By Kenneth Marcos 
In the busy halls of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) central office, employees gathered on Wednesday, March 11, not just for work, but to celebrate women. Laughter and upbeat music filled the room as staff joined an orientation program followed by a lively Zumba session, marking the agency’s observance of the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC).
NTA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Belinda S. Sanchez, the first woman to lead the agency, said the celebration underscores the organization’s commitment to gender equality in the workplace. She highlighted the agency’s recognition by visiting officials from Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry Marketing Board, who noted the Philippines’ NTA has strong female representation, in contrast to their male-dominated counterpart.
“Promoting gender equality is not just a policy—it is part of who we are as an agency,” Sanchez said, noting that the NTA continues to provide opportunities for women across its operations.
Fortuna C. Benosa, head of the NTA’s Gender and Development Focal Point System, emphasized the importance of including women in every level of the tobacco industry. She shared that at least 25 percent of the 10,581 farmers under the agency’s Tobacco Contract Growing System (TCGS) project are women, reflecting the growing role of women in agricultural production and leadership.
The day’s activities combined learning and wellness. Staff participated in a Zumba session led by male employees, followed by a trivia contest highlighting the contributions of women. These interactive activities were designed to foster awareness, team spirit, and appreciation for women in the workforce.
The NTA also announced that similar training programs and forums will be conducted across its branch offices nationwide throughout March, aiming to promote women’s rights, welfare, and active participation in decision-making roles. The month-long observance began on March 9 following the national kickoff on March 6 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila.
This year’s celebration continues the 2023–2028 campaign banner, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” with the sub-theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” The theme draws inspiration from pre-colonial Babaylans—respected female spiritual leaders, healers, and advisers—encouraging modern Filipinas to demonstrate leadership, courage, and community engagement.
The campaign aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which aims to strengthen women’s participation in economic, social, and political development. By recognizing the contributions of women both in government and agriculture, the NTA highlights the importance of gender equality not only for fairness but also for the growth and sustainability of the country’s tobacco industry.
Through wellness activities, learning sessions, and community engagement, the NTA sets an example for how workplaces can celebrate women while promoting inclusion, leadership, and equal opportunity.
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