By Kesha Shua V. Leosala, DOST-STII, Photos by Louver Patriarca, DOST-STII

The DOST Central Office Building displaying purple light in support of the Women’s Month Celebration during the kick-off activity held on March 3, 2025 at the DOST Plaza, Bicutan, Taguig City.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) jams through music as they kick off the Women’s Month celebration titled “A GADering WEEth Music and Fun” held on March 3, 2025, at the DOST Science Plaza, Bicutan, Taguig City.

This year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” emphasizes inclusivity and ensuring that all women have access to equal opportunities and empowerment.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., was present during the celebration recognizing women leaders both from the DOST management and the rank-and-file.

“Let’s participate in this endeavor, ipakita natin that in DOST, sa siyensya at teknolohiya pantay-pantay ang bawat isa,” declared Solidum.

(“Let’s participate in this endeavor, let us show that in DOST and in science and technology all are equal.”)

The event featured mini bazaar, stargazing, singing contest, and live performances of bands dubbed as “Musika ni Juana at Juan.” It was organized by DOST Gender and Development (GAD) Unit, in collaboration with Administrative and Legal Service-General Services Division (ALS-GSD) and Samahan para sa Ika-uunlad ng mga Kawani ng Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT) of the DOST-Central Office (DOST-CO), DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), DOST-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), and DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII).

Empowered by songs and music

Meanwhile the DOST employees found a shared interest in music as they participated in the singing contest and “Musika ni Juana at Juan”.

DOST employees cheer for their agency’s representatives in the singing contest during the Women’s Month Celebration.

[L-R] DOST Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs Diane L. Ignacio and DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. shared a light moment during the kick off celebration of the Women’s Month celebration titled “A GADering WEEth Music and Fun.”

The singing contest is open to all employees from the various agencies within the DOST Bicutan community with a maximum of two contestants per agency. Participants performed a song related to the theme.

Winners of the contest were Maria Sarah Mañago of DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) in third place, Elmar Magayao of DOST-CO in second place, and winning first place is Azel Beatrice Cabiscuelas of DOST-STII.

Ms. Azel Beatrice Cabiscuelas singing her winning entry “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore during the singing contest.

“You Don’t Own Me ang napili kong song kasi yung message ng kanta is about independence and the right to make their own choices. Ito yung song na pinerform ko to remind the audience na ang bawat babae ay may sariling boses at desisyon.” shared by Ms. Cabiscuelas.

(“I chose the song, You Don’t Own Me, because of its message of [women] independence and the right to make their own choices. I performed this song to remind the audience that each woman has their own voice and decision.)

The audiences were then joined by bands from different agencies as they performed songs about women empowerment during the “Musika ni Juana at Juan”. Participating bands were the 4PM Band of DOST-STII, Paper Jams of DOST- Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), and Dasig Band of DOST-CO.

DOST Secretary Solidum joined performers on stage during the Musika ni Juana at Juan segment.

As employees enjoyed the jam session, they also visited the mini bazaar which was set up featuring products from some Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiaries of DOST-NCR and DOST employee entrepreneurs.

Additionally, Assistant Secretary Diane L. Ignacio, who oversees the GAD Unit and serves as DOST-wide GAD Focal Person, encouraged the employees to continuously support the upcoming events including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women or UNSCW, an international event as part of the Women’s Month Celebration.

The program concluded by appreciating the stars, constellations, and the night sky through the stargazing activity spearheaded by DOST SIKAT and DOST-PAGASA.

(Front to Back) A LX200 EMC telescope and a N 200/1000 Explorer EQ-5 telescope used for the stargazing activity as part of DOST’s kick off activity for Women’s Month Celebration.  

Mr. Roumjer Jomes C. Mojado of DOST-PAGASA with the LX200 EMC telescope for the stargazing activity for Women’s Month Celebration.