“Empowered women empower the nation,“ a powerful statement that reflects the shared commitment of the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas (LPU-B), proudly celebrated Women’s Month following the national theme “Women in All Sectors, A Better Future for the New Philippines” on March 20, 2025. The event, held at the Freedom Hall, Main Campus, embodied a message of hope and optimism, symbolizing a future where women’s lives are truly uplifted and gender equality efforts translate into meaningful, tangible changes.
The LPU-B community gathered in solidarity, with attendees encouraged to wear purple as a symbol of support for women’s empowerment and gender equality. The event aimed to foster a society where all women have equal rights, power, and opportunities—aligning with the core principles of RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, which seeks to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.
The celebration featured a lineup of influential guest speakers who inspired the audience with their insights and personal stories. Mrs. Pauline Plata-Bondad, CEO and Vice President of Silver Peak Group of Companies, emphasized that life is not a race, encouraging women to develop a personal vision through education to uplift themselves. She stressed the importance of turning dreams into reality and finding strength through vision and purpose, even when success seems long overdue. Her message resonated deeply with the audience, reminding them that persistence and a clear sense of purpose can lead to meaningful achievements.
Mrs. Jessy Mendiola-Manzano shared how challenges can serve as fuel to achieve one’s goals, urging women to use their struggles as motivation to succeed. She highlighted that resilience and fierceness are common traits among women, qualities that allow them to thrive despite adversity. Her story served as a powerful reminder that strength lies in embracing life’s difficulties and emerging stronger from them.
Mr. Luis Manzano expressed his heartfelt support for his wife Jessy and the women in the community. He acknowledged the struggles and hardships that women face, recognizing their resilience and the importance of standing with them in their journey toward empowerment and equality. His message underscored the significance of solidarity and respect in building a more inclusive society.
The event reinforced the realization that being a woman, especially a mother, remains a difficult path. While society has made significant progress in empowering women to stand on their own and set their own standards, or even become the standard, there remains an undeniable pressure of high expectations. Women continue to face the challenge of balancing personal and professional success while meeting societal demands.
In light of these challenges, LPU-B reaffirmed its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal on Gender Equality (SDG 5). The university remains steadfast in its mission to create an environment where women are empowered, valued, and supported in all aspects of life.
