The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), through its Gender and Development Focal Point System-Technical Working Group (GFPS-TWG), successfully marked the 2025 National Women’s Month (NWM) with a month-long celebration bearing the theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” and sub-theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas!” The month of March was filled with various events and activities designed to recognize the invaluable contributions of women across all sectors of PSA.

On 26 March 2025, through “Step Up for Her” initiative, the GFPS-TWG, in collaboration with the Civil Registration Service (CRS), the Regional Statistical Service Office (RSSO) MIMAROPA – Provincial Statistical Office of Rizal, and the Local Government Unit of Baras, Rizal, conducted a Birth Registration Assistance Project at Sitio Malalim, Brgy. San Juan, Rizal. A total 236 civil registry documents were issued to residents during the activity.

The 2025 NWM also highlighted the talents and creativity of PSA employees through the Women in Action: Unstoppable Photography and Short-Film Contest. This initiative served as a tribute to the strength, resilience, and empowerment of women. Through the submission of 20 photography entries and 15 short films, participants celebrated the inspiring stories of fearless women who are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping a better future for all.

The photography contest winners included RSSO 06, which took first place with their entry, ‘Unstoppable Women: Navigating Challenges for Change,’ and also won the People’s Choice Award.

RSSO BARMM claimed second place, while RSSO 03 secured third.

In the Short Film Making Contest, RSSO 13 took first place, followed by RSSO BARMM in second place and RSSO 09 in third.

In addition to creative campaigns for women empowerment, PSA’s women were also featured in HerStory: PSA’s Women in Spotlight series, which showcased stories of women who excell in various roles, from motherhood to leadership. These stories were posted every Friday of March on PSA’s social media platform to celebrate the diversity of women within the organization.

To further support women’s empowerment, PSA offered “Serbisyo Para Kay Juana,” where the CRS and Legal Service provided civil registry documents to the first 100 women for free on every Mondays of March. Meanwhile, Legal consultations on civil registry concerns were also made available every Friday.

Moreover, PSA’s commitment to gender equality was also demonstrated by conducting four sessions of Gender Sensitivity and Gender Fair Language Training Programs, which were held on 19, 20, 26, and 28 March 2025. The sessions, led by Dr. Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines, were aimed at equipping PSA personnel with the knowledge to further cultivate a gender-sensitive workplace.

In addition, the celebration included a Seminar on Business and Entrepreneurial Mind-setting, held on 21 March 2025, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry. The seminar, featuring renowned entrepreneur Mr. Jorge Noel Y. Wieneke III, aimed to inspire and motivate personnel to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

In collaboration with the Quezon City Fire District, PSA employees participated in a Basic Survival Course that included lessons on First Aid and Special Rescue techniques. This training equipped personnel with vital emergency response skills.

For sports enthusiasts, the She Spikes: Women’s Volleyball One Day League was held, showcasing women in sports through a friendly yet competitive volleyball event. The PhilSys Registry Office bagged the championship, with the Civil Registration and Central Support Office securing the first runner-up spot, the Office of the National Statistician and the Censuses and Technical Coordination Office as the second runner up, and Sectoral and Statistics Office as the third runner up.

The PSA through its Human Resources Division – Health and Wellness Unit also partnered with the Philippine Red Cross conducted a bloodletting activity on 26 March 2025 where 58 successful donations were made. Additionally, Zumba Fridays sessions were also held on every Fridays of March, promoting health and wellness among PSA employees.

As part of the month-long celebration, a three-week bazaar was organized in partnership with the PSA Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Union of Statistics Employees, and the DTI through the Census Provident Fund Inc. The event highlighted women entrepreneurs, giving them a platform to showcase their products, promote their businesses, and connect with a wider audience.

Through these activities, the PSA not only celebrated the vital role of women within the organization but also reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in all sectors.

- Gender and Development Unit, ONS