Rgadc-1

30/04/2026

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬: 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬
By: Rio Dyan B. Adviento

Women have long shaped their communities with wisdom, strength, and compassion, and in the Ilocos Region, this role was highlighted during the Regional Women’s Leadership Convention, the culmination of the 2026 National Women’s Month celebration led by Regional Gender and Development Committee Region I (RGADC-1) through the leadership of Chairperson and DOST Ilocos Region Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog. Held at the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 1 in the City of San Fernando, La Union, the gathering emphasized women’s vital role in leadership, governance, and nation-building.

The Convention brought together women leaders, Gender and Development (GAD) advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the Ilocos Region to underscore the vital role of women in leadership, governance, and nation-building. Anchored on the theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” the activity highlighted the enduring relevance of indigenous leadership principles in advancing gender equality and inclusive development.

In her message, Director Tabaog, emphasized that the gathering served as a unifying platform for stakeholders to collectively pursue a shared vision of empowering women and strengthening gender-responsive initiatives across the region. She underscored the importance of solidarity and collaboration in promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Anchored on the four pillars of the Babaylan leadership framework - Wisdom (Kaalaman), Compassion (Malasakit), Courage (Tapang), and Collective Responsibility, the Convention delivered a compelling series of discussions that celebrated and elevated women’s transformative roles across sectors through a holistic and culturally grounded perspective.

Discussions under the Wisdom (Kaalaman) pillar underscored the importance of recognizing and reclaiming women’s historical and cultural roles in society. Ms. Karen Dagnalan-Dy, Supervising GAD Specialist of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), encouraged participants to revive the Babaylan spirit as a source of strength in challenging gender norms and advancing advocacy.

The Compassion (Malasakit) pillar highlighted women’s vital contributions to agriculture and rural development. Ms. Veberly J. Uyaan, owner of Vel Seirra Integrated Farm, emphasized the role of women as key drivers of food security and community resilience. Complementing this, a special segment on “Malasakit in Action” featured Atty. Glaiza Bernadeth P. Pinto-Tadeo, Regional Director of National Commission of Senior Citizens Region 1 (NCSC R1), reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of senior citizens. She highlighted key policies promoting dignified aging and underscored the continued strengthening of social protection mechanisms for the elderly sector.

Further enriching the discussions, Ms. Divine C. Doctor, co-owner of Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation, showcased women’s expanding influence in entrepreneurship, underscoring their critical role in driving inclusive economic growth and strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises through innovation and sustainable practices.

Meanwhile, under the Courage (Tapang) pillar, Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria, Academician from the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), emphasized the importance of women’s active participation in science, technology, and innovation, recognizing their invaluable contributions to knowledge generation and national development.

The Convention also featured the recognition of outstanding GAD champions from across Region I, honoring individuals and institutions whose exemplary efforts have significantly advanced gender-responsive programs, policies, and initiatives. This recognition highlighted the power of collective action in driving meaningful progress toward gender equality.

An open forum further enriched the event by fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices among participants, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and reinforcing partnerships across sectors.

Overall, the Regional Women’s Leadership Convention reaffirmed the Babaylan as a powerful and enduring model of leadership anchored in wisdom, compassion, courage, and collective responsibility, guiding the pursuit of inclusive growth and transformative change in society.

22/04/2026

𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐃𝐂-𝟏 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏
By: Rio Dyan B. Adviento

In a continued effort to promote inclusive and gender-responsive development, the Regional Gender and Development Committee Region I (RGADC-1) under the leadership of Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Chairperson and Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region convened its 1st Quarter Meeting in San Juan, La Union. The gathering brought together representatives from regional line agencies and partner institutions, reinforcing a unified commitment to strengthen Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives across the Ilocos Region. .

During the meeting, the Committee approved the 2025 RGADC-1 Accomplishment Report and endorsed the 2026 RGADC-1 Work Program for implementation, in coordination with the Philippine Commission on Women. These milestones reaffirm the region’s commitment to institutionalizing gender mainstreaming across programs, projects, and policies, while aligning regional efforts with national GAD frameworks.

A key agenda item focused on preparatory actions for the upcoming call for applications to the Region I GAD Resource Pool (R1GRP). The Committee discussed the proposed reconstitution of the Screening Committee and emphasized the refinement of selection criteria and processes to ensure a credible, competent, and diverse pool of GAD resource persons. This initiative is expected to strengthen the region’s capacity to deliver quality technical assistance, training, and advocacy support to agencies and local government units.

The meeting also featured strategic knowledge-sharing from partner agencies. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region I presented updates on the implementation of Republic Act No. 12076, highlighting the integration of gender-responsive standards in evacuation centers and the promotion of women’s participation in disaster risk reduction and management. Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region I reported on the GAD compliance of private higher education institutions, underscoring efforts to institutionalize gender-responsive policies in the education sector.

Updates were likewise presented on key social protection and development concerns, including the 2025 Violence Against Women situationer by the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking–Child Pornography–Violence Against Women and Their Children Region I (RIACAT-CP-VAWC-1), peacebuilding initiatives of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), and the status of drug-related cases in the region by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region I. Collectively, these inputs provide critical evidence to inform policy directions and strengthen gender-responsive interventions across sectors.

In addition, the Region I Advocates for Gender Equality (RAGE I) presented an overview of its organization, highlighting its role as a vital partner in promoting grassroots advocacy and supporting the implementation of gender-responsive initiatives across communities.

In line with the celebration of National Women’s Month, the Committee also organized the 2026 GAD Convention and Women’s Month activities, anchored on the theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas.” These initiatives aim to highlight women’s leadership, elevate indigenous and local narratives of empowerment, and foster stronger collaboration among GAD champions in the region.

Through these collective efforts, RGADC-1 continues to strengthen convergence among stakeholders, enhance institutional capacities, and drive the implementation of gender-responsive policies and programs-ultimately contributing to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in the Ilocos Region.

21/04/2026

07/04/2026

| Women’s Month culmination highlights women in leadership roles

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Regional Gender and Development Committee in the Ilocos (RGADC-1) highlighted the vital role of women in leadership and nation-building during the 2026 Region 1 Gender and Development (GAD) Convention.

The event culminated the National Women’s Month celebration held at the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA RFO) 1 on March 31.

Anchored on the theme “Lead like the ‘Babaylans,’ Filipinas,” the event gathered GAD advocates, leaders, and stakeholders across the Ilocos Region to celebrate women’s contributions in various sectors.

The convention featured a four-pillar framework—wisdom (kaalaman), compassion (malasakit), courage (tapang), and collective responsibility—highlighting women’s contributions to governance, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and science.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 1 director and RGADC-1 chairperson, Dr. Teresita Tabaog, said that the gathering brought together various stakeholders toward a shared vision to advance gender equality and inclusive development.

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01/04/2026

REGION 1 GAD CONVENTION CHAMPIONS BABAYLAN SPIRIT IN INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

The Region 1 Gender and Development (GAD) Convention organized by the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) continues at the Department of Agriculture–Regional Office 1 on March 1, highlighting the relevance of the Babaylan spirit in modern leadership.

The gathering reinforces that inclusive development is rooted in compassionate, service-oriented leadership across sectors.

Fidel Libao, Regional Executive Director of DA Ilocos, emphasizes that the Babaylan spirit is reflected in the quiet yet steadfast leadership of women in communities, farms, and government offices.

He describes this leadership as grounded in care, responsibility, and resilience, even amid uncertainty and challenges.

He adds that to “lead like the Babaylan” means practicing inclusive leadership that listens, uplifts people, and ensures that no sector is left behind, while the Department of Agriculture reaffirms its commitment to recognizing women as essential partners in development.

✍️: Ezekiel Teaño

01/04/2026

REGION 1 GAD CONVENTION: LEADERS UNITE TO EMBODY THE BABAYLAN SPIRIT ⚖️🇵🇭

The Regional Gender and Development Committee in Ilocos (RGADC 1) convenes a dynamic GAD Convention through a hybrid setup, bringing together advocates from government, academe, youth, and civil society both via Zoom and at the Department of Agriculture–Regional Office 1 Conference Room today, March 31, 2026.

Anchored on the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” the gathering strengthens a collective commitment to advancing inclusive development and championing gender justice across the Ilocos Region.

At the forefront, Dr. Teresita Tabaog, Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology and RGADC Chairperson, emphasizes that the pursuit of gender equality goes beyond advocacy—it demands unified action among member agencies to craft responsive policies and create spaces where every Ilocano lives and experiences the gender lens.

She calls on leaders to embody the Babaylan spirit—grounded in wisdom, courage, and service—guiding how they lead, decide, and serve their communities toward a more equitable and inclusive future.

✍️: Ezekiel Teaño

01/04/2026

GAD CONVENTION 2026: EMPOWERING MODERN BABAYLAN, ADVANCING WOMEN-LED CHANGE ⚖️🌸🇵🇭

WATCH | The Regional Gender and Development Committee in the Ilocos (RGADC) successfully conducts the Gender and Development (GAD) Convention as the culminating activity of the 2026 National Women’s Month celebration—bringing together empowered women from across sectors and reaffirming their vital role as leaders, innovators, and agents of change.

Anchored on its key pillars, the convention highlights the strength, resilience, and historical significance of women as modern-day babaylan—champions of transformation in their communities.

It showcases their growing impact in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and social welfare, demonstrating how women continue to shape inclusive and sustainable development.

The event also underscores the importance of strong support systems through government programs that uplift senior citizens and small business owners, while celebrating trailblazers who are breaking barriers in science, technology, and innovation.

More than a gathering, the convention serves as a dynamic platform that sparks action, strengthens collaboration, and reinforces the collective commitment to creating inclusive opportunities—where every woman is empowered to thrive, lead, and inspire with purpose.

🎥✍🏻: Dimpol Anne M. Lictao

17/03/2026

A Plaque of Appreciation was awarded to CHR Region 1 headed by Atty. Harold D. Kub-aron during the 1st Quarter Meeting of the Regional Gender and Development Committee- 1(RGADC-1) in Patio Balay, San Juan, La Union last March 12, 2026. Said Plaque of Appreciation was given by the Regional Development Council 1 (RDC1) for RD Kub-aron's successful leadership of the RGADC-1 from 2016 to 2025.

The said award was shared to all the RGADC- 1 Secretariat from CHR and DEPDEV for the last 9 years, to all the PCW RGADC-1 Representatives, to the CHR Region 1 's Co - Chairperson - CHED (1st term), Dr. Romae De Asis ( 2nd term), Mr. Carl Martos (3rd term), and to all RGADC-1 Members!

you RDC-1 & RGADC-1 headed by the new Chairperson- RD Teresita A. Tabaog of DOST Region 1.

you everyone!

Padayon!!!