWC were also addressed by DSWD-7, involving women survivors of economic, psychological, and physical abuse. In addition, 29 cases of rape were recorded during the same period.

Both the Regional Haven for Women and SWAD offices in Region 7 facilitated various interventions for clients, including counseling, legal assistance, welfare checks, financial aid, and temporary shelter.

As part of its efforts to strengthen protection mechanisms, DSWD continues to implement the Comprehensive Intervention Against Gender-Based Violence (CIAGV) program, a holistic initiative that focuses on prevention, response, and recovery from gender-based violence.

The program aims to ensure that survivors have timely and seamless access to essential services and support systems needed for their healing, reintegration, and a fresh start.

In Region 7, DSWD has conducted CIAGV training for several local government units (LGUs), including Cebu City, Naga City, Toledo City, Tagbilaran City, Lapu-Lapu City, Talisay City, and Dauis in Bohol, as well as the provinces of Cebu and Bohol.

Through CIAGV, survivors are empowered to break free from the cycle of violence, restore their dignity, and rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.

DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, in a statement, emphasized that the agency remains committed to being vigilant and proactive in addressing cases of violence against women and children. She highlighted the important role of the Regional Haven for Women and the Home for Girls facilities in supporting survivors.

“One aspect that the Department of Social Welfare and Development–Region 7 takes great pride in is the proactive role its facilities play in ensuring the welfare of clients. In our region, we have established the Regional Haven for Women and the Home for Girls, which offer safe spaces for survivors of abuse. These facilities provide access to psychosocial support, skills training, and programs designed to empower individuals as they work to rebuild their lives,” said Lucero.

The agency also kicked off its National Women’s Month celebration on March 2, 2026. The month-long observance will feature a series of webinars and orientations on the Comprehensive Intervention Against Gender-Based Violence for LGUs across Region 7.

The celebration will culminate in a Regional Women’s Summit, which will gather LGUs, women’s organizations, advocates, and community leaders across the region.

The summit aims to provide a platform for sharing best practices, addressing challenges, and strengthening collaborative efforts to promote women’s empowerment, advance gender equality, and ensure protection and support for survivors of gender-based violence.