Promoting holistic well-being for midlife women, the Wellness and Outreach for Menopause Empowerment and Nurturance (W.O.M.E.N.) Project of Cebu Technological University (CTU)–Main Campus successfully wrapped up its second phase on October 27, 2025, with a culminating event celebrating women’s health and empowerment at the CebuTech Gymnatorium.
The activity brought together 25 women from Barangay Ermita, Cebu City, who actively participated in a four-month program of lectures on the physical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects of menopause. These sessions were complemented by yoga classes led by Dr. Mary Jane Tabasa, helping participants navigate this life stage with greater self-care, strength, and confidence.
At the culmination, beneficiaries performed a yoga dance, showcasing their improved flexibility and vitality—proving that age is no barrier to wellness.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Junas Flores, one of the project’s pioneering members, praised participants for their remarkable growth in self-care and communication—a clear manifestation of empowerment in action.
“Beyond the laughter and teamwork, we’ve seen real transformation. You’ve become more confident and radiant, applying self-care in your daily lives. Many of you are also communicating better with your families, understanding menopause together. That is truly empowerment in action,” Prof. Flores said.
Project leader Dr. Reah G. Fabrica said the W.O.M.E.N. extension initiative, launched last year, empowers women aged 40 and above to understand and manage menopause through accurate information, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and community-based support, enhancing their well-being and social connections.
Reflecting on this year’s phase of the project, Dr. Reah G. Fabrica highlighted its focus on practical wellness activities for managing menopause.
“This year’s phase centered on the successful completion of 16 yoga sessions and a series of lecture trainings designed to help women manage menopause symptoms,” Dr. Fabrica said.
“Through these activities, they learned non-pharmaceutical interventions such as yoga for relaxation, flexibility, and relief from hot flashes and joint pains,” she added.
After the yoga dance, Plaques of Appreciation were awarded to project partners who contributed to the initiative’s success, namely CVCCO Multipurpose Cooperative, Barangay Ermita, and CTU-Cebu City Medical Center–College of Nursing (CTU-CCMC CN).
CVCCO Cooperative was represented by its manager, Viola C. Batobalonos, and Gender and Development (GAD) focal person and board director, Shirley R. Cardinez. Barangay Ermita was represented by its chairman, Hon. Mark Rizaldy Miral, while CTU-CCMC CN chairpersons also received plaques.
Looking ahead, Dr. Fabrica said the next phase will focus on empowering women to develop internal policies, produce a Menopause Community Awareness Manual, and receive training in food preservation as a sustainable livelihood program.
Selected faculty from CTU Main’s College of Arts and Sciences, representing the BS Psychology, BS Development Communication, BS Filipino, and BS Statistics programs, collaborated to implement the project, each contributing their expertise to ensure its success.
The W.O.M.E.N. Project underscores the CTU’s commitment to advancing community health, empowerment, and research on women’s wellness.
