Iloilo women mark Working Women’s Day 2026

By Juliane Judilla

Women and various multisectoral groups convened for a forum and protest in commemoration of International Working Women’s Day 2026 on Sunday, March 8.

In Iloilo City, the Gabriela Women’s Alliance of Panay and Guimaras, Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) Visayas, and the Panay Alliance of Concerned Citizens for Health and Environmental Protection (PACCHEP) organized an agri-fair at the St. Clement’s Church compound in La Paz, Iloilo City.

The event showcased local products and fresh produce from different women’s groups and local farmers’ associations.

A forum addressing the challenges faced by working women in various sectors of society was also held.

Women from different sectors spoke about their plight and struggles during the forum.

Lucy Francisco, spokesperson for Gabriela Panay and Guimaras, pointed out the significance of women’s resistance throughout history and how it should be reflected, especially in today’s political climate.

Francisco discussed the history of International Working Women’s Day, noting that in 1911, more than 1 million women in Europe marked the first observance by demanding labor rights, an end to discrimination, and women’s suffrage.

She said this was also reflected in the Philippines on March 8, 1971, when the then-legal group MAKIBAKA led thousands of women to the streets to protest poverty, inhumane working conditions, and low wages under the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

She added that women have long been at the forefront of fighting for people’s rights, especially now that issues of corruption, landlessness, and foreign intervention remain rampant.

Gabriela is also calling for the removal of the 12% value-added tax to ease the continuing rise in the prices of basic services.

The group is also opposing the privatization of essential social services such as water, electricity and transportation.

“We need to unite to fight for our right to livelihood,” Francisco said.

“If we stand together, we can truly fight back, especially against the rotten and oppressive system,” she added.

Afterward, the participants staged a picket protest in front of St. Clement’s Church.