Building on its commitment to gender-responsive governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) unveiled a suite of new, high-impact initiatives for the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration. Guided by the sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, this year’s program expands beyond traditional seminars to include powerful storytelling, male-led advocacy, and grassroots recognition.

DILG-NCR will be introducing two major storytelling platforms to inspire both its personnel and the public: (1) “Inspiring Talks from Women Trailblazers and Leaders” which is a series of keynote sessions featuring prominent Filipino women who have shattered glass ceilings in traditionally male-dominated fields, including urban planning, disaster resilience, and digital governance; and (2) “A Day in the Life of a BRAVE Woman” which will premiere a collection of feature documentaries that will highlight community leaders and local organizers who have spearheaded and championed initiatives in the workplace.

Recognizing that gender equality requires the active participation of men, DILG-NCR has also officially integrated the MOVE (Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere) campaign into its core activities. DILG-NCR will recognize “MOVE Champions”—male DILG-NCR employees who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to eliminating Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC). These champions will lead peer-to-peer dialogues aimed at dismantling toxic masculinity and fostering a culture of respect and shared responsibility within the workplace and the community.

As the 2026 National Women’s Month celebration unfolds, the DILG-NCR reaffirms that gender-responsive governance is not a seasonal obligation, but a foundational pillar of a progressive and inclusive society. Through the lens of the Babaylan, the Department seeks to harmonize modern administration with the timeless Filipino values of empathy, collective action, and unwavering courage.

By showcasing the voices of women trailblazers, empowering men as MOVE champions, and documenting the resilience of grassroots leaders, DILG-NCR is building a legacy where every woman in Metro Manila is not only protected but also propelled to lead.