I had the privilege of attending “Dakila: A Celebration of Fine Women,” a meaningful gathering that marked the culmination of womens month by honoring exceptional Filipinas who continue to shape society through leadership and service. Among the awardees was our President and CEO, Maria Carolina V. Dominguez, recognized as one of the Dakilang Babaylan. She stood alongside esteemed public servants: Hon. Raisa Treñas, Mayor of Iloilo City; Hon. Chi Atienza, Vice Mayor of Manila; and Hon. Ysabel Zamora, Representative of San Juan City.
Consequently, the event became more than a ceremony. It served as a powerful reminder of how women’s leadership influences institutions, communities, and national progress.
Keynote Address: Leadership Rooted in Purpose
PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco opened the program by framing the event as the official close of womens month, emphasizing that honoring women is not symbolic but essential. He highlighted how women anchor both families and workplaces, forming the backbone of resilient communities.
This year’s theme, “Lead Like Babaylans, Filipinas,” invited participants to reflect on precolonial history, when babaylans acted as healers, advisers, and moral guides. They led not through hierarchy, but through trust and compassion.
“We may no longer use the word babaylan daily, but its spirit—care for others—remains in our hearts,” Tengco shared.
Specifically, he noted how PAGCOR women embody this legacy by balancing demanding roles at work while nurturing their families. PAGCOR’s initiatives during the month included:
- Health and wellness webinars
- Zumba and recreational activities
- Community bazaars and outreach programs
These efforts, as Tengco stressed, reflect genuine recognition rather than compliance.
For institutional context, PAGCOR’s gender-focused programs align with national frameworks outlined at https://www.pagcor.ph and https://pcw.gov.ph.
PCW Address: From Recognition to Action
Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar reminded attendees that womens month is legally mandated every March under Philippine law. More importantly, she argued that celebration must translate into policy, access, and opportunity.
Furthermore, she cited historical voices such as Pura Villanueva and National Artist Lualhati Bautista, reinforcing that women have long proven their capacity to lead—when given the chance.
Linking the message to the Dakila theme, Santos-Millar explained that leading like a babaylan means:
- Reclaiming indigenous women’s leadership
- Anchoring power in responsibility and service
- Acting decisively with empathy
In contrast to purely positional authority, this form of leadership prioritizes impact. She also highlighted PAGCOR initiatives monitored by PCW, including the Dakila Awards and the All Gender Helpdesk, which reflect this philosophy in practice.
More on PCW’s mandate and programs can be found at https://pcw.gov.ph/mandate.
Dakilang Juana Awarding: Quiet Strength, Enduring Service
The Dakilang Juana Awards honored PAGCOR women whose long service and integrity uplifted others:
- Zenaida Gebana, Treasury Officer II, recognized for 40 years of unwavering commitment
- Jocelyn Sales, Assistant Gaming Officer, celebrated for professional excellence grounded in compassion
- Elsa Carreon, Senior Bingo Assistant, whose 37-year journey reflects resilience and growth
Together, they exemplified leadership defined by consistency, not titles.
Dakilang Babaylan Awarding: Leadership That Multiplies Impact
Carol Dominguez: Resilience as Strategy
As a Dakilang Babaylan, Carol Dominguez was honored for pioneering leadership in human capital development. With advanced education from Kellogg and Harvard Business School, she transformed John Clements Consultants through reinvention and trust-based leadership.
Her story of surviving cancer, returning to the Philippines, and rebuilding a business during global uncertainty illustrated leadership forged through adversity. In contrast to command-and-control models, she emphasized multiplying leadership by developing people.
Under her guidance, the firm achieved its strongest performance to date, investing intentionally in both AI and talent.
John Clements Chairman Mrs. Lil Dominguez was also given a special award.
Public Service Leaders: Compassion in Governance
- Hon. Raisa Treñas shared how her journey from business to public service was driven by community response during the pandemic, leading inclusive programs in Iloilo City.
- Hon. Chi Atienza spoke candidly about confronting bias in politics, asserting that empowerment is a daily choice grounded in purpose.
- Hon. Ysabel Zamora highlighted legislative advocacy for women, PWDs, and children, balancing public duty with family life.
Each leader affirmed that the dakilang babaylan spirit thrives in modern governance.
Panel Discussion: Excellence Across Roles
During a moderated panel, awardees discussed navigating leadership at work, home, and community—an especially timely conversation during womens month.
Key insights emerged:
- Multitasking and empathy strengthen decision-making.
- Patience and care improve governance outcomes.
- Continuous learning, particularly in AI, is essential for relevance.
Specifically, the discussion underscored how women convert lived experience into strategic advantage, even in male-dominated spaces.
Reflections and Takeaways
As the event concluded, one message resonated clearly. Celebrating womens month is not only about recognition—it is about expanding possibility.
Key reflections:
- Women claiming space transforms institutions.
- Honoring historical leadership reshapes future belief systems.
- Empathy and adaptability are leadership assets.
- Lifelong learning enables resilience in times of change.
The legacy of the dakilang babaylan lives on through women who lead with courage, discipline, and service.
Let’s Continue the Conversation
If you would like to learn more about leadership development, organizational resilience, or inclusive growth, we invite you to connect with us.
Contact us here: https://www.johnclements.com/contact-us/
