CSU OIC PRESIDENT IBAÑEZ: ‘BABAYLAN SPIRIT LIVES ON IN TODAY’S FILIPINA LEADERS’

The enduring spirit of the Babaylan continues to guide modern Filipina leadership, said Cagayan State University Officer-in-Charge President Arthur G. Ibañez during the university’s 2026 National Women’s Month Kick-off Ceremony on March 9 at the CSU Andrews Gymnasium.

With the theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the event highlighted the legacy of the Babaylan as a healer, mediator, and visionary in pre-colonial Philippine society, roles that resonate with the leadership contributions of women in the academic community today.

Organized by the Office of the University Gender and Development (GAD), the kickoff ceremony gathered university officials, faculty members, personnel and staff, and students to highlight the continuing role of women in leadership, education, research, and community development.

The activity forms part of the nationwide celebration led by the Philippine Commission on Women to advance gender equality and recognize the role of women in development.

In his message, the OIC President Ibañez emphasized that the Babaylan spirit is evident in CSU’s four institutional thrusts. He noted that women educators nurture critical thinking and moral leadership among students, while women researchers and administrators continue to drive innovation, scholarship, and institutional development.

The ZONTA Club of Tuguegarao, led by President Liza Mora-Arroyo, also expressed support for the university's gender and development initiatives.

As part of the celebration, the University will conduct a series of health, wellness, and advocacy activities throughout March, including seminars on Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) and Peace Education; mental health awareness; cervical cancer and HIV screening; wellness programs; medical services; the NutriSerbisyo Para kay Juan at Juana initiative; as well as dermatology consultations and the distribution of free medicines.