In the bustling city of Muntinlupa, one woman is quietly yet powerfully reshaping the way local leadership works — by putting women, families and sustainability at the heart of public service.

Trina R. Biazon, executive director of the Gender and Development (GAD) Office and First Lady of Muntinlupa, is more than just the wife of Mayor Ruffy Biazon. She is a community builder, a champion of inclusive development, and a fierce advocate for women’s empowerment — working tirelessly to uplift lives “from womb to work.”

“It’s always been a passion for me to empower women,” Biazon said in a recent interview on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Pairfect. “I believe they have so much potential. But many of them lack the opportunity to advance themselves.”

Economic empowerment as the first step

For Biazon, empowerment begins with economic independence. Noting that women made up 60 percent of Muntinlupa’s unemployed based on their last citywide census, her office developed a comprehensive system of livelihood programs. From skills training to product development and even interest-free microfinancing, the programs are designed to break the cycle of poverty and dependence.

But what sets her work apart is the holistic approach. “We don’t stop at training. We support product labeling, marketing, and help them form cooperatives so they can thrive as a group,” she explained. Today, the city has two successful women’s cooperatives and more in the pipeline. “It’s women helping more women to succeed.”

Helping families, not just individuals

One of Biazon’s most impactful initiatives is the Womb to Work program, a family-centered support system for pregnant women from indigent communities.

“You cannot just help one person in the family,” she emphasized. “We check each family member’s situation — Are the children in school? Is the husband employed? Is anyone malnourished?” Through this evaluation, families receive tailored support, whether it’s nutrition assistance, access to scholarships, or job training.

The goal? To break intergenerational poverty by lifting up the entire household — not just the mother. “If you only help her, she’ll end up sharing whatever she gets, and it won’t be enough,” Biazon said.

Health with heart

Her passion also extends to women’s health. Under her leadership, Muntinlupa launched the Centrong Aruga para sa Kababaihan, a one-stop health center offering free gynecological screenings, biopsies, and even chemotherapy assistance.

Now, she’s spearheading the construction of the Muntinlupa City Women and Children Wellness Center — a six-story facility focused on maternal and women’s healthcare. “We’re hoping it will be completed by 2027 or early 2028,” she shared. “This center will support the Hospital ng Muntinlupa and bring specialized services closer to women.”

The ocean as her escape and advocacy

Outside of City Hall, Biazon finds peace beneath the waves. Alongside her husband, she is an avid scuba diver and award-winning underwater photographer.

“I’ve always loved the ocean. Diving helps me recharge,” she said. Her blackwater dives — where she photographs tiny sea creatures rising from the deep — are both artistic and purposeful. “I share these photos to show people the beauty of marine life. When people see how fragile it is, they’re more likely to protect it.”

This advocacy connects to another of her initiatives: Reducing single-use plastics in the city. She trains women to make and sell refillable household products, like dishwashing liquid and shampoo, to cut down on plastic waste. “We see the sachets in the ocean. It’s heartbreaking,” she said.

The city government has even issued an executive order banning bottled water in city events, promoting the use of reusable flasks instead.

Empowering women by example

Despite her many roles, Biazon insists on keeping her family life grounded. “When we’re at the dinner table, we don’t talk about work,” she shared. Her mornings begin with quiet prayer, planning family meals, and checking groceries — “my alone time,” she laughed.

She’s also practical and relatable when it comes to fashion, often repeating and restyling outfits. “I ask designers to make two-piece gowns so I can mix and match. Sometimes I even lend clothes to our staff,” she said. “It’s about reusing and redesigning — not just for style, but for sustainability.”

Advice for aspiring advocates

For those hoping to follow in her footsteps, Biazon offers simple but powerful advice: collaborate. “There are so many organizations and NGOs with the same goals. We partner with Zonta, Rotary, DoST, TESDA, DTI —whoever is aligned with our mission.”

She believes success in community work doesn’t come from doing everything alone, but from building a network of people who care.

And in Muntinlupa, many do care — because they have a leader who listens, leads with compassion, and never stops working to make her city more equitable, empowered and sustainable.

Trina Biazon isn’t just the face beside the mayor. She’s a visionary making real change — one woman, one family and one program at a time.