FIRST WOMEN IN STEM SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS EMPOWERMENT, BREAKING BARRIERS
In line with the 2025 National Women’s Month, various representatives from the academe, NGOs, NGAs, and the business industry from the city gathered to join the first-ever Women in STEM Summit held at Ynad’s Place Hotel and Resort, City of San Fernando, La Union on March 5, 2025.
This summit, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office I, highlights women’s impact in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
In the welcome remarks of City Councilor and Chairperson of the Committee on Women Hon. Lucia Esperanza O. Valero, she underscored women empowerment and keeping them as inspiration.
Moreover, City Mayor Hon. Hermenegildo A. Gualberto recalled historical women in the STEM field, emphasizing the impact women have in the said field. Manong Dong also reiterated that these impacts prove that brilliance knows no gender and that innovation requires inclusivity.
In addition, Provincial Board Member and advocate of gender and development Hon. Maria Rosario Eufrosina P. Nisce was also present to deliver a message.
Meanwhile, a keynote speech about the role of women in building smart and sustainable communities was delivered by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog. This was followed by a video message from the Department of Information and Communications Technology Usec. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, featuring the “Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA): Women as Catalysts of Change.”
The summit packaged a panel discussion, project showcase, and mentorship session. Various women who excel in STEM fields were invited to be part of these sessions and they are as follows:
Panel Discussion on Breaking Stereotypes: Encouraging Women in STEM Education and Careers
- Dr. Sheila Marie A. Primicias, CESO IV, OIC-SDS, CSF Schools Division
- Engr. Leonora Quarte, Education Supervisor II, CHED
- Engr. Janine C. Abuan, Technical Assistant III, DOST RO1-Scholarship Unit
Project Showcase presenting STEM projects by women in La Union - Ms. Rosemarie Libatique from Mavy’s Native Cakes House
- Ms. Gracia Lomboy from Lomboy Farms
- Ms. Noemi E. Balog, LPT, Account Executive and Partnership Manager from Armada Logics
Mentorship Session on Empowering the Next Generation of Women in STEM - Ms. Lena C. Rosario, Science Research Specialist ll and Laboratory Head, DOST RO1-Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory
- Ms. Annalie C. Rosales, Former Director of DOST 1 ICIEERD and DOST 1 R&D and International Linkages Program Center
- Engr. Dana Bliezelle V. Hernaez, Science Research Specialist l, DOST RO1
- Ms. Alodia Marion B. Espiritu, Science Research Assistant, Philippine Science High School-Ilocos Region Campus.
Awards were also given to the 1st AghamLikha Inter-School Research Proposal Competition winners and participants who showcased their respective projects that will further help the city achieve its goal of becoming a Smart and Sustainable Community.
The winners are as follows:
- 1st Place – La Union National High School (Feasibility of Biodiesel from Marine Macroalgae (Phaeophyta, Chlorophyta, and Rhodophyta) in City of San Fernando, La Union)
- 2nd Place – Brain and Heart of a Christian School (RESCUEMAX: One Robot, Endless Possibilities)
- 3rd Place – La Union Cultural Institute (BAHALERT: GPS-Powered Flood Level Monitoring and Instant Alert System)
The summit ended with remarks from City GAD FPS Focal Person, Ms. Maria Theresa M. Navarro. She thanked the participants for their insightful contributions to advancing gender inclusivity in STEM.
Kakabsat, let’s celebrate and empower women this #PistaTiRagsakKenPangkaykaysa as we celebrate #PeoplesCity27 here in #SanFernandoTayo.
Article by: The San Fernando Movers
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