Women’s month to be launched on March 8
BAGUIO CITY – (6 March 2021) – The celebration of National Women’s Month kicks off during the regular city hall flag raising ceremonies on March 8, with the theme, “We make change work for women,” and subtheme, “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kayang-Kaya!”
To illustrate the admirable strength of women against the ongoing pandemic, a Covid-19 survivor and physician was selected as inspirational speaker for the occasion. Dr. Elizabeth Solang speaks of her travails, means for self-preservation and encouragement received through the virus-spread illness.
Various activities including virtual meetings shall also be launched, including the Innabuyog group-led One billion Rising (OBR) unity dance which is coordinated with other agencies.
A “Sumyaan” project launching for City Social Welfare and Development Office staff shall be done on March 8, wherein office personnel are given a two-hour break per week for personal hobbies, “breathing space,” or “time to pause.” According to CSWDO head Betty Fangasan, the two hours may be spent for planting, wellness, painting or any other productive hobbies for individual nurturance and growth, but not household chores. The well-deserved “pause” is a breather for OCSWD from serving clients, some of who are Covid-19 patients and their families, it was known from Fangasan.
The Innabuyog Women’s group has also coordinated a month-long “Binnadang Para Isnan Kataguan Trade Fair at the IP center, CEPMO building at Burnham Park, and so with PAGLILIKHA, a Women’s Month Art Exhibit, from March 8-15.
A writeshop will beconducted for Gender and Development (GAD) plan and accomplishment at the City Multi-purpose hall, afternoon of March 8.
From March 8 to 15, a Women’s Art Exhibit and Sketching Activity led by OWL member Maricar Docyogen and the Pasakalye group of artists.
A public recognition and awarding of plaques, and testimonial program to the OWLS goes on at the city hall garden on March 29.
On March 22 and 29, Zumba sessions are conducted at the city hall open area for employees and women leaders, according to Councilor Lilia Farinas.
A fashion show using recycled materials is being conceptualized, Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said.
Pap smear during the whole month of March shall also be done at the HSO.
Activities to mark said date were agreed on during a steering committee meeting with City Social Welfare and Development Office head Betty Fangasan, Outstanding Women Leaders (OWL) President and retired professor Emerita Fuerte, office and agency representatives.
Information on the mentioned activities may be requested from the CSWDO, Tel no. 442-3842; HSO, Rowena Rabanes; Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, 442-54-93; OWLS Baguio City c/o Emerita Fuerte; Women and Children Protection Unit, BGHMC, Dr. Elizabeth Batino, 0917-5529-558 or 074-246-8754; and Innabuyog, Virginia Dammay, chairperson, 444-3362.
Women are requested to use any shade of purple to mark the day. – Julie G. Fianza
