The local government of San Pedro on March 9 welcomed the new week with a special program dedicated to empowering the lives of all female residents in the city.
It witnessed every local public official and employee marching through the streets, from the city plaza up to the city hall, campaigning for what they touted as a conscious effort to uphold modern values.
This could not be more in line with the goals and objectives expected for the month of March, which celebrates National Women’s Month as a way to honor the vital role and contributions of women in society.
Gone are the days when women are subjected to a life that holds little regard for their interests and ambitions.
As proven by modern Filipinas today, they can wield just the same strength to overcome the challenges of life.
That is why the city’s local government deemed it appropriate to recognize those who not only embodied but succeeded that they are “babae—at hindi babae lang.”
This event was led and attended by women leaders from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Provincial Board, the City Council, and various offices of the local government.
Laguna Governor Sol Aragones graced the event, as well as San Pedrense and Laguna 1st District Board Member Bernadeth Olivares who was recently elected as president of the Lady Local Legislators' League of the Philippines (Four-L) – Laguna Chapter.
‘Babae ay malakas’
In her message, DILG Laguna Cluster A Head Maria Lorilyn Manrique reminded everyone of the importance of equality as the true meaning of freedom.
“Tapos na ang panahon na ang mga babae ay nasa bahay lamang. Tapos na ang panahon na nadidiskrimina tayo, sinasabing mahihina at dapat ay nasa bahay lamang at iniintindi ang ating asawa at mga anak.
“Tayo ay malakas, may boses, at hindi matatawaran ang ating paghubog sa ating lipunan. Lahat tayo ay empowered kayang panindigan kung ano sa tingin natin ang tama at nararapat, kahit pa may mga bumabatikos at nagdududa sa ating mga kakayahan.”
Aragones also brought excitement with a fun little game, where eight female contestants are tasked to showcase San Pedro’s unique treasure by delivering persuasive spiels à la newscaster.
This is in connection with the recent launch of the Pilgrimage Tour across the province of Laguna amid the Lenten Season.
Other activities
In a message to OpinYon Laguna, Rochelle Cariño, San Pedro City Gender and Development (GAD) Office Focal Person, highlighted activities for the entire duration of Women’s Month that will ensure the overall welfare of San Pedrense womenfolk.
For March 9, women were treated to free haircuts, wellness services, free Postal ID applications and birth certificates, free check-ups and free rides on select public transportation such as tricycles and local jeepneys.
“Nagkaroon rin po tayo ng libreng cooperative orientations at livelihood trainings, kasama na rin po ang mga seminar sa ating mga kababaihan tungkol sa Magna Carta for Women, Safe Spaces Act, at Violence Against Women and their Children Act,” Cariño added.
Programs for women
As the city’s chief executive, San Pedro City Mayor Art Mercado focused his message on the promotion of women’s rights.
According to him, women’s abilities cannot be confined to a single box, and in fact they are the very foundation of society.
“Ang pag-unlad ng lungsod ay hindi magiging ganap kung hindi natin pinapangalagaan at pinapalakas ang kababaihan,” he emphasized.
That is why the City Government of San Pedro remains committed to programs that protect women's rights, promote gender equality, and empower women in every sector of society.”
He also promised to continue advancing programs and policies that will protect and provide opportunities for every woman in San Pedro.
“Because when women rise, families become stronger. When women lead, communities move forward. When women are empowered, the entire city prospers.”
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