March 28, 2025: The celebration of National Women’s Month reached its peak with a grand culmination program at the 3rd floor DILG XII Conference Room, Prime Regional Center, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato, uniting all Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) XII members and DILG XII personnel in a shared commitment to gender equality and empowerment. With the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event underscored the invaluable contributions of women across industries and communities in shaping a progressive nation.

In her keynote speech, Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, RGADC XII Chairperson/DILG XII Regional Director, said that may the gathering be more than a culmination; may it be a call to action. She called for strengthening our commitment to gender equality, empowering women as leaders in peace and security, and creating lasting change in our communities.

A key highlight of the program was a learning session on the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313), also known as the “Bawal Bastos Law,” given by Atty. Jane Torreon, DILG XII Regional Legal Officer. This session aimed to educate the participants on the provisions of the law, which penalizes gender-based sexual harassment in streets, workplaces, schools, and online spaces.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the learning session, with many pledging to become advocates for the Safe Spaces Act in their workplaces and communities. The event concluded with a closing message from Mr. Allen C. Domingo, GAD Specialist from the Philippine Commission on Women, who shared that as the nation continues to champion gender equality, the culmination of National Women’s Month served as a powerful reminder that empowering women across all sectors leads to a stronger, more inclusive Bagong Pilipinas!