Celebrating Resilience: The 2026 NOACAA-INC Women’s Forum

 

In a vibrant celebration of National Women’s Month, the Negros Oriental Alliance of Culture and the Arts Advocates (NOACAA) hosted an inspiring Forum on Women that united leaders in advocacy, wellness, and creativity. Held in March 2026, the event served as a powerful platform for empowerment and community dialogue, bringing together diverse voices to honor the journey of women in the modern era. The forum moved beyond simple discussion, creating a sanctuary where stories of courage, resilience, and hope were shared with an engaged audience. 

2026 Women Forum in Negros Oriental

The event was highlighted by the profound insights of an esteemed panel that represented various sectors of society. Women’s rights advocate Nancy Estelloso provided deep historical and social context to the struggle for equity, while wellness expert Caroline Van Eeghem offered essential perspectives on holistic health. The panel was further strengthened by the presence of scouting executive Queen Marie Truno Ferraren and accomplished author Gemma Minda Laxina Iso, who also serves as the coordinator of the Buglas Reading & Writers Club. Together, these women illustrated the multifaceted nature of leadership and the importance of uplifting female voices in every professional and creative field.

Art and literature took center stage during the program, particularly as the event coincided with World Poetry Day on March 21. The forum paid tribute to the literary heritage of the region through moving recitations. Ma. Chelsie Quinicot Aseñas delivered a soulful reading of "Bonsai" by the late National Artist for Literature, Dr. Edith Tiempo. This was followed by Jake Ryan Villanueva, who performed "The Total Strangers" by the beloved Baisanon poet Ganda T. Larena. These performances underscored the forum’s commitment to the arts, proving that literature remains a vital tool for expressing the female experience. 

Prof. Penn T. Larena, Caroline Van EeghemNancy Estelloso

The success of the gathering was made possible through the visionary leadership of NOACAA President Prof. Penn T. Larena and Vice President Genesis Dimatulac, alongside Sandra Palomar-Quan, Executive Director of Arts and Design Collective Dumaguete, Inc. Their efforts were bolstered by the invaluable contributions of a dedicated support team—including Ernest Acar, Charles Justine Arias, Arjune Villar, Ruvilu Villaflores Lumacao, and Joyce Anne Dimatulac. The collaborative spirit of the Buglas Reading & Writers Club, St. Paul University Dumaguete, and Asian College Inc. ensured that the event reached a wide and appreciative audience.

Ultimately, the forum stood as a testament to the strength of the local community. It concluded with a heartfelt message of gratitude and glory to God, leaving participants inspired by the collective energy of the speakers and organizers. By creating a space that intentionally uplifted women’s stories, the NOACAA-INC Women’s Forum 2026 successfully reinforced the bonds of community and the enduring power of advocacy and the arts.