July 14, 2025 β The Ladies for a Cause (LFC) movement officially launched its Romblon Chapter today, gathering 110 female leaders from various sectors in a ceremonial event at the Learning Resource Center.
The launch emphasized the critical importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life and the power of collaborative efforts in nation-building.
Members of the LFC Romblon Chapter were selected from Romblon State University, local government units, line agencies, non-government organizations, provincial health units, medical professionals, Red Cross Romblon, and other stakeholders.
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President Mani, who officially joined Ladies for a Cause on March 31, delivered a heartfelt message, reflecting on the profound impact of early life stages.
βWhat we sometimes view as ordinary, inconvenient, or unseen, like the quiet sacrifices of motherhood, are actually the foundations of life,” President Mani stated, highlighting how maternal care shapes a child’s health, learning capacity, and future.
President Mani revealed that the invitation extended to Secretary General Gwendolyn T. Pang to be Romblon State University’s Commencement Speaker was also an intentional move to “plant the seeds of Ladies for a Cause here in our province.”
RSU, as the host of the local launch, has expanded its commitment to promote maternal and child wellness during this critical period.
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Secretary General Gwendolyn T. Pang, convenor of Ladies for a Cause and Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross, delivered a compelling address that underscored the urgency of safeguarding maternal and child health, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a childβs second birthday.
She began by presenting regional data on child stunting, highlighting how malnutrition and lack of access to prenatal and postnatal care continue to hinder early childhood development.
SG Pang emphasized that these first 1,000 days are a national development priority, as they shape a childβs lifelong health, learning capacity, and resilience.
SG Pang explained that stunting is a manifestation of deeper systemic gaps in nutrition, education, and healthcare. She called for evidence-based interventions and community-driven solutions to address these gaps.
She stressed that the success of Ladies for a Cause hinges on the active participation of women leaders, local governments, health workers, educators, and civil society. βWhen women come together,β she said, βwe donβt just spark changeβwe build movements that transform livesβ.
SG Pang urged attendees to view maternal health as a shared societal responsibility. She advocated for inclusive programs that reach even the most remote barangays, ensuring that every mother and child has access to essential services.
SG Pangβs presence in Romblon marked a historic momentβthe provinceβs first chapter outside Metro Manila.
SG Pang further expressed hope that this launch would catalyze grassroots action, inspire policy support, and ultimately uplift generations of Romblomanons through sustained care and advocacy.
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Hon. Trina Alejandra Q. Firmalo-Fabic, the first woman governor of Romblon, expressed her full support for the advocacy, stressing the need for the province to implement measures to protect and develop “soft infrastructure and human capital.”
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Hon. Irene Morgado Ortiz expressed gratitude for being identified as a champion for women and children’s programs in the province.
President Mani specifically acknowledged Ortiz as one of the “provincial championsβ who could help push for a provincial resolution in support of LFC.
Pres. Mani also expressed hopes for Governor Fabicβs support to institutionalize long-term programs.
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Twenty core lead members signed the Covenant of Understanding, outlining the movement’s goals and expected outcomes.
Attendees also signed the Manifesto of Commitment and recited a pledge of commitment led by SG Pang.
A poignant moment saw all women guests and members pinning their LFC badges onto one another. Certificates of Membership were distributed after dinner.
The event featured musical performances themed on women empowerment by Ann Janeth Alba, Charito Gascon, Dr. John Fabello, and students of the College of Education.
Princess De Juan hosted the event, which was livestreamed across official media pages by RSU’s Office of Media and Public Affairs.
The Office of the University President organized the event in partnership with the Gender and Development Office headed by Carolyn Fetalver.
President Mani concluded, “This is only the beginning… May Ladies for a Cause grow strong in Romblon, and may it become a movement that uplifts mothers, empowers women, and protects children for generations to come.”
