BCU GS Celebrates Women’s Month
On April 5, 2025, the Baguio Central University Graduate School culminated its Women’s Month celebration with an inspiring and meaningful activity held at the Dr. Margarita Fernandez Function Hall. With the theme “Empower Her: Leading Change and Bridging the Gaps,” the event celebrated the power of women in leadership, advocacy, and resilience. It brought together inspiring speakers, engaged participants, and fostered thoughtful discussions on genuine appreciation for women’s contributions, respect, empowerment, and gender equality.
Dr. Elma D. Donaal, the BCU’s VPAA and a Baguio City outstanding woman leader inspires a new generation of leaders to bridge societal gaps and lead change.
It was a day full of learning and inspiration. The event began with uplifting Opening Remarks from Dr. Elma D. Donaal, BCU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, a multi-awarded educator recognized as both an Outstanding Citizen of Baguio City and an Outstanding Woman Leader in the same city. She emphasized the significance of empowering women to lead change in their communities and bridge societal gaps. “Empowerment is not merely a concept; it is an active process that enables women to rise, innovate, and inspire. It is about ensuring that every woman has access to opportunities that allow her to thrive, lead, and make meaningful contributions to her community and beyond,” she said. Her words set the tone for a day dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements while addressing challenges they continue to face.
Sir Argie Q. Aquino, MHRM, Graduate School Faculty Member, introduces PSSg Ferly-Ann A. Colena as the Subject Matter Expert.
PSSg Ferly-Ann A. Colena discusses her role in enforcing the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), saying, “Our goal is to ensure that every individual feels safe and respected in public spaces.”
One of the highlights of the event was a discussion on the Salient Provisions of RA 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act of 2019 or the “Bawal Bastos Law.” Police Staff Sergeant Ferly-Ann A. Colena, taking the place of Police Captain Maricris S. Melchor, assigned with the Women and Children Protection Desk Officer at the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), emphasized the importance of creating safe environments for women in public and private spaces. Her role involves working on issues related to the protection and safety of women and children, which is crucial in addressing gender-based violence and ensuring their rights are upheld.
PSSg Ferly-Ann A. Colena discusses key provisions of the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), also known as the Anti-Bastos Law, as BCU participants listen attentively, gaining insights into fostering safer and more respectful environments.
Dr. Elma Donaal, Dr. Genevieve Kupang, lead organizers Sir Argie Aquino and Dr. Remedios Laroco, along with GS faculty members Dr. Michael De Roxas, Dr. Lourdes Eguia, Ms. Marga Taganas, Dr. Janice Alejandrino, Dr. Lyha Fias-ilon, and Ms. Monica Ignacio, present a Certificate of Appreciation and a token to PSSg Ferly-Ann A. Colena in recognition of her invaluable contributions to the Women’s Month Culmination at Baguio Central University.
Celebrating Women Across Generations
Our youngest panelist, the radiant beauty queen Ms. Marikit A. Manaois, brightens the room with her captivating smile as she engages with BCU participants.
A Talk Show titled “Successful Stories of Women Across Generations” was one of the highlights of the Women’s Month Culmination. This inspiring panel discussion brought together remarkable women who shared their journeys of resilience, leadership, and empowerment, proving that success knows no boundaries when fueled by determination and vision. The panelists included: Director Helen R. Tibaldo, Regional Director of Philippine Information Agency – CAR and a Baguio City Outstanding Woman Leader; Dr. Emerita Cambaliza-Fuerte, former professor at Saint Louis University, Cooperative Management Advocate, and 2007 Baguio City Outstanding Woman Leader, Ms. Marikit A. Manaois, Binibining Pilipinas-Baguio 2024 and Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2022, and Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, Dean of the Graduate School, International Relations Officer of Baguio Central University, and a leader in the Pathways to Peace Exceptional Women of Peace Award.
Talk show hosts Ma. Czarine Jill Acosta-Olais and Butt Qasim S. Khalid, Master of Public Administration students, engage with panelists Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, Dir. Helen Tibaldo, Dr. Emerita Cambaliza-Fuerte, and Ms. Marikit Manaois during the Talk Show: Successful Stories of Women Across Generations. The panelists shared inspiring stories of overcoming challenges, leading with vision, and advancing their advocacies with joy and candor.
These inspiring women shared their experiences in breaking barriers across various fields—education, media, advocacy, beauty pageants, and community leadership—underscoring the importance of resilience and empowerment in achieving success. Their stories highlighted the joys of being a woman and the critical role of leadership in bridging societal gaps and fostering gender equality. The talk show served as a powerful reminder that when women are empowered to lead change, they not only transform their own lives but also inspire others to pursue their passions and create positive impacts in their communities.
Upbeat and joyful, panelists—women leaders and a beauty queen—share their inspiring journeys across generations. From left to right: Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, Dir. Helen R. Tibaldo, Dr. Emerita Cambaliza-Fuerte, and Ms. Marikit A. Manaois, each showcasing unique stories of resilience, leadership, and advocacy.
Joyful moments of love, respect, and celebration as the resource speakers join BCU Graduate School faculty and student participants for a memorable photo. The smiling faces reflect the resounding success of the Women’s Month Culmination, a testament to the power of unity and shared achievement.
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to all the resource speakers in recognition of their invaluable contributions to empowering women. Pssg Ferly-Ann A. Colena was honored for her expertise on gender-sensitive laws, while the panelists received recognition for sharing their stories of triumph and inspiration.
A Joyful Culmination of Women’s Month
The Women’s Month celebration at Baguio Central University Graduate School concluded on a high note with heartfelt Closing Remarks from Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, Dean of the Graduate School and International Relations Officer. Her words radiated gratitude and joy as she expressed her appreciation to Madam University President Dr. Margarita B. Rillera, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Elma D. Donaal for her inspiring presence and opening remarks, and all organizers, speakers, participants, and students who contributed to the event’s resounding success.
Dr. Genevieve Kupang emphasized the importance of collective action driven by courage, compassion, and commitment in bridging societal gaps. She extended heartfelt thanks to Sir Argie Q. Aquino and Dr. Remedios Laroco for their leadership in organizing the event alongside MBA and MPA professors—Dr. Janice Alejandrino, Ms. Marga Tagana, and Sir Arnold Dangle—and STUDENTS. She also acknowledged Sir Karl Matthieu Rillera, Marketing Officer, Sir Michael Rodriguez from the Management Information System for documenting the proceedings, and Sir Ramirez P. Emingan, a faculty member of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM), for operating the PowerPoint presentation during the event. Special appreciation was given to the article writers, registration team, and Masters of Ceremonies Ma. Czarine Jill Acosta-Olais and Butt Qasim S. Khalid for their seamless coordination during the Talk Show. Additionally, she recognized other Graduate School professors from various programs who supported the MBA and MPA faculty: Dr. Lourdes Eguia, Dr. Lyha Fias-ilon, Dr. Jennifer Longchasen, Dr. Michael De Roxas, and Ms. Monica Ignacio.
The celebration was enriched by the active participation of students from diverse programs, including PhD, EDMGT, and Masters in Education with various majors, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity that defined the event. Dr. Kupang’s closing remarks encapsulated the joy and unity felt throughout the day: “Together, we have celebrated women’s achievements, learned from their journeys, and reaffirmed our commitment to creating a world where everyone can thrive.” Dr. Kupang continued to say:
To our graduate students—our future leaders—you are the embodiment of today’s theme. As you pursue your academic journeys, may you continue to lead change and bridge gaps in your respective fields with courage and determination. Allow me to express my gratitude through these words of poetry:
A Celebration of Strength
To those who planned with tireless might,
You brought this day to life so bright.
To speakers who shared wisdom’s glow,
Your words inspire; they help us grow.
To participants who joined with zeal,
Your presence made this day so real.
Together we’ve built a bridge so wide,
Empowering women with strength as our guide.
As we leave today inspired by the achievements celebrated and the challenges discussed, let us carry forward the spirit of empowerment into our daily lives. Let us commit to creating spaces where every woman can thrive, lead, and bridge gaps for a better future.
Dr. Genevieve Kupang delivers heartfelt closing remarks, expressing deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to this momentous occasion. She encourages all to continue championing equality and empowerment with unwavering resolve, leaving a powerful call to action for collective progress.
The event ended with smiles, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose to continue empowering women as leaders of change and bridges across generations.
Photo credits: Mr. Michael Rodriguez from the BCU Management Information System
Mabuhay ang kababaihan! Mabuhay ang mga kalalakihan na sumusuporta at nagmamahal sa mga kababaihan! Mabuhay ang buong Sangkatauhan! (Long live women! Long live men who support and love women! Long live all of Humanity!)
