Manila – The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) participated in the kick-off activities for the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC), reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in the labor sector.

This year’s celebration carries the campaign banner “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society” with the sub-theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.” The event emphasizes the core principles of Republic Act No. 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, which seeks to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities across all sectors.

During the first flag-raising ceremony of March, Labor Arbiter Kristine Rosary Yuzon-Chaves, Chairperson of the NLRC Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System Technical Working Group, urged all NLRC employees to recognize their responsibility in upholding justice, particularly for women workers who often face unfair labor policies and poor working conditions.

“Every case we handle, every decision we make is a chance to uphold fairness and build a labor sector that values dignity and equality. When women are empowered, families prosper, industries thrive, and our nation moves forward,” Yuzon-Chaves stated in a video message.

She further emphasized the importance of Women’s Month as more than just a celebration but a commitment, urging NLRC employees to break barriers, challenge biases, and ensure justice and opportunity are translated into tangible realities.

In her address, Yuzon-Chaves highlighted the inspiring journey of Nenita Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Best Friend Goodies, who built a thriving local business that created employment opportunities for stay-at-home mothers, enabling them to gain economic independence and a renewed sense of purpose.

Eighth Division Officer-in-Charge Presiding Commissioner Sittie Phamy Cader-Conding echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that this year’s campaign calls for an inclusive society where gender does not dictate opportunities. “We must create a society where all women, regardless of background, can develop into their full potential—free from the constraints of societal expectations and gender-based biases,” she said.

She also acknowledged the leadership of NLRC Chairperson Grace Maniquiz-Tan, who continues to foster open dialogues with stakeholders to address labor concerns and drive meaningful reforms for workers nationwide.

As part of the NWMC, the NLRC has lined up several initiatives to strengthen its Gender and Development (GAD) programs, including:

• A seminar series aimed at reinforcing GAD policies within the Commission.

• The launch of an e-Library compiling jurisprudence addressing gender bias in labor cases.

• An Orientation and Discussion on Execution of Judgment Awards and GAD Program, complemented by team-building exercises for the upcoming calendar year.

These initiatives underscore NLRC’s commitment to fostering industrial peace and inclusivity in the labor sector by ensuring fair resolutions for both local and overseas workers. In 2024 alone, the NLRC successfully resolved labor disputes involving more than 9,300 female workers across different industries.

Meanwhile, 10 NLRC employees participated in the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) official opening of the 2025 NWMC at the DOLE main office in Intramuros, Manila. The event featured the launch of the rebranded #PARAkayK Program, a ceremonial awarding of livelihood assistance grants for women entrepreneurs, and the inauguration of the DOLE GAD Care Center, which aims to promote worker well-being.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma commended the dedication of DOLE personnel in advancing gender equality and ensuring decent, productive, and quality employment opportunities for all Filipino workers, especially women. He announced a series of activities throughout March to honor women workers worldwide, emphasizing the government’s commitment to inclusive socioeconomic development.

Additionally, Secretary Laguesma underscored DOLE’s continuous efforts to enhance the capacity and professional growth of its personnel and tripartite partners, ensuring the effective delivery of services to all stakeholders.

As the NLRC and DOLE continue their collaborative efforts, Women’s Month serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing mission to create a more inclusive labor environment where every Filipina has the opportunity to rise, succeed, and lead.