The Girl Scout Building became a hub of empowerment on November 29, 2025, as the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Ilocos Sur Council convened for “Girls of Strength,” a one-day development event spearheaded by JCI Vigan in partnership with the GSP Ilocos Sur Council, the UNP Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), and the UNP Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS).
Aimed at cultivating leadership, confidence, and advocacy skills among young scouts, the program united GSP members in a shared mission to empower and shape the next generation of women leaders.
The program began with inspiring remarks from SPM Janina Carine Medina-Fariñas, the 2025 Local Organization President of JCI Vigan, who stressed the vital importance of protecting girls’ safety and well-being in every facet of their lives. She urged participants to recognize the power of advocacy and leadership in creating safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for young women. Her message set a motivating tone for the day, framing the event as a platform not only for empowerment but also for nurturing confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility among the next generation of female leaders.
The first session of the program featured a GAD Primer on gender socialization, led by resource speaker Ms. Renee Grace Tungpalan. Aimed at introducing young participants to the essentials of gender and development, the session translated complex concepts into simple, relatable lessons that resonated with the audience.
Through engaging stories, interactive discussions, and age-appropriate activities, Ms. Tungpalan guided the participants in exploring how gender roles are shaped and how societal expectations can influence behavior. The session emphasized the significance of equality and respect for all genders, inspiring participants to question stereotypes and embrace inclusive attitudes. By combining education with participation, the primer successfully nurtured early awareness and understanding of gender issues, laying a strong foundation for the day’s broader empowerment and advocacy initiatives.
Following the GAD primer, Ms. Kathlene Mae De Castro facilitated an engaging session titled “Boundaries, Respect, and the Empowered Girl.” During this activity, participants delved into the importance of setting and respecting boundaries—physical, emotional, and digital—through lively discussions and role-playing exercises. The interactive format allowed attendees to practice practical strategies and conversational scripts, equipping them with the confidence to assert themselves and to identify respectful behavior in daily interactions.
The “Girls of Strength” event provided Girl Scouts with practical tools and confidence-building strategies they can apply in everyday life, reinforcing their ability to establish personal boundaries and foster a culture of mutual respect. Organizers highlighted the program’s significance in empowering young girls from an early age, noting its alignment with broader GAD objectives to advance gender equality and promote women’s empowerment at the grassroots level.
