LOVE Month and National Arts Month are over. Today, March 1, the Philippines has another important celebration that empowers women and highlights their rights, achievements, and contributions to society.
This March 2025, the country celebrates National Women’s Month, with the sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
The Intramuros Administration (IA) joined the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in celebrating National Women’s Month, promoting “equal rights, power, and opportunities” for all women.
The IA revealed on Saturday a series of exciting events it has planned to honor and uplift women’s achievements. These events will empower them as they learn about the rich history of Manila’s Walled City.
In partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the administration will launch the “Cine Juana” film showing, boasting a diverse lineup of movies that centers on women’s challenges and how they overcome them.
It will begin on March 8 at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros, featuring the 1976 classic film “Insiang.” It will be followed by the 2016 drama film “Ma’ Rosa” on March 15 at Teatro at Fort Santiago, the 2013 movie “Sonata” on March 22 at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros, and the 2017 comedy-drama film “The Chanters” on March 29 at Teatro at Fort Santiago.
Also on March 8, the IA will hold a Zumba session for women at Plaza Roma and the “Likha ng Kababaihan” workshop at the Museo de Intramuros.
On March 20, the administration will open the “Women of Virtue” exhibit at Gallery 1, Museo de Intramuros. There will also be a free guided tour, titled “Lakad ng Kababaihan,” inside Intramuros.
Further details about these events, which are part of the IA’s calendar of activities for March 2025, are yet to be announced.
Free LRT rides, haircut
As part of its “Serbisyo para kay Juana 2025” program, Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 will offer free rides and haircuts to women passengers on March 8.
Free rides will be offered during peak hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Free haircuts, on the other hand, will only be offered to the first 30 passengers on March 12 at Antipolo Station, March 19 at Cubao Station, and March 26 at Recto Station.
LRT-2 will also give roses to female commuters on March 5 at Antipolo Station.
MOA Globe in purple
Meanwhile, the PCW, in partnership with SM Cares and the United Nations Gender Thematic Group (GTG), lit up the iconic MOA Globe in purple, the color of empowerment, to kick off Women’s Month.
The PCW said other LED screens in SM Malls nationwide are also illuminated in purple to join the advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“This is more than just lighting up spaces in purple—it is a declaration of women’s enduring impact on society and a challenge to turn awareness into action. Let this be a spark that fuels real, lasting change,” PCW Chair Ermelita Valdeavilla said in a statement.
The agency, which promotes and protects women’s rights in the country, launched the #PurpleYourIcon campaign, encouraging the usage of purple lighting in offices, landmarks, and public spaces as a tribute to women.
