128 years after the country’s independence from colonial rule—which disrupted indigenous systems of equality and institutionalized violence against women—the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) underscores the urgency of restoring Filipino women’s power and reclaiming pre-colonial values of gender balance. This momentum contributes to the realization of Bagong Pilipinas, the governance brand of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, which calls for transformative change across all sectors of society and government
Highlighting shared responsibility, collective leadership, and inclusive action, the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) continues under the 2023–2028 campaign banner, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.” It aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which aims to restore economic momentum, ensure equal opportunities, and equip Filipinos with skills to participate fully in an innovative and globally competitive economy.
2026 National Women’s Month Theme and ASEAN Alignment
More than an annual event, the 2026 NWMC is a clarion call for Women and Everyone (WE) to take part and take charge in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) at the national and regional levels. It emphasizes a whole-of-government approach and all-of-society engagement.
Under the sub-theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the PCW reaffirms that women’s leadership is a fundamental part of Filipino identity—just as in the time of the revered Babaylans, when women held influence and authority equal to men. It highlights the distinctive leadership qualities of Babaylans—women leaders in pre-colonial Philippines whose authority was grounded in wisdom, empathy, mediation, and moral guidance rather than force or hierarchy.