By Rhea Mae Ruba, DOST GAD Unit

The Republic of the Philippines annually commemorate the significant role of women through the National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) every March. From 2023 to 2028, NWMC’s theme focused on “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” emphasizing a collective action for a more equitable and inclusive world for all genders. This year’s sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” underscores the importance of women’s active participation, contribution, and leadership across diverse sectors to achieve a more progressive, sustainable, and inclusive society. This observance aligns with Proclamation No. 227, s. 1988, declaring March as Women’s Role in History Month and Republic Act 6949 s. 1990, which recognizes March 8 as National Women’s Day.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) actively supports this celebration by organizing a variety of initiatives, activities, events, and campaigns that highlight the significant roles and participation of women in the fields of science, technology, and innovation (STI). The DOST’s observance of NWMC not only highlights the achievements of women but also addresses the persistent challenges related to gender equality and women empowerment. The efforts and initiatives of the Department in gender mainstreaming also aim to inspire the younger generation by demonstrating that S&T is a domain where every man and woman has an equitable access to resources and opportunities.

The DOST commenced its NWMC through a kick-off event titled “A GADering WEEth Music and Fun” held on March 03, 2025 at the DOST Plaza, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City. This event featured a Singing Contest and “Musika ni Juana at Juan,” a powerful singing contest and music jam featuring songs that showcase women’s strength and resilience. Men and women employees of the DOST Bicutan Community participated in this engaging atmosphere, which also included a Mini Bazaar courtesy of DOST-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) and Stargazing activity led by DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The month long celebration also included a community-based activity titled “WEE in S&T: Orientation on the Basic GAD Concepts and Livelihood Training for Women in Brgys. New Lower Bicutan and Western Bicutan, Taguig City,” held on March 14, 2025, at the Food Processing Division Training Room of the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI). This event aimed to open the gates of DOST to women in the nearby community and offer STI interventions that can help in economic participation of women through skill development and livelihood opportunities. This initiative was made possible through the collaboration between DOST GAD Unit, DOST-ITDI, and DOST-NCR.

Another activity designed for inclusivity was the DOST outreach program titled “WE in S&T: We Stand Together for Elderly Women at Mother Elisabetta Longhi Foundation,” which took place on March 21, 2025, in Muntinlupa City. The DOST-Central Office (DOST-CO) employees, together with personnel from DOST-NCR and SIKAT, visited the elderlies in the said home care facility to provide essential support through in-kind donations, which included hygiene products and nutritional foods. A short program was also conducted for the elderly to experience the spirit of the NWMC.

Further, one of the remarkable events of this month was the appointment of DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, as the first Chairperson of the DOST Men Opposed to Violence Against Women (VAW) Everywhere (MOVE).  The DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., administered his Oath on March 21, 2025, at the Manila Prince Hotel, Ermita, Manila. He committed to support for a safer, violence-free, and gender-responsive workplace for DOST men and women employees.

To conclude the NWMC, the DOST hosted a Philippine-led Side Event for the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW69) titled “WEE in S&T: EmpoWEEring Women through Gender-Responsive Science and Technology Interventions,” on March 28, 2025, at The Manila Hotel, Ermita, Manila. This hybrid international event was attended by 23 countries around the world. This event was organized by the DOST GAD Unit and DOST CALABARZON.

In addition to these inspiring and empowering events, the DOST-CO Main Building was illuminated in purple light every evening throughout the month of March, symbolizing the Department’s strong advocacy for a gender-responsive environment, in support of the 2025 NWMC.

Additionally, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) facilitated trivia games on the contribution of Filipina scientists and icebreakers related to GAD concepts every Monday flag raising ceremony within the month of March. This initiative highlighted the significant contribution of Filipina in the field of STI and sought to remind employees of the celebration.

This month-long campaign exemplifies DOST’s commitment to acknowledge the vital role of women in STEM, empower women through STI, and ensure a safe and equitable workplace for employees in DOST.

Under the leadership of DOST Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs and DOST-wide GAD Focal Person, Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, all GAD-related activities, spearheaded by the DOST GAD Unit, are focused on creating impactful platforms for change and fostering an environment where women can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and assume leadership roles in S&T.

The DOST Central Office Main Building was illuminated in purple every evening throughout March 2025 in support of the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration. (Photo from John Louver P. Patriarca, DOST-STII)

DOST men and women employees stand for celebrating the DOST Kick-Off Activity of the 2025 National Women’s Month, together with DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. (fourth from the right among seated personnel) and DOST Assistant Secretary Diana L. Ignacio (fifth from the right among seated personnel). (Photo from John Louver P. Patriarca, DOST-STII)