By Arcadia Ilagan |
Photo by Arcadia Ilagan
Beneath the whispers of time lies a profound question: Who birthed our freedom?
Amidst an atmosphere charged with dynamism and empowerment, members of the Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School (AdDU-SHS) united to pay homage and exalt the spirit of womanhood at the EMPOW-HER Women's Day Forum titled "BAI: The Mother who Birthed our Freedom, is a Filipino Woman," held on March 23, 2024.
EVENT OVERVIEW
With a lineup of influential speakers such as Hannah Baes, who went from a CPA to a dedicated community advocate, and Rose Hayahay, an esteemed Lumad school volunteer, the event provided attendees with profound insights into the intersectional challenges faced by women and marginalized individuals and their profound impact on society.
Baes and Hayahay shed light on challenges faced by women and marginalized groups, urging action for change. Their words ignited a sense of urgency, compelling attendees to consider how they could create a more equitable and just society. Whether it be through amplifying marginalized voices, promoting gender equality in the workplace, or advocating for accessible education, Baes and Hayahay's message was clear: transformative action is essential for progress.
BAI BIBYAON
The theme of the event, "BAI: The Mother who Birthed our Freedom, is a Filipino Woman," celebrates the legacy of the late Bai Bibyaon Ligkayan Bigkay, a revered Filipino woman. Renowned for her leadership, Bai Bibyaon bravely defended her tribe and ancestral lands against exploitation, rallying her people in a traditional war against environmental destruction. Beyond land protection, she championed education, notably founding Salugpungan Lumad schools. In addition to her grassroots activism, Bai Bibyaon co-founded organizations dedicated to advancing Indigenous rights and environmental justice, earning recognition such as the Environmental Heroes Award for her enduring legacy of courage and resolve.
The late chieftain's story sheds light on broader challenges Filipino women who have historically confronted gender inequality and systemic barriers face. From suffrage to modern feminism, Filipino women have driven social change with courage and determination. Bai Bibyaon's resilience underscores its pivotal role in shaping Philippine history.
EMPOW-HER CHAMPIONING WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT
In a bold stride toward gender equality, EMPOW-HER emerges as a beacon of empowerment within the halls of ADDU-SHS. Led by the visionary leadership of Allena Sofia De Castro, the club's president, this newly established organization advocates fostering a supportive environment for all women.
Under De Castro's guidance, EMPOW-HER swiftly became a nexus of inspiration and advocacy, providing a platform for dialogue, mentorship, and community engagement. In a recent interview, De Castro articulated her vision for EMPOW-HER as a collective endeavor to challenge prevailing perceptions of the Filipina identity.
"I want everyone to acknowledge the role of the Filipina beyond traditional roles," she asserted passionately.
FILIPINA POWER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
De Castro, whose personal bond with the late Bai Bibyaon runs deep, saw her as the ideal inspiration for the event. De Castro emphasized how Bai Bibyaon is a quintessential embodiment of the Filipina spirit, encapsulating the resilience, courage, and unyielding dedication to justice intrinsic to Filipina identity. De Castro fervently contends that Filipinas warrant greater acknowledgment for their indispensable role in shaping Philippine history. She emphasizes the need to amplify their voices and commemorate their contributions, challenging societal norms that have often relegated their achievements to the sidelines.
De Castro articulated, "For too long have we been silencing or erasing the stories of our women in the annals of our history. But we fail to realize that because of them, we enjoy our freedoms today." Bai Bibyaon, through her unwavering determination, serves as a living testament to this sentiment, with her influence rippling not only within her tribe but also resonating across broader spheres.
EMBRACING FILIPINA SPIRIT
As we reflect on the significant contributions of Bai Bibyaon and the powerful stories shared at the EMPOW-HER Women's Day Forum, it becomes evident that our quest for equality has yet to reach its culmination.
Every woman's journey is a distinct mix of challenges, yet it boils down to the broader narrative of our collective push toward empowerment and equality. Initiatives like EMPOW-HER underscore the importance of unabashedly embracing womanhood, for each woman's voice enriches our collective story. Celebrating monumental figures like Bai Bibyaon or pioneers like speakers Baes and Hayahay are vital. However, it is imperative to recognize that simply being a woman is in itself a profound contribution to this ongoing movement.
If time has taught us anything, it is that Filipina women are who gave birth to our freedom. We must not merely acknowledge but fiercely embrace the power coursing through our veins, for our strength breathes life into the Filipina spirit.
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