As part of their activities for the Women’s Month celebration, the University of the Philippines Visayas – Gender and Development Program (UPV-GDP) and the Ugsad Regional Gender Resource Network Western Visayas invited women leaders to talk about their stories and roles in their respective sectors.
The organizers invited Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño, President of Guimaras State University (GSU); Ms. Josephine Tahan, former Chieftain of the Indigenous People, Kati-Kati, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras; and Ms. Daphne Karina De Pedro, Asst. Vice President for Human Capital Management of MORE Electric and Power Corporation to the panel discussion titled “Embodied Leadership: The Babaylan Spirit in Filipina Women Leaders,” at the UPV Auditorium, Iloilo City campus, on March 6, 2026.
According to the GDP, the conversation brought together women leaders whose journey reflects the Babaylan spirit — grounded in heritage, driven by purpose, and committed to transformative change in their communities.
For Dr. Parreño, the responsibility to lead a university that is “leading people” and “molding the young” pushed her to take on the presidency. She felt it was best for the university to have an organic personnel to serve as its leader and help with the then-Guimaras State College’s transition, which prompted her to step up.
Before being GSU President, Dr. Parreño was the university’s Vice President for Research and Extension. She credits her experience to leadership roles at home and in school at a young age for her willingness to lead.
Ms. Tahan, on the other hand, rose to the challenge after seeing — and personally experiencing — discrimination against Ati communities. She persevered by taking on work to help her finish her studies. Since she finished her studies, she represented her community in meetings, seminars, and forums, among others.
A chieftain for almost 20 years, she said she had to lead by example so that their stories in the Ati community are heard.
For Ms. De Pedro, her journey to her current leadership role began when she entered the workforce — she was absorbed by the electric company where she was an intern.
Eventually, her employer found potential in her as a leader when she started voicing recommendations to improve management. She worked her way up until she became Vice President for Human Capital Management at her workplace.
Some of the topics discussed were balancing work and family life, leadership mentors and influences, and empowerment.
Written by Carlson Alelis, IPO
Photos by Carlson Alelis, IPO
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