In celebration of the 2026 National Women’s Month, themed “We for Gender Equality, Inclusive and Resilient Society” with the empowering call to action, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region IX (DENR IX), through its Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, officially launched its Kick-Off Ceremony—marking the beginning of a month-long observance honoring women’s achievements, leadership, and resilience.
Leading the celebration, DENR IX Regional Executive Director Marie Angelique C. Go underscored the Department’s firm commitment to gender-responsive governance and environmental stewardship. In her message, she emphasized:
“In alignment with DENR’s initiative, ‘Transformative Actions for Climate and Gender Justice,’ we recognize that gender equality and environmental sustainability are interconnected mandates of our Department.”
She further highlighted the vital role of women in advancing climate resilience and sustainable development:
“As we celebrate National Women’s Month, we reaffirm that gender equality and environmental sustainability go hand in hand. Women serve as leaders, technical experts, community partners, and environmental stewards. Their active participation strengthens climate adaptation efforts, promotes inclusive natural resource governance, and enhances community resilience. By ensuring equal opportunities for women and men to contribute and benefit, we reinforce DENR’s mission to safeguard the environment while advancing social equity and sustainable development.”
The Kick-Off Ceremony was held during the Monday Convocation Program hosted by the Environmental Management Bureau IX (EMB IX). In his opening message, EMB IX Regional Director Atty. Abbas I. Lao expressed the bureau’s unwavering support for gender equality initiatives and reaffirmed EMB IX’s continued commitment to promoting women’s empowerment across all sectors of environmental management and governance.
Throughout the month, DENR IX will roll out a series of activities and initiatives designed to highlight women’s leadership, promote gender mainstreaming, and strengthen shared commitments to climate and gender justice. These engagements aim to inspire personnel, partners, and stakeholders to actively contribute toward building a more inclusive and resilient society.
As public servants, DENR IX remains steadfast in championing transformative actions in its programs, policies, and services—ensuring that equality, empowerment, and environmental stewardship remain at the core of its mission.
Together, we lead. Together, we act. Together, we can be equal.
Source: DENR Zamboanga Peninsula