By Nimfa L. Estrellado Maxima Emma Suayan, President of KALIPI Region 4A, outlines the organization’s women’s empowerment initiatives durin...
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| Maxima Emma Suayan, President of KALIPI Region 4A, outlines the organization’s women’s empowerment initiatives during the Kapihan sa PIA-Quezon hosted by Ruel Orinday on February 24, 2026. (Pacific Mall Lucena) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - More than 15,000 women across CALABARZON are now actively shaping their communities as the Katipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) Region 4A reaffirmed its commitment during the Kapihan sa PIA-Quezon on February 24, 2026. The renewed commitment focuses on strengthening women’s leadership and economic participation through expanded livelihood programs and stronger involvement in community decision-making.
KALIPI is a nationwide organization organized down to the barangay level and working closely with local government units to ensure women take part in development programs. In Region 4A, the network covers provinces, municipalities, and barangays across CALABARZON, giving women an organized platform to access training, work together, and participate in local discussions and planning.
Representing the region, Maxima Emma Suayan, President of KALIPI Region 4A, presented the group’s priority agenda centered on economic empowerment and civic participation. She said women’s empowerment is both a social responsibility and a practical approach to development, noting that when women are financially stable and involved, communities become stronger.
Suayan reported that organized KALIPI chapters are operating in several municipalities in Quezon Province, strengthening coordination at the local level. Across CALABARZON, membership has grown to more than 15,000 women who are actively participating in livelihood and leadership activities.
She said economic empowerment remains central to the organization’s direction, describing it as a foundation for family stability and long-term progress. According to Suayan, increasing income opportunities for women helps reduce financial risks and strengthens households.
“Ang pagpapalakas sa kababaihan ay hindi lamang adbokasiya kundi tungkulin natin sa komunidad. Kapag may kakayahan at oportunidad ang mga kababaihan, mas nagiging matatag ang pamilya at mas maunlad ang bayan. Hindi dapat sila maiwan sa mga desisyon na may epekto sa kanilang buhay.”
Livelihood initiatives include sewing, wine making, and perfume production in Quezon Province, as well as coffee production and catering services in other parts of the region. These programs are designed to match local resources and market demand so that products and services can continue to generate income over time.
Suayan said community participation is essential in shaping policies and programs, explaining that local voices help make projects more practical and responsive. She noted that involving women in consultations and decision-making strengthens accountability and improves results.
“Mahalaga na marinig ang boses ng kababaihan sa barangay at sa lokal na pamahalaan. Hindi sapat na may programa lamang, kailangan ay may aktibong partisipasyon. Doon nagsisimula ang tunay na inklusibong pag-unlad.”
She added that livelihood programs must lead to long-term stability rather than temporary assistance, explaining that short-term aid alone cannot solve deeper economic problems. Steady and sustainable income sources, she said, help families plan for the future and manage unexpected challenges.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa dagdag kita, kundi sa pagbibigay ng dignidad at pag-asa sa bawat ina at kababaihan. Ang bawat proyekto ay dapat may malinaw na direksyon at pangmatagalang benepisyo. Sama-sama nating itataguyod ang mas matibay na kinabukasan para sa susunod na henerasyon.”
Women’s empowerment efforts in CALABARZON continue to expand as membership grows and local chapters strengthen their presence in communities. For KALIPI Region 4A, the message remains clear: when women move forward economically and take part in leadership, entire communities progress with them.
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