SPEAKER Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Wednesday honored Filipino women as modern-day “Babaylans,” recognizing their leadership, strength and vital role in nation-building as the country marks National Women’s Month 2026.
Dy said the Babaylan—respected in pre-colonial Philippine society as women spiritual leaders and community guides—symbolizes wisdom, courage and responsibility, qualities that continue to define Filipinas today.
“Ngayong National Women’s Month 2026, alalahanin natin ang lakas na matagal nang nananalaytay sa bawat Pilipina—ang diwa ng Babaylan: lider na may karunungan, malasakit, tapang, at pananagutan sa komunidad,” Dy said in a video message.
The Speaker from Isabela said the same spirit is reflected in the everyday work of Filipino women across sectors.
“Ang diwang ito ay buhay sa bawat ina na lumalaban para sa kinabukasan ng kanyang anak, sa bawat babaeng guro na humuhubog ng pangarap, sa bawat babaeng lider sa pamahalaan at sa iba’t ibang sektor,” Dy said.
Dy said women’s leadership makes development more inclusive and society more resilient.
“Kayo ang patunay na kapag ang babae ang namumuno, nagiging mas inklusibo ang pag-unlad at mas matatag ang lipunan,” he said.
He added that Congress recognizes the role of women as partners in advancing reforms and national progress.
“Respeto, suporta at taos-pusong pagkilala ang handog natin sa mga kababaihan na kabalikat ng Kongreso sa pagsusulong ng pagbabago at kaunlaran,” Dy said.
The House chief acknowledged that many women still struggle to be heard and given opportunities.
“Ngunit hindi pa po tapos ang laban. May mga kababaihan pa ring hindi naririnig at hindi nabibigyan ng pagkakataon,” he said.
“Kaya malinaw po ang ating panawagan: walang maiiwan.”
He vowed that Congress will continue pushing measures that empower women, especially those in marginalized sectors.
“Palalakasin po ng inyong Kongreso ang bawat Pilipina, lalo na ang mga nasa laylayan: mga kababaihang nasa bukid, mga katutubo, at mga kababaihang may kapansanan,” Dy said.
Dy stressed that empowering women is a continuing responsibility.
“At ang responsibilidad na ito ay dala natin araw-araw, hindi lamang tuwing Women’s Month,” he said.
He urged Filipino women to recognize the strength of their voices and leadership.
“Sa bawat Pilipina, ito ang aking mensahe: huwag mong maliitin ang iyong tinig,” Dy said.
“Ikaw ang bukal ng lakas. Ikaw ang lider ng ating panahon. Ikaw ang makabagong Babaylan.”
“Dahil sa’yo, ang kinabukasan ay mas makatarungan, mas inklusibo, at tunay na para sa lahat.”
