THE provincial government joined the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in celebrating Women’s Month which carries the theme “We Make Change for Women.”
The celebration kicked off on Monday, March 11, with a “Women’s Day Off,” fun run and zumba dance in front of the Capitol in the City of San Fernando.
The “Women’s Day Off” of the Capitol signaled the start of 2019 national Women’s Month celebration in the province.
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda led the celebration with other board members, Provincial Administrator Andres S. Pangilinan, Jr., department heads and employees of the Capitol.
During the flag ceremony, Pangilinan announced that women employees will be given the chance to celebrate with their families through a half-day “Women’s Day Off.”
The lady employees were offered different services to pamper themselves for a day’s treat.
Services like body massage, eyebrow trimming, and hair cut were all provided for free to give the ladies a break from work and time for relaxation.
Evelyn Jose, a lady employee from Dr. Andres Luciano District Hospital, expressed her gratitude to the provincial government for extending projects to support women empowerment.
Evelyn also shared her excitement for the free services offered to them: “Sobrang saya ko kasi first time nagkaroon ng ganitong activity sa Kapitol (I am so happy because this is the first time that an activity like this was held at Capitol).”
She said that this “Women’s Day Off” means a lot to lady employees as they are given the chance to relax even for a day.
Josefina Pineda, chairperson of the technical working group (TWG), said that this year, they prepared several activities for women in the community to spread awareness affecting women’s health and lifestyle.
Among the other activities for Women’s Month include gender sensitivity seminar for male and female capitol employees on March 11 at the Benigno C. Aquino Hall and forum on ending child marriage among 300 Aeta young mothers, teenagers, mothers, and elderly on March 12, 15, and 19 at Floridablanca, Porac, and Mabalacat City, respectively,
During the month, there will also be an Aeta Summit 2019 to be attended by some 500 Aeta leaders on March 22 at the Clark picnic grounds; “Babayi Summit” to be participated in by violence against women (VAW) desk officers, youth, women, persons with disabilities leaders on March 28 in this city, and orientation of VAW desk officers on gender and development (GAD) on March 25. (PR)