THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and the Provincial Council for Women (PCW) spearheaded the Provincial Women’s Day celebration at the Capitol Social Hall recently.
This year’s National Women’s Month celebration is themed, “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!”
Women's groups and representatives from the different cities and municipalities of the province attended the said event with Commission on Election (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon serving as the keynote speaker.
Governor Eugenio Jose "Bong" Lacson said the pursuance of gender advancement and advocacy is among the thrusts of the present administration, and that the provincial government made certain that proper enabling mechanisms shall be in place through the creation of appropriate structures, adequate budget and priority programs.
Lacson also said that aside from the plans, continuing programs and activities that are in place, the provincial government has established the Provincial GAD Focal Points System, the Committee on Decorum and Investigation, the Provincial Committee Against Child-Trafficking- Child Pornography and Violence Against Women and Children, and the Provincial Committee on Migration and Development.
He added that there are also new programs such as the establishment of a gender-responsive Migrant Resource Center, help desks and services for women migrant workers, and the HerVoice mobile app to help protect women from gender-based violence.
He also said that all of the provincial government’s efforts are being done to bridge the chasm caused by society’s prejudice on the role and capacities of women.
“Gender equality has always been at the core of social justice, true democracy and genuine progress,” he added.
During the celebration, the governor acknowledged the merit, significance, and tenacity of Negrense women.
Also present in the activity were Negros Occ. Board Member Araceli Somosa, Provincial GAD Focal Point System Action Officer Marie June Castro, and PCW officers led by Andrea Si and Mary Ann Colmenares, among others.