BAGUIO CITY – True to this month’s theme, “We Make Change Work for Women,” ladies enabled by life’s challenges were presented during the Kapihan at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) grounds last Tuesday morning.
Agustina Bantiloc a person with disability (PWD) serves as inspiration to other women being an international awardee in powerlifting in2003, and now a bemedalled archer since 2010. She has trained in Asian countries, and is preparing for another Malaysia competition in September. A Philippine National Games participant, she claims that family, friends and coaches’ support with proper time management affords her athletic accomplishments.
Bantiloc, would willingly train women PWD interested in archery and swimming, as she requests for accessible and more PWD-friendly facilities, including paralympic/athletic areas. More programs for women PWDs are appreciated, she added.
A Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) houseparent and Gawad Kalihim awardee, Felomina Estopace, urged fellow workers to be dutifully dedicated to jobs assigned to them. Intangible rewards come in different forms, she testifies.
Jennelyn Fianza, a Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipino (KALIPI) volunteer and parent leader from Tublay, Benguet spoke about being enabled and fulfilled through working with fellow women and mothers. Agency-led trainings are now more accessible, she said, boosting women participation in decision-making, income generation and community projects. Skills and talents are properly honed, this way, she added.
During the kapihan, DSWD through Nerissa Villanueva awarded media partners supportive of women’s causes: The Baguio Midland Courier, ABS CBN local television station, and DZWT radio station.
Accordingly, a continuous information and educational campaign have to be conducted about womens’ rights as there reports on violence against women and children (VAWC) are on the rise. Abuses could be on physical, emotional, financial and sexual aspects Carmen Chaluyen, DSWD focal person on children and women, revealed.
The local government unit could help much through information campaigns, it was known. Men participation and supportive of the cause is also needed.
As to Rojan Paleng, Regional Learning Resource Center (RLRC) librarian, there are good social welfare good practice researches to be seen at the 4th floor, Project Luke, beside the regional DSWD building, at upper session road.
Women’s month, celebrated every month of March brings on awards, including the city’s Outstanding Women Leaders (OWLS); parades; lectures and fora on women’s issues and concerns.
Earlier, a womens’ rights and reproductive health seminar was conducted through the CSWDO, University of the Cordilleras, Department of Health and the local government with competent lecturers on Magna Carta of Women and related issues.
Other activities for the culmination of womens’ month are the group cultural presentations at the city multi-purpose hall, Zumba with the billion rising dance revolution at the Engineer’s hill covered court; and the city jail women’s dormitory damas benditas dance group second presentation. /Julie G. Fianza#
