The Isabela State University (ISU) – Roxas Campus, through the Program on Management of Information System for Gender and Development (PMISGAD) Office, successfully conducted the National Women’s Month Kick-Off Program on March 10, 2026, at the ISU Newsite Gymnasium in Rang-ayan, Roxas, Isabela. The activity was anchored on the sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, highlighting women’s leadership, empowerment, and active participation in nation-building.
Led by Campus Administrator Dr. Emerson V. Barcellano, the initiative gathered faculty members, students, staff, and community partners to collectively promote gender equality and strengthen awareness of women’s rights and contributions in society.
The program formally opened with a prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the ISU Hymn, setting a reflective and empowering atmosphere for the celebration. A cultural presentation by the Kapagayan Dance Troupe, performing the “Juana Dance,” symbolized the resilience, grace, and strength of Filipino women. The performance served as a tribute to the enduring spirit of women in leadership and community development.
In a heartwarming gesture, students from the CWTS program presented flowers and personalized cards to every woman faculty member, staff, and guest visiting the event, demonstrating appreciation, respect, and recognition of their invaluable contributions to the university and community.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Bladyner O. Da Jose emphasized the importance of recognizing the vital roles of women in shaping inclusive and progressive communities. Inspirational messages were also delivered by Assoc. Prof. Charibel R. Sarte, representing Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance, and Dr. Emerson V. Barcellano, who reaffirmed the university’s strong commitment to Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives that promote equality, empowerment, and inclusivity within the academic institution and the wider community.
The program further strengthened its community engagement through the participation of Mr. OYO Calderon, Municipal Administrator, who acknowledged the significant contributions of women in governance and community development. A keynote message from Hon. Jan Enciso Calderon, KALIPI Municipal Federation President, represented by Mrs. Jane C. Canaoay, MSWD Officer, highlighted the role of women in grassroots leadership and emphasized the importance of empowering women at the community level.
Meanwhile, Dr. Leinelie D. Balagan, Guidance Counselor, delivered a keynote talk titled “Babaylan of the 21st Century: Healthy, Healing, Empowering.” The discussion emphasized the evolving role of women as modern-day Babaylans who advocate healing, resilience, well-being, and empowerment in their families, workplaces, and communities.
As a commitment to advancing gender equality, participants collectively recited the GADvocates Commitment Pledge led by Atty. Cheryl P. Canapi Malana, Head of the District Public Attorney’s Office in Roxas, Isabela. The pledge reaffirmed the participants’ dedication to promoting gender fairness, respect, and empowerment for all.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Mr. John Paul Abon, Supreme Student Council President, who expressed gratitude to the speakers, organizers, and participants for their support in making the event a meaningful and impactful celebration.
Through this initiative, ISU Roxas Campus continues to strengthen its commitment to gender-responsive education, inclusive leadership, and community engagement, contributing to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality and supporting innovative institutional practices aligned with World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) in promoting social responsibility and inclusive development.