In Real, Quezon, inside Eva’s Kitchenette, the voices of women from different communities filled the room—not with complaints, but with aspirations for a greener, more empowered future. Over two days, on March 6 and 7, the WEPHILI Communication Workshop brought together local women leaders, facilitated by Haribon.
More than just a training session, the workshop became a space for learning, sharing, and strengthening their voices—not just for themselves, but for their communities and the environment they are fighting to protect.
A Safe Space for Learning and Connection
The women arrived curious but slightly reserved. Many of them had never met each other before, coming from Barangay Kiloloron, Barangay Maragondon, Barangay Capalong, and Barangay Ungos. But after some fun icebreakers and introductions, laughter replaced hesitation.
"Hindi ko akalaing ganito kasaya at kapaki-pakinabang ang workshop na ito," shared Maricris Francia, a woman leader from Brgy. Maragondon, Real. "Nagkaroon kami ng pagkakataon na makilala ang ibang kababaihan at matutunan kung paano mas mapapalakas ang aming boses."
("I didn't expect this workshop to be this fun and meaningful. We had the opportunity to meet other women and learn how to strengthen our voices.")
As discussions unfolded, they shared the pressing issues affecting their communities—from forest degradation and water shortages to the lack of livelihood opportunities and the underappreciation of women’s roles in conservation.
"Hindi ko akalaing ganito kasaya at kapaki-pakinabang ang workshop na ito," shared Maricris Francia, a woman leader from Brgy. Maragondon, Real. "Nagkaroon kami ng pagkakataon na makilala ang ibang kababaihan at matutunan kung paano mas mapapalakas ang aming boses."
("I didn't expect this workshop to be this fun and meaningful. We had the opportunity to meet other women and learn how to strengthen our voices.")
As discussions unfolded, they shared the pressing issues affecting their communities—from forest degradation and water shortages to the lack of livelihood opportunities and the underappreciation of women’s roles in conservation.
At the heart of the workshop was a discussion on the results of the Perception Survey, which these women themselves had participated in. The findings revealed the biggest environmental and social concerns in their communities, reaffirming their own experiences and struggles. The women reflected on the data and validated its accuracy with their personal stories, making the numbers come to life with real, lived experiences.
Building Influence, One Voice at a Time
A key part of the workshop was the lesson on “Tips on How to Influence” and “Creating Effective Communications Campaigns”. The session empowered the women to use communication as a tool for advocacy—whether in convincing policymakers, mobilizing their communities, or teaching the next generation. They also learned about strategic messaging, effective storytelling, and choosing the right communication platforms—ensuring that their advocacy does not go unheard.
"Napagtanto ko na ang tamang komunikasyon ay isang sandata. Hindi lang para ipagtanggol ang kalikasan, kundi para rin ipaglaban ang karapatan ng kababaihan sa aming lugar," shared Arlene Castigo, a Barangay Kagawad and a member of a woman’s group in Brgy. Ungos.
("I realized that proper communication is a powerful weapon—not just to defend nature, but also to fight for the rights of women in our community.")
Expressing Their Dreams Through Art and Poetry
As each workshop neared its conclusion, the women were given time for creative expression. Using art materials, paper, and poetry, they poured their hopes and visions onto canvases and verses.
One group painted a thriving forest, symbolizing their dream of a recovered and protected environment. Another wrote a poem about women working together and nurturing life around them.
One group painted a thriving forest, symbolizing their dream of a recovered and protected environment. Another wrote a poem about women working together and nurturing life around them.
Looking Ahead: Women as Conservation Leaders
The two-day workshop was just the beginning. These women, once hesitant, left feeling equipped with knowledge and confidence to lead environmental efforts in their communities.
"Marami pa kaming kailangang gawin, pero ngayon alam na namin kung paano magsimula," said by Edelyn Repereza, treasurer of KALIPI Kiloloron, a local women’s group.
("We still have a lot to do, but now we know how to begin.")
WEPhili is a project by Haribon and Greenseed. As the organizations continue their mission, these empowered women stand as guardians of nature and advocate for their own rights—proving that when women rise, the environment thrives.
"Marami pa kaming kailangang gawin, pero ngayon alam na namin kung paano magsimula," said by Edelyn Repereza, treasurer of KALIPI Kiloloron, a local women’s group.
("We still have a lot to do, but now we know how to begin.")
WEPhili is a project by Haribon and Greenseed. As the organizations continue their mission, these empowered women stand as guardians of nature and advocate for their own rights—proving that when women rise, the environment thrives.
