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Sunday, September 11, 2005
Mayor sounds off thrusts in gender sensitivity
By Albert B. Lacanlale
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- City Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez Saturday reiterated that equal treatment among the sexes is one of the principles of his governance.
Underscoring the role of women in the Philippines' rich history during the birth anniversary of Kapampangan heroine Nicolasa Dayrit-Panlilio and the observance of Women's Day, Rodriguez said that the city government has established a City Gender and Development Office (GAD) to ascertain that women's rights are properly observed.
He said the belief that "women are of men and are for men" has long been obsolete as the members of what was used to be referred to as the "weaker sex" have proven that they roles in the formation of countries are equally significant as those of men.
The mayor's statement was supported by GAD focal person Sonia Soto, who said women, especially of Pampanga, have been very instrumental in the restoration of Philippine independence during the Filipino-American war.
She cited the likes of Nicolasa Dayrit, a Pampango aristocrat, who did not only spend long hours to help minister to the sick and the wounded revolutionarios but also played a major role in appeasing the near fatal confrontation between the troops of General Antonio Luna and General Tomas Mascardo.
The skirmish between the two Filipino groups, if not averted, may have inflicted serious losses to the country's stand against foreign invaders.
Prior to Saturday's wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Nicolasa Dayrit, the City Government has conducted a series of symposia, sponsored by the City Tourism Office and the Department of Education, from September 6 to 9.
The symposia featured the Kapampangan women's role in shaping the Philippine Revolution.
Also in Saturday's programs, Rodriguez announced the launching of the Kanlungan Project, a joint undertaking of the City Government and the descendants of Nicolasa Dayrit, in the creation of a shelter/drop-off point for battered women.
(September 11, 2005 issue)
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