By Nimfa L. Estrellado Participants attending the Women’s Summit 2025 organized by Sentinel Times and led by its owner Nimfa Estrellado. (Fi...
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| Participants attending the Women’s Summit 2025 organized by Sentinel Times and led by its owner Nimfa Estrellado. (File Photo) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Highlighting the growing push for women’s empowerment and leadership in the region, advocates, professionals and emerging leaders are set to gather for a day of conversations focused on learning, inspiration and community engagement. Women’s Summit 2026, themed “Her Story. Her Voice. Her Power.”, is scheduled on March 23 at the 3rd Floor Activity Center of Pacific Mall Lucena, drawing participants from Quezon Province and nearby areas.
Organized by Sentinel Times and led by its owner, media practitioner, and women and youth advocate Nimfa Estrellado, the event forms part of the nationwide observance of National Women’s Month, which recognizes the contributions of women in shaping communities and helping local development move forward. The summit is officially endorsed by the Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office and held in partnership with the Quezon Provincial Health Office.
The summit is expected to gather around 300 participants, including students, entrepreneurs, professionals and community advocates who are interested in strengthening women’s roles in leadership and community development. The gathering will provide opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore ways that support women’s participation in social and economic life.
The program will feature talks, panel discussions and interactive sessions designed to encourage learning and cooperation among participants throughout the day. Topics will include leadership, entrepreneurship, law, media, personal growth, financial awareness, parenting, lifestyle, youth engagement, fitness and health, the arts, and community support initiatives.
Special segments will also highlight breast cancer awareness and women’s health, emphasizing the importance of prevention, education and early detection. The discussions aim to help people better understand health issues affecting women while encouraging communities to support those who are facing breast cancer.
Estrellado said the summit aims to create a supportive space where women can learn from one another while building connections that encourage mentorship and cooperation in different fields. She added that the event is also expected to strengthen links among women leaders, professionals and advocates who are working toward more inclusive growth in their communities.
Estrellado also emphasized the importance of creating spaces where women can freely share their stories and experiences while inspiring others to take part in leadership and community work. She said events like the summit help bring attention to voices that are sometimes unheard and encourage women to support one another in building stronger communities.
“Gusto naming ipakita na mahalaga ang boses ng bawat babae sa ating komunidad, at ang bawat kuwento nila ay may kapangyarihang magbigay inspirasyon sa iba. Hindi lamang ito isang pagtitipon kundi isang pagkakataon para magtulungan, matuto at magpalakas ng loob ng bawat isa. Sana ay mas marami pang kababaihan ang maengganyong makilahok at maging bahagi ng pagbabago sa kanilang mga komunidad,” Estrellado said.
She added that the summit also hopes to encourage young women and students to take part in discussions about leadership, community work and social responsibility. According to her, encouraging the youth to become future leaders remains an important goal of programs that highlight women’s voices and achievements.
“Naniniwala kami na ang susunod na henerasyon ng mga lider ay nagsisimula sa mga kabataang may lakas ng loob na magsalita at makibahagi sa mga usaping panlipunan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong programa, nais naming iparamdam sa kanila na may lugar sila sa paghubog ng mas makatarungan at mas inklusibong lipunan. Patuloy naming susuportahan ang mga kababaihan at kabataan na handang tumindig para sa kanilang mga pangarap at sa kapakanan ng kanilang komunidad,” she said.
Across Southern Luzon, conversations about women’s leadership, health and economic participation continue to grow through community programs and advocacy work. Events like the Women’s Summit provide a place where women from different sectors can share ideas and build stronger networks for cooperation.
In the Philippines, National Women’s Month is observed every March to recognize the achievements and contributions of Filipino women while promoting awareness about gender equality and women’s rights. The observance also coincides with the global celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, which began from early movements that fought for women’s labor rights and equal treatment.
In addition to the insightful conversations, organizers have prepared interactive activities, contests and raffle prizes to create an engaging and empowering atmosphere for participants. Some of the prizes include wellness-related rewards, a complimentary membership opportunity, and a makeover experience that will allow attendees to refresh their look while enjoying the celebration with fellow participants.
Admission to the summit is free, allowing students, young professionals and community advocates to take part in conversations that highlight women’s leadership and empowerment. The event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pacific Mall Lucena Activity Center, featuring a full day of talks, panel discussions, interactive activities and networking opportunities for participants, with more activities expected throughout the day.
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