Sentinel Times stages 3rd Women’s Summit, centers voices redefining womanhood

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) students, together with teachers and guest participants, engage speakers during ...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) students, together with teachers and guest participants, engage speakers during the Women’s Summit 2026, as Nimfa L. Estrellado, organizer of the Women’s Summit 2026 and owner of Sentinel Times, leads discussions with Dra. Honey Alvarez, Graciellah Tori Tolentino, Mercy O. Desaluna, Mhae Villasín, May Escarieses Himor, and Haidee D. Papa on leadership, resilience, and inclusive growth. (Sentinel Times)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Who gets to be called a woman today and who gets to decide when definitions are no longer fixed, but contested, politicized, and constantly being rewritten? Is society truly rethinking what it means to be a woman or simply deciding, again, who is allowed to count?

At the Women’s Summit 2026, those questions moved beyond theory into real-life experiences shaped by identity, personal stories, and social expectations influencing how people are seen and accepted. Raised by Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) students, they reflected participants engaging not as observers, but as active voices on issues affecting representation and inclusion.



Sentinel Times underscored women’s empowerment and leadership during its 3rd Women’s Summit, “Her Story. Her Voice. Her Power.”, held March 23 at the Pacific Mall Lucena Activity Center. The event, conducted in partnership with the Quezon Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office and the Quezon Provincial Health Office (PHO), gathered participants from across the province to take part in discussions on women’s rights, health, and leadership.

The summit formed part of the broader observance of National Women’s Month, which promotes gender equality and recognizes women’s contributions across sectors. It provided a platform for discussions ranging from identity and representation to healthcare access and economic empowerment.



Their exchanges during panel sessions pressed speakers on issues of inclusion, identity, and representation across sectors such as media, health, and governance. These questions signaled a generation more willing to challenge traditional views while confronting how these ideas affect access to opportunities, services, and recognition.

In his welcome message, Von Aldrin Quintillano honored the women whose strength and contributions continue to shape communities. He emphasized that empowerment must extend beyond symbolic recognition and lead to lasting action.

“This month reminds us not only to celebrate the achievements of women, but to continue ensuring that women are respected, protected, and empowered in every space,” Quintillano said.

Arlene Aurin-Aliento, SPJ coordinator of Quezon National High School, affirmed support for the initiative and highlighted the role of media in shaping public understanding. She noted that storytelling influences how society views identity, inclusion, and belonging.

“Hindi lamang tagamasid ang media—ito ay katuwang sa pagpapalakas ng boses ng bawat babae. Ito ay sandigan sa paglalahad ng katotohanan at puwersa sa pagbibigay-lakas sa mga kwentong may kakayahang magbago ng pananaw at lipunan,” she said.

Speakers from various fields shared perspectives on how women navigate media, arts, health, law, and entrepreneurship in their daily lives and careers. Their discussions showed how evolving views of womanhood connect to issues such as healthcare access, legal protection, and economic opportunity.

Julie Cox, Eloisa Markel Briones, and Atty. Cryzal Lyn B. Guese-Rosales discussed women’s health, legal awareness, and personal development across different situations. They emphasized prevention, early detection, and informed choices as key factors in long-term well-being.

Maria Jennifer Babat, a tourism and culture advocate, and Marlene Ayen Galit, an artist, highlighted the role of culture and creative expression in shaping identity and community. They emphasized that cultural and artistic platforms help preserve stories, influence perspectives, and inspire meaningful engagement.

Ms. Aira Mae Davila, Community Affairs Officer II of the Quezon Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office, highlighted empowering communities through inclusive and gender-responsive initiatives. Dr. Lorelie G. Salonga, Chief of the Health Services Delivery Division and Obstetrician-Gynecologist of the Quezon Provincial Health Office (PHO), led discussions on breast cancer awareness and proper breast self-examination (BSE), emphasizing early detection for effective treatment.

Dra. Honey Alvarez, a medical professional, Graciellah Tori Tolentino, a youth and sports advocate, and Mercy O. Desaluna, a sports leader, shared insights on personal development, youth empowerment, and sports across different stages of growth. They noted that women’s emotional strength, often misunderstood as weakness, is increasingly recognized as a source of leadership and resilience.

Mhae Villasín, May Escarieses Himor, and Haidee D. Papa, entrepreneurs and advocates for financial literacy, discussed leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial education in building sustainable careers. They emphasized that empathy, adaptability, and vision are shaping more inclusive and supportive leadership.

Estrellado, organizer of the Women’s Summit 2026 and owner of Sentinel Times, emphasized the importance of voice and purpose in journalism and community engagement. She highlighted the responsibility of storytelling in sharing truth and giving space to voices that are often unheard.

“Ang journalism ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagsusulat. Ito ay tungkol sa katotohanan, pananagutan, at pagbibigay ng boses sa mga taong kailangang marinig. Ito ay paninindigan na gamitin ang salita upang magmulat, magbigay-lakas, at magdala ng tunay na pagbabago.”

She emphasized that individual voices can influence broader change and public awareness. She noted that when women speak, they create opportunities for others to be heard.

“Kapag ang isang babae ay nagsalita, hindi lamang niya binabago ang kanyang buhay—binabago niya rin ang posibilidad para sa ibang kababaihan. Sa bawat kwentong ibinabahagi, may nabubuksang landas para sa mas maraming boses na marinig at mas maraming pagbabago na mangyari.”

Participants included Marlene Ayen Galit, Maria Jennifer Babat, Julie Cox, Eloisa Markel Briones, Atty. Cryzal Lyn B. Guese-Rosales, Aira Mae C. De Torres-Davila, Dr. Lorelie Garcia-Salonga, Dra. Honey Alvarez, Graciellah Tori Tolentino, Mercy O. Desaluna, Mhae Villasín, May Escarieses Himor, and Haidee D. Papa.

Panel discussions examined how women make decisions and take on roles across different areas of life, from personal growth to professional leadership. Speakers emphasized that empowerment is shaped not only by personal choices, but also by available support and opportunities.

The Women’s Summit 2026 reaffirmed the importance of community-driven platforms in advancing conversations on empowerment and inclusion. It provided a space where complex and sometimes difficult questions could be openly discussed.

It did not settle the question but sharpened it through dialogue and shared experiences during the event. It showed that ideas about womanhood continue to evolve alongside society.

In the end, the summit made one point unavoidable in both tone and substance. The right to define womanhood is no longer shaped only by tradition or institutions, but also by those who continue to demand recognition and inclusion.