ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — Women from various barangays here showcased their talents in cultural dance and balak (poetry) competitions as part of the Women’s Month celebration, organized by the city’s Gender and Development Office.
The event allowed women to express their creativity and highlight their role beyond household duties, using dance and poetry to deliver messages of strength and value in society.
Women’s capability
Lady Grace Navales of Barangay Tipanoy joined the dance competition to show that women are as capable as men.
“Niapil ko ani para mapakita nga kaya jud sa tanan kababainhan. Kung kaya sa lalaki, kaya sa mga babae (I joined to prove that women can do what men can do),” she said.
Navales appreciated being part of an event that highlighted the role of women in the community. She encouraged other women to stay resilient and not let others belittle them.
Beyond household duties
For many participants, the competition offered a chance to break from daily household responsibilities.
Lany Leonar from Barangay Ma. Cristina shared how dancing helped her find joy outside of her home duties. “Mao gyud ni akoang passion ang pagsayaw-sayaw. Makalingaw siya para sa imo kaugalingon, diba ang mga inahan naa ra pirmente sa panimalay,” she said.
(Dancing is my passion. It brings joy, especially for mothers who are often at home.)
She emphasized how this annual event has consistently encouraged their participation and recognition. She hopes more mothers will seize opportunities like this to step beyond their household roles.
Delia Tundag from Barangay Tomas Cabili echoed this sentiment. Nalipay mi kay mao ni among kagawasan nga ipakita sa tanan nga kami kababainhan dili lang mi para sa balay. Naa pod mi talent para ipakita sa among mga anak nga ilang inahan malipayon,” she said.
(We are very happy because this is our freedom to show everyone that women are not just for the home. We have talents to showcase, and we want our children to see their mother happy.)
Strength through Poetry
While some participants danced to express their strength, other women used poetry to amplify their voices.
Teresita Villafuerte from Barangay Tomas Cabili joined the ‘balak’ competition to express her emotions and inspire other women.
“Usa kini ka paagi sa pagpasundayag sa abilidad sa mga kababaihan nga kabalo usab sila mupaagwas sa ilang gibati sa usa ka balak,” she said.
(This is a way for women to showcase their ability to pour out their emotions through poetry.)
Villafuerte also reminded women of their strength and uniqueness. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
