BAGUIO CITY- With the theme, “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda,” kababaihan month is launched Monday, Feb. 29 to celebrate national women’s month; at city hall and different agencies at their respective offices.
A Kapihan, sponsored by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Women’s Month committee, follows on March 1, 10AM to 12noon at the city hall multi-purpose hall.
Panelists were invited to address and clarify issues raised by women groups and individuals. Gender equality, womens’ rights, empowerment and well-being are among those to be discussed. Last year’s forum included personal testimonies on women empowerment as to being a wife, mother, entrepreneur and active community organizer.
In the morning of March 8, the awarding of Outstanding Women Leaders (OWL) happens at the Baguio Convention Center, after a parade featuring women’s groups. The OWL is selected from nominations by women groups, individuals and the barangays. The Save Our Women, Civil Service Commission (CSC-CAR), Baguio Center for Young Adults (BCYA) City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), PIA, Special Services Division-City Mayor’s Office (SSD-CMO), CSWDO, and Igorota Foundation are active members and are part of the selection committee.
On the same date, a women’s forum by the CSC-CAR is being arranged, with the venue to be announced at a later date.
A one-day teen’s health fair is sponsored by the Health Services Office (HSO), BCYA, Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and Save Our Women, on March 12 at Malcolm Square. A photo exhibit featuring Barangay Women’s Organization shall be done simultaneously at the SM Event Center.
On March 19 and 20, an ecological/recycling fair with the women’s groups, General Services Office (GSO) and Balikatan Sa Kaunlaran (BSK) shall be conducted at the People’s Park. Recycled and reusable materials shall be on display, it was known.
In the afternoon of March 20, the best performing barangay women’s organizations receive their awards at the SM Event Center.
Womens’ talent, skill, flair and creativity is showcased in the afternoon of March 23 at the city hall, multi-purpose hall with the CSWDO, Kalipi and women organizations at the helm. The women groups compete in chorale, ethnic and folk dance competition including an ethnic attire fashion show.
Winners of the poster and slogan contests shall be announced in the morning of March 28 at the city multi-purpose hall.
Modular sessions for women in the barangays, seminars on gender sensitivity, practical skills training and livelihood program may be requested from the women’s month committee for the whole month of March.
The following offices are open for information: office of Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, chair of the Social Services, Women and Urban Poor Committee, tel. no. 442-54-93; CSWDO at 442-3842, 442-7893; Civil Service Commission, 443-5981 and 442-0367; and, Health Services Office./Julie G. Fianza
