Women’s leadership is an integral part of development and progress. In the Philippines, this tradition dates back to the pre-colonial era, through the Babaylan, a pre-colonial change-maker, leader, and primary symbol of gender balance.
The sub-theme of the 2026 Women’s Month Celebration stems from this history and tradition: “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” This reaffirms the role of Filipino women in leadership whose authority was grounded in wisdom, empathy, mediation, and moral guidance rather than force or hierarchy.
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), joined the celebration by holding its own activities and supporting various activities led by its mother agency, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). On 03 March 2026, the DOST led the kick-off celebration at the DOST Compound, featuring a parade and a pageant showcasing Babaylans. Courageously accepting the challenge of representing the agency, Ms. Ma. Betina Andrea P. Perez from the Science Heritage Unit graciously represented the NAST PHL Secretariat in the field, along with eight other representatives from DOST agencies: DOST Central Office, PCIEERD, PCHRD, MIRDC, DOST-NCR, DOST-STII, ITDI, and PSHS System.
Image 1. The NAST Secretariat during the WMC Kick-Off Parade, led by the NAST PHL muse, Ms. Beti Perez
Ms. Perez’s attire reimagined the Babaylan as a bridge between heritage and innovation, and her strong advocacy, “Babaylan ng Agham,” aims to transform recognition into inspiration aligned with NAST PHL's mandate to recognize scientific excellence. She called for bringing science directly into schools and underserved communities, and for inspiring girls to become future innovators. Winners of the Babaylan Beauty Contest hailed from the PSHS System, DOST-NCR, PCIEERD, and MIRDC.
Image 2. Ms. Perez during the Babaylan Beauty Contest of DOST
Another pivotal activity during the kick-off celebration is the mass oath-taking of the members of the Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) chapters of various DOST Agencies, in solidarity with the principles embodied in the Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, and Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act. Led by DOST-wide MOVE President Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang, MOVE officers solemnly committed to be partners in advancing justice, ensuring safe spaces, and building a DOST free from violence against women and children. NAST PHL MOVE officers include Mr. Jaime Luis Silvestre as Chair, Mr. Dexter Lorma Bautista as Vice-Chair, Mr. Carlo Teodoro as Secretary, and Mr. Angelito A. Navarro, Mr. Dannie Gallardo, Mr. Roberto Arat, Mr. Dennis Vista, and Mr. Janpherson Lapuz as members.
Image 3. NAST PHL MOVE Chapter during the oath taking (left) and the NAST PHL secretariat during the parade (right)
Through the Philippine Science Heritage Center (PSHC), NAST PHL also conducted the Meet Your Scientists (MYS): Filipinas Shaping a Brighter Future Through Science forum on 13 March 2026 at the Philippine Science Heritage Center Building, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City. The theme was specifically chosen to celebrate female scientists, and the event was attended by 77 students from Pasig City Science High School. MYS is PSHC’s flagship program for introducing students across the country to science and its role models.
Image 4. NAST PHL Secretariat, Speakers, and the Student attendees during the MYS Forum
Speakers of the event were Dr. Pierangeli G. Vital, Career Scientist II from the University of the Philippines Diliman, and Ms. Melissa P. Montecalvo, University Researcher III from the University of the Philippines Los Banos. Also present in the forum to share her message is NAST GAD Committee Chair, Academician Aura C. Matias, who likewise shared her journey as a scientist and her insights from women leaders in the early communities.
Ms. Montecalvo, the first speaker, shared her professional and academic path as a plant scientist, focusing on mycology, disease management, and the microbial control of insect pests and fungal pathogens. She concluded with a quote from National Scientist Romulo G. Davide: “Our most important agenda should be helping the farmers who feed all of us. Have a plan, but don’t be afraid to adapt and innovate along the way. Maintain the passion to serve.”
Following Ms. Montecalvo, Dr. Vital recounted her experiences as a microbiology expert and her path in the Scientific Career System. Her presentation ended with key advice for the audience: (1) Stay curious; (2) Find a supportive mentor; (3) Be persistent, productive, and passionate (the 3Ps); and (4) Listen to your mentor.
Also present was Ms. Sheryll Lee Sales, a Science Research Specialist II at the DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI), who provided information on the agency's scholarship programs.
Images 5. Ms. Melissa Montecalvo (left) and Dr. Pierangeli Vital (right) during their presentation in the MYS program for the National Women’s Month
The NAST PHL also supported the DOST in hosting the Philippine side-event for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) by providing technical assistance during the Science, Technology, and Innovation as Catalysts for Gender-Responsive Justice hybrid forum on 18 March 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center. NAST PHL Academician Maria Corazon A. De Ungria was also invited as one of the speakers in the forum by sharing her expertise in forensic DNA analysis, specifically its importance in handling sensitive cases such as sexual assault, particularly involving minors. Other speakers were Ms. Signe Poulsen of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), who discussed gender-responsive, rights-based legal technologies and ethical governance, and Atty. Lorna Patajo-Kapunan, who provided a comprehensive discussion on closing the gender digital divide to promote inclusive and accessible justice systems.
The final activity for the Women’s Month Celebration of the NAST PHL Secretariat is the mobile photography contest Her Perspective, which focuses on capturing the strength, joy, and daily reality of women in the community. The activity was held to celebrate the mundane, daily lives of women, as many Women’s Month celebrations often focus only on famous figures. The mobile photography contest encouraged everyone to look at the ordinary and make it extraordinary. The judging criteria is 40% for Originality, 35% for Emotional Impact, and 25% for Composition. Judges who were invited to evaluate the entries were: NAST Director Ms. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Chief Science Research Specialist Ms. Guada B. Ramos-Dimaya, Chief Administrative Officer Ms. Maria Theresa E. Caasi, and S&T Fellow Ms. Ayn G. Torres. Professional photographers were also invited to evaluate the submissions, namely Mr. Marx G. Halili, a camera operator and photographer for the Broadcast and Digital Media Services of DOST-STII, and Mr. Bryan Rala, a multimedia professional specializing in visual storytelling.
Image 7. The NAST PHL Secretariat during the Her Perspective awarding ceremony
14 entries were received from the different units of NAST PHL. The submissions centered on themes of female strength, resilience, devotion, and achievement. They celebrated women in various roles, including mothers and matriarchs, government retirees, workers in the cashew industry, cultural figures, and notable figures in science, such as Academicians and National Scientists, and highlighted their importance and contribution to family, community, and national advancement. Comments from the judges noted that the entries blend a powerful concept, a strong emotional connection, and solid technical execution.
Image 8. Submitted entries from the NAST PHL Secretariat Her Perspective mobile photography contest
In the end, only three photographs were hailed as winners which were as follows: 3rd place entry entitled “The weight of 35 years, vanished” by Mr. Angelito A. Navarro from the Technical Services Division - Linkages, 2nd place entry entitled “caSHEw” by Ms. Krystel Jade J. Mercader from the Office of the Director, and 1st place entry entitled “Superstar” by Mr. Vince Aren B. Cortez from the Technical Services Division - Advisory.
More than an annual event, the celebration of the National Women’s Month is a call for everyone to take charge at the national and regional levels in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment. However, in a country where women are accorded greater reverence, the celebration of women’s month is also a living testimony to the place of women in Philippine society. Having consistently ranked among the top Asian nations and ranked high globally in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, the Philippines is indeed one of the best places in the world for women to thrive. (Krystel Jade J. Mercader, NAST PHL)