The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, through Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson, recently honored several advocates for women’s empowerment and gender equality during the Abanse Negrense Women Empowerment and Gender Equality (WEGE) Awarding Ceremony, held at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City.
Launched in 2021, the search aimed to localize the implementation of key provisions from the Magna Carta of Women. It also underscored the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), a landmark document from the 4th World Conference on Women, which serves as a global blueprint for advancing women’s rights and gender equality.
The BPfA outlines 12 critical areas of concern, including women and poverty, education and training, health, violence against women, armed conflict, the economy, women in power and decision-making, institutional mechanisms, human rights, media representation, environmental issues, and the rights of the girl child.
Among the awardees were Dr. Pilipinas Ma. Jareño, Dr. Juliet Jeruta, Ma. Ester Espina, Dionela Flores – Madrona, Dr. Richelle Verdeprado – Mangga, Prof. May Olorga, Dr. Ma. Cristina Basa – Orbecido, Rosalinda Tvilla, Ma. Naty Bayona, Ma. Victoria Geolingo - Cañete, Councilor Celia Flor, Atty. Rowena Guanzon, Jenie Macalipsay, Wenonah Martyr, Atty. Annabelle Respall, Dr. Elvie Samson, Atty. Andrea Lizares – Si, and Atty. Jocelle Batapa – Sigue.
In addition, organizations recognized for their contributions include the Negros Occidental Girl Scout Council, the Rural Improvement Club of Negros Occidental, the Dawn Foundation, Inc., the Negros Occidental Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Inc., and the Provincial Council for Women.
Governor Lacson emphasized that the WEGE Award symbolizes the province’s progress in overcoming challenges and striving toward a more just and inclusive society.
“To our awardees, your dedication has ensured that the principles of the BPfA and the Magna Carta of Women are not just policy statements but tangible realities in our province,” he stated.
“Whether in governance, education, health, economic empowerment, media, environmental protection, or advocacy against gender-based violence, our awardees stand as pillars of positive change,” he added.
The event was also attended by Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chair of the SP Committee on Women and Family, and Provincial Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System Action Officer Marie June Castro, among others.
The GAD Awards and Incentives projects were conceptualized in 2020, in observance of the 25th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action.