Women leaders from various barangays stepped into the shoes of municipal officials for a day during the Women Officer For A Day (WOFAD) 2025 event in Poblacion, Itogon on March 21, 2025. The initiative aimed to empower women by providing them with firsthand experience in governance.
A significant part of the event was the official turnover and acceptance of responsibilities, where women leaders took on roles such as mayor, vice mayor, and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members.
Elizabeth Telles served as the WOFAD Municipal Mayor, with Melody Velasco as the WOFAD Municipal Vice Mayor. The WOFAD SB Members include Jennifer Mendoza, Eleanor Beguis, Lydia Sacaguing, Cheryl Habiling, Joyce Gaspan, Rica Appasan, Julie Lorenzo, Jasmine Camiyeng, Celia Gados, Bridgette Miranda, and Kristine Cornel, while Aylene Shalymar C. Pul-ling held the position of WOFAD Secretary.
Municipal Mayor Hon. Bernard S. Waclin administered the oath-taking ceremony and delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing gender equality in leadership.
“Makita yo iti trabaho ti opisyal uray maysa lang nga aldaw, ngem baka ada ti mangited ti inspirasyon tayo. Sikayo nga women ket dakkel met iti contribution ‘ti ayan tayo… parehas lang iti lalaki ken babae” (“You will see the responsibilities of officials even for just one day, but perhaps this will serve as inspiration for you. You, women, also make great contributions to our community, equal to men.”)
The event began at Balingway Hall with an opening prayer led by Ms. Melody M. Velasco, WOFAD Municipal Vice Mayor, followed by welcome remarks from SB member Hon. Norberto Pacio. Ms. Grace Pocsol, Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Officer, officially presented the WOFAD initiative and its objectives.
The second part of the event took place at the SB Session Hall, where WOFAD participants officially stepped into their assigned roles. Ms. Aylene Shalymar C. Pul-ling, WOFAD Secretary, shared her insights on the experience, followed by the municipal mayor’s encouragement.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Elizabeth Telles, WOFAD Municipal Mayor. With Ordinance No. 039-A, series of 2020, the LGU formally established the yearly WOFAD in Itogon, which is held in March as a part of the activities celebrating Women’s Month.
WORDS | Shayne Ashley Sudiacal
PHOTOS | Jelly Rose Navaja, BSU Interns
