LIGAO CITY—Residents’ acting prowess shines through despite the rainy weather at the Haven for Women and Girls (HFWG) in Field Office V (FOV) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as they highlight the importance of a gender-affirming environment and safe space for women in a role-playing activity to close the Women’s Month celebration on March 29, 2025.
Themed, “Babae sa Lahat ng Bukas, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event emphasized the crucial role of women in shaping an inclusive society. Through engaging performances and empowering messages, the celebration became a platform for the residents to showcase their insights and experiences on gender equality.
Divided into three groups tackling significant social issues: Women in Politics, Gender Discrimination, and Gender-Based Violence, each group creatively depicted real-life challenges and triumphs, shedding light on the struggles women face in different spheres of society.
Their performances served as a powerful reminder that women are not merely participants in these conversations but active agents of change.
Performance for the Gender-Based Violence Play
Performance for the Gender Discrimination Play
Performance for the Women in Politics Play
Viviene Roranes, Social Worker at HFWG, reinforced this message by delivering inspiring words to the residents.
“Hindi tayo ang nasa laylayan ng lipunan dahil kaya nating makipagsabayan sa kung ano man ang kayang gawin ng mga lalaki sa iba’t-ibang sektor ng lipunan. Hindi tayo babae lang. Babae tayo. Kung kinaya ng mga lalaki, mas kaya nating mga babae,” she declared, igniting a sense of strength and confidence among the girls.
Aside from the role-playing activity, staff members also joined in the celebration by participating in a lively Zumba dance.
This celebration is in continuous advocacy and support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development FOV, headed by Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, in hopes that one day, no woman will feel deprived of their rights to actively participate in different sectors of society.