Itogon celebrated its annual Women’s Month celebration on March 31, 2025, at Fianza Memorial Gymnasium, highlighting the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
Organized by the MSWDO, the event gathered representatives from various barangays, including Benguet Corporation, Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. (ISRI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), barangay kagawads, and punong barangays.
Mayor Bernard Waclin praised women’s resilience, calling them the “silaw iti balay” (light of the home) and encouraged unity and gender equality. MSWDO’s Ms. Grace Pocsol emphasized the increasing participation of women across all sectors. Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Dante Alain Xavier Godio, along with other officials, reiterated their commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The program opened with a doxology and hymn by the Ampucao and Loacan Women’s Associations, followed by a welcome message from Federation of Itogon Women’s Association Inc. (FIWAI) President Ms. Merle C. Palubos. Other officials, including Hon. Norberto I. Pacio, reinforced the commitment to gender equality. Hon. Jaime Laduan, together with Hon. Alejandro Palangdan, Hon. Albino Diego, and Hon. Ernani Pis-oy also performed an intermission number.
A series of competitions and activities highlighted the celebration, including a Ballroom Dance Competition, Quartet Singing Contest, Best Dressed Table contest, and Women’s Sports League awarding. The winners were as follows:
Ballroom Dance Competition
1st Place: Virac (₱10,000 prize)
2nd Place: Ampucao
3rd Place: Tinongdan
Singing Contest
1st Place: Loacan (₱5,000 prize)
2nd Place: Virac
3rd Place: Tinongdan
Best Dressed Table
Winner: Gumatdang
Women’s Sports League Results
Basketball
1st Place: Loacan (₱15,000 prize)
2nd Place: Tinongdan
3rd Place: Virac
Scrabble
1st Place: Tinongdan
2nd Place: Virac
3rd Place: Ampucao
Chess
1st Place: Tinongdan
2nd Place: Tubing
3rd Place: Loacan
Badminton
1st Place: Tinongdan
2nd Place: Poblacion
3rd Place: Loacan
Table Tennis
1st Place: Loacan
2nd Place: Poblacion
3rd Place: Tinongdan
Overall Champion-Women’s Sports League 2025: Tinongdan
Judges of the ballroom and singing contests were recognized with certificates and tokens. Before the event concluded, a raffle draw added excitement. Outgoing Virac Women’s Association President Teodora Laus thanked all participants and organizers.
The Women’s Month celebration in Itogon reinforced themes of empowerment, and the essential contributions of women in various sectors, fostering a brighter future.
WORDS | Shayne Ashley Sudiacal
PHOTOS | Jelly Rose Navaja & Jay Ralph Galunza, BSU Interns
