Leading the purple path to empowerment, Pampanga State University (Pampanga State U) officially commenced the National Women’s Month 2026 celebration (NWMC) with this year’s sub theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” at the Dr. Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Center on March 4, 2026.

Spearheaded by the University Student Council (USC) in cooperation with the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) Office, the celebration was led by Dr. Dolores T. Quiambao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services and GFPS Director. 

The festivities began with a parade across the university grounds and beyond the campus, joined by Gender and Development (GAD) coordinators, faculty, staff, and student representatives from various colleges.

In her opening remarks, Hon. Missy Ruela C. Cortez, USC President, urged the university community to embody the spirit of the babaylan. She encouraged the audience to embrace womanhood not as a limitation, but as a source of strength, pride, and power.

“Let us discover the spirit of the babaylan, to live with wisdom, courage, and empathy. To live, not despite being women, but fully, proudly, and powerfully as women.”

The opening program also featured the presentation of Mr. and Ms. Pampanga State U and Mx. Q and A, alongside the student pageant and a debut of the Bench Yell competition.

The event concluded with a unity dance performed by all attendees, while various departments and organizations simultaneously rolled out their respective activities in support of the month-long celebration.

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