As we step into March 2026, a familiar yet refreshed energy fills the air. It is a time for reflection, advocacy, and celebration. Across the globe, International Women’s Day serves as a focal point, but in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) is taking a deeper, more ancestral approach to gender equality. This year’s theme, "Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!", offers a profound perspective on leadership that resonates far beyond Southeast Asian borders, speaking to a universal need for inclusive, empathetic, and moral governance.
The 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) marks the fourth year of the multi-year campaign banner: "WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society." It is a reminder that gender parity is not a "women’s issue" but a collective investment in an equitable future. By looking back at the pre-colonial leadership of the Babaylan, we find a roadmap for the modern world.
The Ancestral Blueprint: Why "Lead Like the Babaylans" Matters Today
In the pre-colonial Philippines, the Babaylan was more than just a spiritual figure. She was a healer, a mediator, a keeper of oral history, and a leader whose authority was rooted in wisdom rather than brute force. While Western traditional leadership models have historically prioritized hierarchy and command-and-control, the Babaylan model emphasizes collective care and mediation.
For a US-based audience or an international observer, this shift is incredibly relevant. In an era where "soft skills"—empathy, emotional intelligence, and collaborative problem-solving—are increasingly recognized as the most effective leadership traits, the Babaylan serves as a historical archetype for the modern executive, educator, and community leader.
Reclaiming Moral Guidance and Wisdom
The 2026 sub-theme encourages women to reclaim a leadership model anchored in moral guidance. In our fast-paced, digital-first society, the "Babaylan spirit" invites us to lead with:
Inclusion: Ensuring every voice is heard in the circle.
Mediation: Finding common ground in polarized environments.
Wisdom: Making decisions that consider long-term social progress over short-term gains.
DepEd’s Call to Action: How the 2026 NWMC is Being Celebrated
DepEd Memorandum 010, s. 2026, outlines a comprehensive framework for schools and offices to integrate these values into their daily operations. The goal is to move beyond token gestures and toward sustainable, gender-responsive governance.
1. Visual Symbols and Digital Advocacy
One of the most visible ways to participate is through the #PurpleWednesdays initiative. Wearing purple throughout March serves as a silent but powerful symbol of solidarity. Additionally, DepEd encourages the use of the official hashtag #WEcanbeEquALL to spark digital conversations.
2. Recognizing Innovation and Leadership
The memorandum calls for Regional Women’s Leadership and Innovations Exhibits. These aren't just displays of past achievements; they are platforms for women-led initiatives in digital literacy, climate resilience, and entrepreneurship. By showcasing these programs, the Department affirms that women are not just participants in progress—they are its primary architects.
3. Capacity-Building for the Future
A significant portion of the 2026 celebration focuses on mentorship. Training programs are being implemented to help women navigate:
Digital Literacy: Bridging the gender gap in tech.
Climate Resilience: Empowering women to lead environmental protection efforts.
Economic Growth: Linking local initiatives to broader regional frameworks.
Bridging the Gap: From Local Participation to Global Impact
While the NWMC is rooted in Philippine law (such as Republic Act No. 6949 and Proclamation No. 227), its objectives align perfectly with international frameworks. The focus on women’s leadership in governance and peacebuilding reflects a global movement toward more stable and prosperous societies.
When women lead, the outcomes are statistically better. Studies consistently show that inclusive leadership leads to higher employee satisfaction, better conflict resolution, and more innovative solutions to complex problems. By invoking the spirit of the Babaylan, we aren't just celebrating history; we are advocating for a future that works for everyone.
Practical Ways to Join the Celebration
Whether you are an educator in a local school or a supporter from across the ocean, there are several ways to engage with the 2026 National Women’s Month:
Support Women-Owned Spaces: Highlight and patronize businesses and initiatives led by women.
Engage in #GADtoKnow: Share information about gender-responsive laws and programs that improve access to opportunities.
Cultural Appreciation: Attend storytelling sessions, music performances, or art exhibits that celebrate women’s creativity.
Inclusive Mentorship: If you are in a leadership position, look for ways to mentor women in digital literacy and leadership.
A Shared Responsibility for an Equitable Future
The 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration reminds us that gender equality is a long-standing cultural legacy. It is not a new concept being forced upon society, but a return to a more balanced and harmonious way of existing.
As we celebrate the achievements of women this March, let us remember the core message of the Babaylan: leadership is an act of service. It is about healing communities, mediating differences, and guiding the next generation with wisdom. When we invest in women’s leadership, we aren't just checking a box for "diversity"—we are ensuring the survival and prosperity of our collective future.
Happy National Women's Month! Let us all continue to work toward a society where everyone can say: #WEcanbeEquALL.