Bactad Community School - Gender and Development

Empowering women through skills and opportunities! 💜

As part of the celebration of National Women's Month, a “Livelihood Training para kay Juana” was successfully conducted to provide women with practical livelihood skills that can help them start small businesses and support their families.

During the activity, Brgy. Kagawad Gina P. Tablada shared her expertise and trained the participants in Garlic Longganisa making, guiding them step-by-step in preparing this potential income-generating product.

The training was conducted alongside the support of SPTA and KALIPI (Pedro T. Orata Chapter) President, Emma P. Echaure, who encouraged participants to maximize the skills they learned for future livelihood opportunities.

This initiative highlights the strength, capability, and determination of every Juana in building a more empowered and self-reliant community. 🌸

GREETING CARD WRITING and DESIGNING

On March 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM, our learners came together for a special activity in honor of National Women’s Month—a Greeting Card Writing and Designing event using recycled materials! ♻️💌 This celebration gave our pupils the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents while reflecting on the important women in their lives.

With 12 entries across all grade levels, each card carried a personal and heartfelt message to the woman who inspired them—whether it’s a mother, teacher, sibling, or mentor. This simple yet meaningful act reminds us of the strength, guidance, and inspiration women provide every day. 💖

Through this activity, we not only celebrated creativity and sustainability but also honored the essence of National Women’s Month—recognizing, appreciating, and uplifting women everywhere. Let’s continue to value and celebrate the women who shape our lives and our communities! 💐✨

👠 IN HER SHOES CHALLENGE
📅 March 10, 2026 | National Women’s Month Celebration

As part of the celebration of National Women’s Month 2026, male learners bravely stepped “In Her Shoes” by wearing high heels while participating in fun parlor games.

High heels, often worn by women, symbolize the many roles, responsibilities, and challenges that women carry every day. Through this activity, the male learners experienced—even in a small way—the balance, strength, and resilience that women demonstrate in their daily lives.

The “In Her Shoes Challenge” encouraged our learners to develop deeper respect, appreciation, and understanding for women. By stepping into women’s shoes, they realized the importance of recognizing women’s contributions and supporting gender equality in our community.

Together, let us continue to empower women and promote respect, equality, and inclusivity for all. 💜

EARLIER TODAY: Learners of Bactad Community School gathered at the BCS Social Hall to participate in the Poster and Slogan Making Contest in celebration of National Women’s Month 2026.

Anchored on the theme “Lead like a BABAYLAN: Filipinas!”, the activity encouraged students to express their creativity and promote women empowerment through meaningful posters and slogans. Participants highlighted the strength, leadership, and important contributions of Filipino women in society.

The contest served as a platform for learners to showcase their artistic talents while raising awareness about gender equality and the inspiring role of Filipinas as leaders in the community.

The awarding of winners will be held on March 13, 2026 during the Culminating Activity.

STATEMENT OF MAYOR JOY BELMONTE

I urge Congressman B**g Suntay to apologize for the inappropriate remarks that he made at a recent House committee hearing.

His words directly contradict the spirit of empowerment that we have worked hard to build here in Quezon City. Over the years, we have embraced the difficult work of establishing protections for women, constantly striving to honor their rights by creating safe spaces and opportunities for them.

In this context, it is truly disappointing to witness Congressman Suntay’s casual display of objectification, on Women’s Month no less. But what makes this incident especially troubling is the fact that, as a former member of our City Council, he was part of the body that passed our Gender and Development Code.

Moreover, he was the majority floor leader of the city council when we passed the Bawal Bastos Ordinance, which declares that lewd, malicious, and demeaning remarks and acts have no place in public life. Quezon City instituted this policy in 2016—ahead of the national Safe Spaces Act.

Our policies are a declaration of our city’s values—of what we stand for and what we refuse to tolerate. We expect our elected officials to be the first to live by them.

Thus, it is clear to me: We must not hesitate to push back against any act that undermines the dignity of our women. We must continue to stand for their safety, dignity, and equality—without exception and without compromise.

We call on Congressman Suntay to take full accountability for his remarks, issue a proper apology, and conduct himself with the dignity that his office—and our city—demand. Our people deserve no less.

Bactad Community School joins the observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), reaffirming our commitment to promote a safe, inclusive, and violence-free learning environment. Let us stand united in advocating respect, protection, and equality for all.

IN THE NEWS: BCS Holds GAD-Based Leadership Training

To promote gender sensitivity and strengthen advocacy for safe and inclusive environments, Bactad Community School (BCS) conducted a GAD-Based Leadership Training on October 10 and 17, focusing on the Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act and the Safe Spaces Act.

The activity was participated in by teachers, Grades 4 to 6 learners, SPTA Officers, and HRPTA Vice Presidents, who actively engaged in discussions and reflections on gender equality, respect, and responsible leadership within the school and community.

Distinguished speakers from the Urdaneta City Police Station, PSSg Liza Marie V. Baniago and PLt Roselle L. Mariñas, led informative sessions on Republic Act 9262 (VAWC Act) and Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act). They highlighted the significance of safeguarding women and children from abuse, harassment, and discrimination—whether at home, in school, or in public spaces. Through real-life examples and interactive dialogue, participants gained a clearer understanding of their rights and roles in upholding safe spaces for all.

Meanwhile, Madam Gloria S. Almojera, Public Schools District Supervisor, provided an insightful overview of the Gender and Development (GAD) framework and introduced two vital advocacy concepts—Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)—which underscore the importance of empathy, inclusiveness, and emotional well-being in the learning environment.

This GAD-Based Leadership Training was spearheaded by Madam Marlyn P. Sindayen (Principal II) and Mr. John Bert A. Peralta (GAD Coordinator), whose leadership and commitment to gender-responsive education continue to guide the school’s efforts in nurturing a culture of equality, safety, and respect.

Through this initiative, Bactad Community School reaffirmed its dedication to empowering learners, teachers, and parents to become advocates of gender equality and champions of safe and caring school communities.

Here's to hoping that time will come soon when you don't have to be all bi yourself anymore. 🩷💜💙