DENR Western Visayas forum highlights women’s mental health, inclusion

ILOILO CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas brought employees together to discuss women’s leadership, mental health and inclusive communities during a two-day forum marking National Women’s Month.

The agency held “Lead, Care, Inspire: A two-day GAD Forum on Women’s Mental Health and Inclusive Communities” on March 10-11, 2026, at the DENR Activity Center.

Under the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” and subtheme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the regional celebration sought to empower both female and male employees.

The subtheme draws inspiration from babaylans, spiritual and community leaders in precolonial Philippine society who served as healers, counselors and keepers of wisdom.

The gender and development forum focused on leadership, mental well-being and social inclusion, helping participants better understand gender-related concerns, emotional health and the importance of safe, inclusive spaces.

Following the opening activities on the first day, forester June Melissa C. Garol, assistant regional director for management services and chairperson of the Regional Gender and Development Focal Point System, welcomed participants.

“This activity is a meaningful GAD initiative that promotes awareness of women’s mental health and the importance of building inclusive communities. We will learn, reflect, and share experiences, listen to personal stories, and share insights. I am sure you will gain a deeper appreciation of the realities faced by women in different aspects of life,” Garol said in her message.

Navigating life’s challenges

Forester Gloria M. Flores, chief of DENR Region 6’s Conservation and Development Division, was the first resource speaker to share her life story.

During the “Her Story” session, Flores recounted a journey shaped by resilience, perseverance and determination, from her formative years to motherhood and leadership within the department.

Her experiences reflected the forum’s portrayal of a modern babaylan: a woman who draws wisdom from her past to guide others in the present.

Flores’ story emphasized that leadership goes beyond position or authority. It involves understanding people, fulfilling responsibilities and making difficult decisions while remaining grounded in one’s values.

The psychology of experiences

That afternoon, registered psychologist and instructor Jezzebelle Baldo-Villanueva led a feedback session examining the psychological aspects of the experiences Flores shared.

Baldo-Villanueva placed those experiences in the context of mental health and emotional well-being, emphasizing resilience, coping mechanisms, support systems and seeking help when needed.

Her discussion helped participants understand mental health in both personal and professional settings.

An open forum followed, with participants asking questions and sharing their experiences as public servants. The exchange encouraged openness, empathy and mutual respect as they learned from one another’s insights and reflections.

Baldo-Villanueva also emphasized that mental health should be recognized as an essential part of overall well-being and organizational culture.

“It is important that we create safe, inclusive spaces where women [and men] can thrive both personally and professionally,” she said.

Discrimination, inclusion and awareness

The second day shifted the discussion to the experiences and challenges of LGBTQIA+ people.

Moniq M. Muyargas, an assistant professor in the Division of Social Sciences at the University of the Philippines Visayas, led the session on “LGBTQIA+ Awareness and Inclusion.”

Muyargas opened with relevant social issues, including the controversy over Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay’s remarks about actress Anne Curtis, which drew criticism as sexist and lewd.

She used the issue to examine how language and behavior can reinforce discrimination.

The discussion covered sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, or SOGIE-SC. Muyargas emphasized that understanding these concepts helps promote respect and inclusion.

She also explained existing laws and policies implemented by various agencies to protect LGBTQIA+ people’s rights.

Muyargas highlighted disparities affecting LGBTQIA+ people in areas such as marriage rights, conjugal property ownership, access to joint financial accounts, and decision-making in medical and hospital settings.

During the open forum, participants raised questions about generational differences in perspectives on gender and identity.

Some shared experiences involving conservative views among older generations that conflicted with evolving understandings of gender and identity.

Others sought guidance on supporting LGBTQIA+ loved ones and navigating their own process of acceptance.

The exchange encouraged greater awareness, empathy and understanding among participants.

Muyargas, who holds a doctorate in counseling studies by research, encouraged participants to embrace diversity and help make their communities and surroundings inclusive, accepting, welcoming and safe for everyone. (DENR-6)