Baguio observes Women’s Month with purple Wednesdays

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City is celebrating National Women’s Month this March with programs emphasizing gender equality and women’s empowerment, highlighted by the city’s Purple Wednesdays initiative.

“Tandaan: Babae ka, hindi babae lang,” (“Remember: You are a woman, not just any woman”) declared Mayor Benjamin Magalong, stressing the strength, intelligence, and capability of women beyond traditional societal expectations.

“Women should not be limited but empowered with opportunities and a voice to lead and succeed,” the mayor added, emphasizing women’s role in inspiring communities and shaping the future.

This year’s celebration, under the banner “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which seeks to restore economic momentum, ensure equal opportunities, and equip Filipinos with skills for a globally competitive economy.

City officials, employees, and all Punong Barangays were instructed to wear purple every Wednesday this March, as directed in Memorandum No. 37, series of 2026, issued by Mayor Magalong. Schools and national agencies in the city were also encouraged to participate.

The initiative follows guidance from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and recommendations from the Women’s Month Steering Committee, with highlighted observances on March 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2026.

In a highlight of the celebration, Mayor Magalong administered the oath to the City Women Officials for a Day (CWOFAD) during the flag-raising ceremony on March 2.

The CWOFAD will take over their assigned council committees on designated days in March, supervised by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) under Liza Bulayungan and Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, committee chair on Women, Social Services, and Urban Poor.

Local programs include health and livelihood initiatives, awareness campaigns, self-care and environmental programs, digital literacy, sports, Gender and Development (GAD), arts, literature, and eco-fashion, with special programs for women with disabilities (PWDs).

Mayor Magalong stressed, “Let us continue to support a society that is equal, inclusive, and respectful of every woman.”