NDC Successfully Concluded Its National Women’s Month Celebration with a Culminating Activity Empowering Women and Gender Equality

The National Development Company successfully concluded its celebration of National Women’s Month with a meaningful culminating activity held last March 31, 2026. 

Anchored on this year’s theme, “WE! For Gender Equality and Gender Inclusivity” and subtheme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the month-long celebration honored the strength, resilience, and achievements of Filipina women.

The event kicked off with an engaging GADvocacy Quiz, where employees tested their knowledge on gender and development (GAD), women’s rights, and notable women in history and current events. 

The activity also had a series of Women Empowerment (WE) Talks. The first set was opened by Ms. Julieanne “Aya” M. Fernandez, Founder and CEO of EcoUling, who shared her journey as a woman entrepreneur dedicated to building and sustaining her social enterprise. EcoUling transforms coconut waste into eco-friendly charcoal, offering an innovative solution that not only combats deforestation but also addresses health and safety risks associated with traditional charcoal. 

The activity also featured a special film screening of "The Six Triple Eight", which tells the inspiring story of the all-Black Women’s Army Corps (WAC) 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. The unit notably resolved a three-year mail backlog under challenging conditions, underscoring the contributions of women in the military during the war.

In the afternoon, the second and third segments of the Women Empowerment (WE) Talks brought to light the expanding roles of women in defense, peacebuilding, and conflict mediation. The discussions featured Major Mersheena M. Silungan PM (M), Director of the Management and Fiscal Office of Marine Base Arturo Asuncion, Philippine Marine Corps, and Captain Rutchie L. Ventura PN (GSC) from the Office of the Chief Engineer, Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The final segment of the WE Talks showcased on the critical role of women in disaster risk reduction and emergency response, featuring Director Susan E. Quiambao, Officer-in-Charge of the Operations Service, Office of Civil Defense (OCD). Her discussion highlighted the leadership and contributions of women in strengthening national resilience during times of crisis.

The program formally concluded with a message of support from Ms. Mary M. Tong, President of the President of the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC), followed by the closing remarks of NDC General Manager Saturnino H. Mejia.

The event manifested NDC’s steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive environment where women are empowered to lead, serve, and create meaningful impact.