In a celebration that blended creativity with community upliftment, women in Balaleng gathered at Balaleng Elementary School, Balaleng, Bantay, Iloos Sur, on March 19,2025 for a Women’s Month workshop that transformed everyday ingredients into tools for economic empowerment. The Department of Languages and Humanities organized a hands-on dishwashing liquid production session to equip participants with skills that could translate into small-scale entrepreneurship.

This initiative featured the power of grassroots education. Dr. Marites Duquinal guided attendees through the art of crafting these household essentials. The workshop highlighted how simple, accessible activities can foster self-reliance and collective growth, aligning with the broader mission of Women’s Month to amplify women’s contributions and opportunities.

By merging practicality with purpose, the event celebrated women’s resilience and illuminated pathways to financial independence—one batch of homemade soap at a time. This aligns with UNP’s mission to empower communities through extension services and gender equality initiatives. It mirrors SDG 5 by fostering women’s economic independence, SDG 8 by promoting sustainable livelihoods, SDG 4 through skill-building education, and SDG 11 by strengthening community resilience. The collaboration between DLH, local schools, and participants also reflects SDG 17, emphasizing partnerships for collective progress. By equipping women with practical skills, the initiative bridges local needs with global goals, reinforcing UNP’s role in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.

Article by Eden Beronilla, Photo by Sherwin Forneas.