In a powerful display of advocacy, progressive organizations including Gabriela Youth Davao, Gabriela Southern Mindanao, and Sabokahan Unity of Lumad Women are mobilizing for a significant rally scheduled for March 8, 2026. The event, set to take place at Freedom Park on Roxas Avenue in Davao City, commemorates International Working Women's Day and forms part of a broader global movement to end violence and abuse against women and marginalized communities.
Call for Economic Reforms and Anti-Corruption Measures
During a press conference held on March 4, 2026, Rose Hayahay, the secretary-general of Gabriela Southern Mindanao, articulated the group's key demands. She emphasized the urgent need to abolish the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) on basic commodities, citing that inflation and low minimum wages in the region have left many families struggling with hunger. Hayahay highlighted the daily challenges faced by mothers who must stretch their budgets to feed their families amidst rising prices.
Hayahay also called for accountability over widespread corruption in the Philippines, describing it as "very vivid and rampant" across various sectors, from flood control projects to unprogrammed appropriation funds and missing public money. She criticized the current administration for providing insufficient support while corruption persists unchecked.
Youth Advocacy and Political Accountability
Allyssa Ancheta, chairperson of Gabriela Youth Davao, echoed these sentiments, demanding accountability from politicians involved in corrupt practices. Ancheta accused them of diverting the national budget for personal gain instead of funding programs that benefit women's welfare. She reinforced the call to abolish the 12 percent VAT on basic goods, arguing that such a move would significantly improve the lives of women by easing financial burdens.
The groups assert that the liberation of women is intrinsically linked to the fight for economic justice and genuine democracy. They plan to use the rally as a platform to reaffirm this connection, advocating for systemic changes that address both gender inequality and economic disparities.
Event Details and Expected Participation
This year's rally carries the theme "International Working Women's Day 2026: Kababayen-an, Makigbisog! Isalikway ug Panubagon ang Korap, Palisod, ug Pasistang Rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte," which translates to a call for women to struggle against corruption, hardship, and what they term a fascist regime. Organizers anticipate at least 300 participants to join the event, reflecting growing public concern over these issues.
The rally follows the annual One Billion Rising event held on February 14, 2026, at Freedom Park, which was led by the same groups as part of the global campaign to end violence against women. This continuity underscores their sustained commitment to advocating for social and economic reforms throughout the year.
