Women's Month 2026 is dubbed, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” In coordination with the UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies (CGWS), NTTCHP organized a discussion on “The Voices of the Current Day Babaylans” which was successfully held on March 17, 2026.

Prof. Mary Dorothy DL Jose’s informative discussion brought the audience back to history and shared the important leadership roles that Babaylans played in their communities during the pre-historic era.

Dr. Lelani Apostol- Nicodemus’ passionate sharing on how she stands for what she believes in is anchored on her deep-seated values and compassion for others being a “people-people” person.

Ms. Maria Nimfa V. Castro called the Babaylans as the “walking archives” because even before libraries came into existence, the Babaylans were already passing on their culture and tradition orally through chants, songs, and rituals.

Ms. Therese Kristie T. Faro would like to be remembered as someone who consistently encourages, helps, guides, and uplifts others to explore their potentials, and to live with purpose and balance.

Prof. Emely D. Dicolen as the moderator ended with her usual motherly words of wisdom: We are Babaylans! We are stronger than we believe, more compassionate than we know.

We are empowered, enduring, nurturing, and selfless— far beyond what we often recognize in ourselves.

The invited guest singers- Prof. Nemuel S. Fajutagana, Ms. Dani Carla Cabigting, Mr. Noriel Nulud, and Mr. Karlo Aurelio made the atmosphere more conducive to the discussion by serenading the participants of the forum.

To everyone who participated, our heartfelt thanks and we look forward to celebrating another Women’s Day event with you next year.

May we all continue to live the voices of the Babaylans forward!