Wednesday, March 05, 2008 City marks Women's month
THE City of San Fernando Government has reaffirmed its commitment to gender sensitivity and uphold women's rights in time with the celebration of the Women's Month this March.
This developed as Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno enjoined provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide to conduct relevant activities that will recognize women's capacity, role and contribution in nation building.
In a memorandum circular to all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and barangay leaders, Reyes urged local officials to hold programs and activities in their respective localities that are related to this year's celebration theme: "Kakayahan ng kababaihan, Kilalanin at Pagbuklurin Para Sa Bayan."
San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, Vice Mayor Edwin Santiago and the City Council last Monday officially opened the month-long celebration of Women's Month themed: "Cedaw ng Bayan: Yaman ng Kababaihan (Karunungan, Kakayahan at Kagalingan ng Kababaihan)."
Among the highlights of this year's celebration is the program held during the flag ceremony with guest speaker Dulce Gozon, chairperson for Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (Acef).
The opening activities also included the unveiling of "Babae Ako (Malayang Pagpapahayag ng Sarili) Freedom Wall and Opening of Women's Exhibit on Arts and Crafts.
It will be followed by a series of activities including the following: Brigada ng Kababaihan para sa Kalikasan and Bloodletting, Bone Density Screening and Forum on Responsible Parenting (March 6); Martsa ng Kababaihan para sa Kaunlaran, Parangal sa Natatanging Kababaihan ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng San Fernando and Harana ng mga Piling Kababaihang Empleyado (March 7); Nanay ng Tahanan Handog ng Payless (March 9); Palarong Pangkababaihan from March 26 to 29; and showing of Les Miserables at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center on March 28.
The City Government commits to protect the rights of its women, men and children by promoting their total health and nutrition and to provide equal access and opportunities for their economic, social, political and spiritual development, a statement from City Hall said.
Meanwhile, in order to make people aware of the significance of the event, Puno encouraged local chief executives to put up streamers and posters in public places like airports and terminals with the event's theme translated in their respective dialects, and with the prescribed logo provided by the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW).
He also urged local officials to showcase their women's and children desk accomplishments, intensify their advocacy campaign on anti-violence against women, and Gender and Development (GAD) program at the local level.
Puno explained that this annual celebration on women are mandated by Proclamations 227 and 224, declaring the month of March every year as women's month, and the first week of March as Women's Week and March 8 as Women's Rights and International Peace Day, respectively. Likewise, Republic Act (RA) 6949 has declared March 8 as National Women's Day.
