NAVAL, Biliran — A total of 189 women leaders from the eight municipalities of the province came together on March 31, 2026, at the Civic Center, Capitol Compound, for the Provincial Summit of the Lady Local Legislators League: Training on Local Legislation of the Newly Elected Lady Local Legislators, held in celebration of Women’s Month.

The activity highlighted the strength, unity, and leadership of women in governance and emphasized the importance of enhancing legislative competencies among newly elected officials. The rationale of the summit was presented by 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐨-𝐑𝐨𝐚,Vice-President of the 4-L Biliran Chapter, who underscored that legislation is the art of compromise and that collaboration is essential in crafting meaningful policies for communities.

Participants were welcomed by 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐨 𝐄. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬, 𝐏𝐂𝐋 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫,

who encouraged the women legislators to use the summit as an opportunity to deepen knowledge, strengthen leadership, and continue advocating for inclusive and responsive governance. He emphasized that leadership is not defined by position, but by compassion, dedication, and service to the people.

An inspiring message was delivered by 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮-𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀, 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲,who described the gathering as a historic milestone for women leaders in the province. She highlighted that women in leadership bring compassion, resilience, and strength to governance, and urged participants to lead with competence, integrity, and purpose. The Vice Governor also expressed gratitude to all participating municipalities and announced her personal support for the activity to help establish a seed fund for future initiatives.

The summit was also graced by the presence of DILG Kawayan LGOO VI / MLGOO Dexter C. Narrido and SK Provincial Federation President Symonn Curso Roa, whose participation signified the strong support of the youth sector in empowering women leaders and strengthening collaboration across different levels of local governance. The involvement of the Sangguniang Kabataan leadership further emphasized unity in promoting inclusive and responsive legislation for communities.

The summit featured discussions from distinguished resource persons, including Atty. Pedro B. Panis, Sangguniang Bayan Member of Leyte, Leyte, who spoke on local legislation, and Atty. Darl Octa Henessa Santos, Associate Lawyer of Rama Vaena Tan and Ang Law Office, who discussed leadership and grace under pressure.

The objectives of the activity included strengthening local legislative competencies, enhancing skills in drafting ordinances and resolutions, promoting ethical and participatory governance, and fostering solidarity among women legislators across the province.

The program concluded with a closing message from Hon. Nimfa M. Villegas, President of the Provincial Liga sa mga Barangay, who encouraged continued unity and collaboration among women leaders in building stronger and more resilient communities.

This first-ever summit marked a significant step in empowering women legislators in Biliran, reaffirming their vital role in shaping policies, uplifting communities, and leading with compassion and excellence. The gathering served not only as a training platform but also as a celebration of women’s leadership, solidarity, and commitment to public service.

As the participants move forward, they carry with them a renewed sense of purpose — proving that when women lead with heart and vision, communities thrive.