On March 26, 2026, DOST CALABARZON participated in the 2026 Regional Women’s Month Celebration at the New Provincial Capitol in Trece Martires City, Cavite.
Hosted by the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), the event brought together Gender and Development advocates from all over CALABARZON to highlight women’s contributions to development as well as promote gender equality and inclusive empowerment in the region.
Highlights of the event included a keynote message from Dr. Carlos P. Buasen, Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region IV-A, who spoke about the importance of inclusivity and sensitivity towards indigenous people, especially women from IP communities, in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Attendees also participated in a talk show segment titled “Modern-Day Babaylans: Filipinas Who Lead with Purpose,” where Asst. Prof. Thea Maries P. Perez from the GAD Resource Pool of Cavite State University and Human Rights and Custodial Officer PSSg Florenda C. Asotigue from the Bacoor Component City Police Station served as panelists.
The talk show was followed by an open forum where participants asked questions and shared insights on women empowerment and leadership.
Aside from these sessions, participants attended a trade fair where women-led businesses presented their products and availed free services from various government agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority, PAG-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Commission on Population and Development.
Services included legal consultation, breast screening, visual inspection with acetic acid, HIV testing, counselling, and the provision of contraceptives and hygiene kits.
Representing DOST CALABARZON were Ms. Thea Mary Joyce M. Diloy, Ms. Michelle L. Combate, and Ms. Jenica Krystel N. Balenia of DOST Cavite, along with Ms. Vera Karuna C. Sudaprasert, GAD Secretariat of DOST CALABARZON.
Their participation forms part of the agency’s continuing efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through science, technology, and innovation.
