The Province of Cebu, through the Sugbo Kababayen-an, formally kicked off the 2026 National Women’s Month celebration with a provincial gathering that rallied women leaders, local governments, and partner agencies behind the campaign “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” and the sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”. The event highlighted women’s leadership as a core part of Cebuano and Filipino identity, echoing the Philippine Commission on Women’s call to reclaim the pre-colonial babaylan tradition of wise, compassionate, and community-centered leadership.

During the program, provincial officials underscored that National Women’s Month is more than a yearly commemoration, but a sustained movement for Women and Everyone (WE) to push for policies, services, and spaces that allow women to lead and thrive in governance, peacebuilding, and economic development.

Participants were encouraged to align their March activities with PCW’s guidance—such as women-led flag ceremonies, recognition of exemplary women leaders, capacity-building sessions, and health and livelihood services for women—while strictly avoiding partisan and political use of advocacy materials.