Interfaith Luncheon Highlights Women’s Role in Protecting Families and Building Peace

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More than 100 women of faith, civic leaders and community advocates gathered on March 11, 2026, at Novotel Cubao for the 2026 Interfaith Women’s Luncheon, an event centered on the protection of women and families and the vital role of women in building peace in society.

Organized by Religions for Peace Philippines, Uniharmony Partners Manila, and BYU–International Center for Law and Religion Studies, the gathering created a meaningful space for dialogue and reflection among individuals from different faith traditions who share a common commitment to women, family, peace and human dignity.

In her welcome remarks, Sister Jessie Ann Villanueva, Area Organizational Adviser (AOA) for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasized the eternal worth and divine identity of women and girls.

An AOA is called by the Area Presidency to provide leadership training and mentorship to women organizations within the church.

“Every person is a beloved child of God,” Villanueva said. “Because of this divine identity, every woman and every girl possesses dignity, divine potential, and immeasurable worth.”

She said that across cultures, nations and religious traditions, women have long served as builders of families, teachers of values and powerful influences for good in their homes and communities.

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“When women are respected, supported, and given opportunities to develop their talents and leadership, society is strengthened,” she said.

Villanueva also highlighted the unique contribution of women of faith in nurturing compassion, integrity, service and reconciliation.

“When women of different traditions come together in mutual respect, remarkable things can happen,” she said. “By listening to one another, learning from one another, and working together, we help build bridges of understanding and a spirit of unity the world so deeply needs.”

Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, keynote speaker for the event, praised the interfaith organizations behind the gathering and recognized their efforts to promote cooperation, humanitarian service and peacebuilding.

She spoke of the Philippines’ long tradition of women’s leadership and its important role in advancing women, peace and security. Arroyo noted that women often serve as quiet custodians of faith, values and moral strength in families and communities.

“Religion has often been one of humanity’s strongest voices for peace,” Arroyo said.

She said interfaith dialogue remains essential in a world marked by division and misunderstanding.

“Differences should not lead to confrontation,” she said. “Instead, they should deepen our understanding of one another and strengthen our shared commitment to peace and the common good.”

Arroyo also underscored that dialogue among faiths is not merely symbolic, but practical and necessary.

“Interfaith dialogue is not only about traditions and theology,” she said. “It is a practical tool for building trust, strengthening communities, and promoting peace.”

In his celebratory message, Representative Jude Acidre expressed gratitude for the women whose faith, sacrifice and steady influence shape individuals, families and society. Reflecting on the example of his grandmother, he spoke of women whose strength is shown in quiet perseverance and daily acts of love.

“I am who I am today because of everything she gave us—her time, her wisdom, and her witness,” Acidre said.

He also spoke of the essential gifts women bring to the world, including receptivity, sensitivity, generosity and the capacity to nurture others and build community.

“When women rise, society becomes more humane, communities become more compassionate, and the future becomes more hopeful,” he said.

Former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno shared remarks on present-day challenges facing Filipino families, encouraging participants to think deeply about the long-term well-being of the nation and the importance of preserving strong family life amid social and demographic change.

A forum discussion followed, featuring Atty. Salma Rasul, Rev. Erahvilla Maga-Cabillas, Ms. Elaine Timbol, and Former Chief Justice Sereno. The panel addressed issues affecting women and families, including poverty, migration, parenting, youth formation, entrepreneurship and the need for safe spaces where women can be heard, supported and strengthened.

Atty. Rasul emphasized that many strains on families are tied to economic realities that compel parents to work away from home, often leaving children in vulnerable situations.

“The family is the basic unit of society, and unless we strengthen the family, we weaken the nation itself,” she said.

Timbol, a young leader working closely with farming communities, shared how entrepreneurship and community-based support can help families stay together and build a more hopeful future.

“I encourage everybody to speak out and not be afraid of sharing your insights,” Timbol said. “If we use our strengths to empower others, society can become a better place.”

Throughout the luncheon, participants were reminded that while faith traditions may differ in doctrine and practice, shared values such as compassion, respect, responsibility and love for family provide a strong foundation for cooperation.

The gathering reflected a growing desire among faith communities in the Philippines to work together in protecting women, strengthening homes and fostering peace in society.

For The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the family is central to God’s plan, and the worth of women is eternal. The Church continues to support efforts that uplift women, defend human dignity and strengthen families and communities through faith, service, peacebuilding, and meaningful collaboration.