FEMALE employees of the Provincial Government of Pampanga joined the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on Monday, March 2, in celebrating the International Women's Month with the theme "We Make Change Work for Women."
The kick-off celebration started with a graceful Zumba exercise in front of the Capitol grounds in the City of San Fernando.
Capitol women employees danced their hearts out wearing their purple-themed shirts to signal the start of the celebration in the province.
Governor Dennis Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia Pineda led the celebration with other board members, guests, department heads, and employees of the Capitol.
During the flag ceremony, all women employees burst with excitement when Vice Governor Pineda announced half-day work for all women employees.
"Eto regalo ni Governor Delta para sa inyo. Magrelax, mamili kayo sa mall, and magcelebarte kayo kasama mga pamilya ninyo," she said.
In the event, briefers about the Magna Carta for Women and other laws and agreements protecting the rights of women were also given to advance gender equality and women empowerment among the lady employees here.
The celebration became more special as GMA 7 Talent and former Starmills Central Luzon TV 36 Star Search Grand Finalist Lemuel Lansangan owned the hearts of the ladies as he gave flowers and serenaded them with Rey Valera's classic hit song "Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko."
According to Board Member Cherry Manalo, committee chairperson on women and family, the celebration is a perfect time for people to recognize and highlight the important role of women as active catalysts of change and development, and partners in nation-building.
She said the Provincial Government has prepared several programs and activities for all the women in the community to spread awareness on issues affecting women's health and lifestyle.
Other activities for women's month include: Seminar-Workshop on GAD Plan and Budget for GFPS-TWG Members on March 5 to 6 at Hacienda Gracia in Lubao town, Gender Sensitivity Seminar among selected Capitol employees on March 13; Orientation on Sexual Harassment and Other Gender-Based Violence In Evacuation Center intended for Nanay Community Workers (NCW), NCW presidents, and evacuation managers on March 20 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center; Personality Development Seminar to be participated in by female capitol employees on March 23 at the Benigno Aquino Hall; and Babayi Summit to be attended by some women from different sectors on March 31 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center. (PR)