PANABO CITY – Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) conferred the inaugural Gawad Bai on College President Joy M. Sorrosa in recognition of her “exemplary service and leadership as a State Universities and Colleges (SUC) president.” The award was presented during the flag-raising ceremony at the DNSC Gymnasium on March 16, 2026.
The conferment is part of the institution’s National Women’s Month celebration, with similar recognitions scheduled every Monday throughout March. The initiative highlights the role of women leaders in shaping academic institutions and communities.
Observed from March 1 to 31, this year’s celebration carries the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society”, emphasizing that advancing gender equality is a shared responsibility.
The subtheme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” draws inspiration from pre-colonial Filipina leaders known as Babaylans, whose leadership was grounded in wisdom, empathy, and moral authority.
National Women’s Month is anchored in Presidential Proclamation No. 227, s. 1988, which designates March as Women’s Month, and Republic Act No. 6949, s. 1990, declaring March 8 as National Women’s Day. The observance also aligns with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
