The Benguet State University (BSU) Gender and Development (GAD) Office held a seminar at the Secondary Laboratory School (SLS) Gymnasium to promote the “GAD to Know” campaign, an initiative of the Philippine Commission on Women.

Divina M. Yango, Dean of the College of Teacher Education, welcomed faculty members and SLS students, expressing her gratitude for their participation in the event.

Following the opening remarks, GAD Office Director Jude L. Tayaben introduced the National Women’s Month sub-theme: “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” This theme calls upon modern Filipinas to reclaim their authority, drawing inspiration from the influential role of Babaylans in the pre-colonial era.

He highlighted four Babaylan traits: wisdom and empathy (moral guidance over hierarchy); meditation (bridging communities); courage and resilience (protecting the marginalized); and intuition and collective care (upholding indigenous values).

He further introduced the LEAD challenge (Liberate from Barriers, Embrace Empowerment, Advance Gender Equality, Drive Inclusive Transformation), linking it to BSU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. He urged Cordilleran women and students to lead with inspiration.

The program included a cultural intermission performed by the BSU Rondalla following Director Tayaben’s message.

Atty. Cheryl L. Daytec-Yañgot, OIC Regional Director of the Department of Migrant Workers-CAR, served as the guest speaker. She shared poignant stories from her experiences handling cases of violence against women (VAW), rape, and other GAD law violations. She underscored the significance of Women’s Month by explaining key Philippine laws protecting women and children (VAWC), as well as international legal frameworks and global human rights issues.

To conclude the event, SLS Principal Brenda A. Langaoen encouraged students to internalize the lessons shared by the speakers. She thanked Director Tayaben and Atty. Daytec-Yañgot for providing the students with a deeper understanding of the foundations and importance of National Women’s Month.//EBawang