Prominent women leaders from government and business convened at the #Women2026: Ladies Who Lead Forum, hosted by Robinsons Department Store, to address critical issues in gender equality and explore innovative solutions.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte provided an overview of the current landscape for women's rights in the Philippines, acknowledging both advancements and persistent obstacles. "It's not easy, but we will work hard to make these policies happen," she affirmed during her address.
Department of Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez highlighted deficiencies in existing protection systems and called for unified action. "If we want real change for women and girls, it will come when the government is serious about enforcement. The approach should be the whole nation working together, not individual efforts," Gutierrez emphasized.
Private sector representatives demonstrated how corporate initiatives can simultaneously tackle social and environmental challenges. Cristalle Belo-Pitt, managing director of Belo Essentials, explained that broadening availability of dermatological products supports women's self-care. "When you look after yourself, you can take care of a whole village," she noted.
Alexa Jocom, CEO and founder of Halia, revealed her company was created to offer organic, biodegradable sanitary products as sustainable alternatives. Concurrently, Billie Dumaliang, director for advocacy and board trustee of Masungi Georeserve, attributed her ongoing conservation work to early experiences in environmental protection.
The forum underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in creating meaningful change, with participants agreeing that both legislative reforms and community-driven projects are essential to expanding opportunities for women.
Robinsons Department Store organized the event to foster dialogue on inclusion and leadership in observance of Women's Month.