The month-long celebration of this year’s national women empowerment month with the theme: “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya”, was concluded on March 31, 2021. It was hosted by DMMMSU with hundreds of Gender and Development (GAD) advocates from different agencies of Region 1 who virtually gathered via Google Meet. Other participants joined in via Facebook live stream.

The culminating ceremony started with a prayer and singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Mr. John Dick Ayen, GAD Focal Person (FP) of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Ariane Alvarez, Faculty Member of DMMMSU-Mid La Union Campus (MLUC), respectively.

On behalf of the host institution, Dr. Eduardo Corpuz, DMMMSU-MLUC Chancellor, delivered a welcome remark. In his message, he applauded the officers of the Region 1 Advocates for Gender Equality (RAGE 1), for the successful observance of the 2021 women’s month amidst the pandemic. He also commended the technical team behind all the preparations and presentations. “We are all part of this endeavour. To continue fighting for our advocacies, we must work together”, were his closing words.

Ms. Wilma Ulpindo, Assistant Regional Director and GAD FP of the Commission on Population Regional Office 1, and also the RAGE 1 Treasurer, conveyed an opening note. She underscored that “Women are involved in all parts of the society…and today doesn’t mean we stop our efforts. We are women, we are strong!”

Hon. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, Chapter President of the La Union Vibrant Women, Inc. (LUVWI), City of San Fernando Chapter, was the first special guest who shared an empowering talk. She highlighted that despite being a recently appointed and young leader, her commitment and dedication to make significant changes, are her essential enablers to contribute towards the realization of LUVWI goals and support the Province, too. Ortega-David shared that LUVWI has been serving the community for 16 successful years now with 11,000 volunteer members. Among the many undertakings they already accomplished, in 2020, raising 5M for the construction of the ‘Sanctuary of Hope’ was one of their noteworthy achievements. It will accommodate women and their children who suffered violence. As an all-inclusive complex, it will be a venue to help those affected to recover and restart through the livelihood programs and other interventions, she mentioned. Similar to other organizations, much of their advocacies were also affected by COVID-19. But she encouraged everyone to see this health crisis as a way to prosper our plans and give us hope for the future as we “turn adversities into opportunities, and leverage in our skills and talents.”

The compilation of the ‘Daily Dose of Inspiration from Chosen Juanas’ was also played. Substantial sharing and uplifting words were shared by the equally empowered women from diverse backgrounds and professions. “We can all contribute to a better place, a better world… where equality, equity and justice prosper, and where love wins”, is just one of the many key takeaways. “We are not here to dominate men but we are here to co-partner with them”, a Juana also highlighted.

Timely and relevant to our present situation as affected by the spike of SARS-CoV-2 cases and roll-out of vaccines, the culminating activity was also an excellent platform to educate the participants on the following subjects given by the high-caliber keynote speakers:

• “Republic Act No. 6725 otherwise known as an Act Strengthening the Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women with Respect to Terms and Conditions of Employment” by Atty. Evelyn Ramos, Regional Director, Department of Labor and Employment 1, and

• “COVID Vaccine Orientation and Government Intervention on the Effects of the Virus and its Variants” by Dr. Magnolia Bravante, Medical Officer IV, Department of Health Center for Health Development I.  

The winning entries of the Spoken Word Poetry Contest for students and government employees, were revealed. The talents of the DMMMSU #WonderJuanas and #SuperJuans (Ms. Razzel Lyn Cuyo, Mr. C-Jay Marquez, and Ms. Ariane Alvarez) were similarly showcased. Electronic certificates of the winners, presenters, and other key personalities were likewise virtually awarded. Before the closing message and prayer by Dr. Michelle Cababa, RAGE 1 PRO and GAD FP of the Ilocos Training Regional Medical Center, and Ms. Marissa Jacinta Olalan, RAGE 1 Vice President, a compilation video of all the activities conducted by RAGE 1 and the different agencies for the whole month of March, consolidated by Mr. Ivan Alicante and Mr. Jayson Acosta, was presented.  

Indeed, despite the limitations as affected by the pandemic, Region 1 and DMMMSU successfully observed the #NationalWomensMonth. Ms. Anne Hazel Fajardo from the Philippine Information Agency 1 and was the master of ceremony, closed the program by saluting all Juans and Juanas behind various advocacy events accomplished. Respect, love, and trust are indispensable in achieving healthier relationships irrespective of genders, she stressed. (RMPajarillo)