The DSWD Field Office 7, in collaboration with its Centers and Residential Care Facilities, hosted the Ms. Juana 2025 pageant to end the month-long National Women’s Month celebration.
Held on March 26, 2025, at the AVRC II Covered Court, the pageant highlighted the strength, resilience, and empowerment of women residents of the three centers: the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II, the Regional Haven for Women, and the Home for Girls.
The event featured six inspiring candidates who shared their talents, stories, and aspirations, promoting confidence, self-worth, and resilience. The pageant included a variety of segments designed to showcase these qualities.
According to Ananisa F. Aviso, former center head of the Regional Haven for Women and Focal Person for Women Welfare Sector, the pageant challenges traditional beauty standards, where winners are often chosen based on physical appearance.
Aviso said the Ms. Juana pageant is unique because it recognizes resilience in overcoming challenges. It is inclusive, encouraging women from all walks of life to participate, including those with disabilities from the DSWD 7 training facility.
The pageant is for residents and clients of the DSWD’s centers, including adolescent girls who are victims of abuse or exploitation, persons with disabilities, and women victim-survivors of abuse and violence.
Candidates competed in various segments such as the production number, a talent show, an evening gown competition, and an interview portion.
This year, the Ms. Juana pageant introduced a new segment called “Empowered Woman,” where candidates embody a female icon or an influential figure. This segment replaces the previous fashion show, which featured their chosen career uniforms.
Haven for Women resident wins
A Regional Haven for Women resident won the Ms. Juana 2025. A 21-year-old single mother and a survivor of online sexual abuse and exploitation. She has been at the center for nearly a year, while her child stays at the Reception and Study Center for Children, another DSWD facility.
She captivated the audience when she gracefully took the stage in her elegant evening gown and articulated her response during the question-and-answer segment.
As she prepares for reintegration, she is learning valuable skills at the center, such as making dishwashing liquid, which she hopes will help her become self-sufficient and financially independent.
“I hope that this new skill will support my journey toward independence. I am glad the center staff allowed the sale of my products at the center during visits and key activities,” Ms. Juana winner shared.
Other winners included her fellow resident, who got the first runner-up, and a resident from the Home for Girls, who took second runner-up. All three winners are survivors of sexual abuse.
Some candidates also received special awards such as Best in Production Number, Talent, Evening Gown, and Empowered Woman.
The two candidates from the Home for Girls got the Miss Photogenic and Darling of the Crowd awards. Ms. Radiant Smile and Ms. Congeniality awards went to the persons with disability trainees of AVRC II.
As part of their role, all the candidates will carry out the advocacy of Women’s Month among their fellow residents and trainees at the CRCFs, sharing their stories of strength and transformation to inspire others on their journey of healing and rehabilitation.
Collaborative advocacy effort
Launched in 2021, the pageant was originally created to empower the Haven for Women residents who are survivors of abuse and violence. Over time, it has evolved into an inter-CRCF competition, now welcoming participants from both AVRC II and the Home for Girls.
In his inspirational message, Assistant Regional Director Juanito C. Cantero emphasized that the convergence between the three centers is a significant step towards inclusivity, offering women—regardless of their struggles—a platform for women empowerment.
“Today, we have witnessed a strong manifestation of DSWD 7 commitment to providing women residents and trainees with advocacy that reflects our dedication to celebrating Women’s Month,” Cantero said.
DSWD 7 firmly believes that advocating women’s rights must go beyond raising awareness—it should translate into action. The pageant, using the platform for self-expression, healing, and growth, plays a vital role in helping participants build confidence as they prepare to reintegrate into their communities.
Since its inception, five empowered women have held the Ms. Juana crown, each using her voice and platform to inspire others inside the CRCFS and in the communities. ###
(21) Views