Bacolod City Government Inaugurates Comprehensive Women's Month One-Stop Shop
On March 16, 2026, the Bacolod City Government officially launched the "Serbisyo para sa Kababaihan – Bukas para sa Lahat" One-Stop Shop at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby. This initiative is a central component of the month-long National Women's Month celebration, organized by the Gender and Development Council, designed to bring essential government services directly to women and their families in a single, accessible location.
Emphasis on Health, Wellness, and Inclusivity
Councilor Celia Matea Flor, who serves as the vice chairperson of the Gender and Development Council, underscored the critical importance of self-care and respect for women during the event. "Respect for us as women must prevail. Today, we give importance to our own health and wellness as women because we cannot accomplish our responsibilities if our health is not well," Flor stated. She highlighted that the One-Stop Shop is part of a series of activities celebrating National Women's Month, which includes the recent "Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas" program and will conclude with the "ZumBabayi" event on March 27, all aimed at honoring the strength, unity, and empowerment of women in Bacolod.
Extensive Range of Services Offered
The One-Stop Shop provides a wide array of services to support women's health and well-being, including:
- Women's Health and Wellness Check, featuring bone density assessments and hemoglobin tests
- Blood sugar testing and mental health counseling
- Nutrition counseling and family planning consultations
- General check-ups and dental examinations via a mobile dental bus
- HIV/STD and tuberculosis screening at the City Health Office Satellite Office
Additionally, the event facilitates access to various government agencies, such as:
- City Health Office for health services
- Department of Social Services and Development for Solo Parent Assistance
- Philippine Statistics Authority for National ID applications and birth certificates
- Commission on Elections for voter registration concerns
- Public Attorney's Office for notarization and free legal advice
- Bacolod City Police Office for National Police Clearance System services
- Women and Children Protection Desk of the Philippine National Police
- Pag-Ibig Fund for general inquiries and record updates
- Dietitian Association of the Philippines – Negros Occidental Chapter
Commitment to Inclusivity and Empowerment
Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, head of the Department of Social Services and Development, emphasized the inclusive nature of the initiative. "We include everyone because we believe that true development, women's empowerment, and gender equality can only be achieved if we all participate together. It cannot be only women asserting our rights. We are not asking for new rights, but we are asserting the rights that already belong to us," she explained. This reflects the event's theme of being open to all, despite its focus on Women's Month.
Christine Mirano, information officer of PhilHealth-Bacolod, also participated by discussing the agency's programs under the Universal Health Care Law, highlighting opportunities for financial protection and improved healthcare access for residents.
Support from Partner Organizations
The activity received significant support from various partner organizations, including:
- LBB Pediatrica–Unilab
- Unilab Inc.
- Taisho Pharmaceuticals
- InterMed Marketing Philippines
- Reckitt
- Negros Longlife (Yakult) Corporation
This collaborative effort ensures that the One-Stop Shop can provide comprehensive services, reinforcing Bacolod City's commitment to promoting health, wellness, and gender equality through practical, community-focused initiatives.
