Thirty government institutions in Region 1 participated in today’s kick-off program to celebrate Women’s Month at the Mid La Union Campus. This was spearheaded by Region 1 Advocates for Gender Equality (RAGE 1) with DMMMSU headed by Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr. as RAGE 1 President and represented by Dr. Sherlyn Marie D. Nitura, University GAD Focal Person.
These government agencies joined in GAD walk and Zumba activities which preceded the Thanksgiving Mass with PNP Chaplain, Father Valdem Joseph Ocampo who offered the Holy Mass. In his Homily, Father Ocampo highlighted the essence of women and conveyed the message that they should be treated as men’s equals. He alluded to the Biblical story of God creating a woman from the side of a man, as he underscored that women are neither superior nor inferior to men but equal in dignity in the eyes of God. He also emphasized that Jesus himself broke the barrier between men and women and modeled how women should be treated during the Biblical time when women were considered inferior to men.
He also underscored that this March, two important occasions are being celebrated: Fire Prevention Month and Women’s Month Celebration. Making an analogy between fire and women, he pointed out the common denominator between fire and women – “hindi dapat silang pinaglalaruan”.
Meanwhile, Dr. Arriane Michelle Fabro who represented the University President and MLUC Chancellor encourage men to support women:
“To all Filipino men, I say: Do not be threatened by these stirrings for equality and development. The women are not anti-men. Nor are they governed by a destructive spirit of competition. However, they do want to be recognized for what they are and what they can achieve given the necessary encouragement and support from you.”
Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” A. Ortega-David conveyed her message through Hon. Maria Rosario Eufrosina P. Nisce who represented her.
“As women, we thrived and proved time and time again that we have the ability to achieve our goals as long as we are given the same opportunities in life. We are builders and dreamers.
Further addressing her women listeners, she went on to say “ Your perseverance conveys an impending force, your strong mentality stands out, and thus you continue to inspire our ka-probinsyaan.”
As for her part, Hon. Nisce encouraged her audience to take up the challenge to reach out to the vulnerable sectors of society.
“We exist to eradicate discrimination, exploitation, marginalization, oppression, and subordination in all of its forms in our society today. Because no one deserves to be discriminated, no one deserves violence, no one deserves to be marginalized,” she added.
This day’s women’s event also featured games, singing, and cheers among the representatives from the 30 participating agencies. Fun was all the more heightened with the presence of the powerhouse duo, standout comediennes, and members of LGBTQ Dr. Keneth G. Bayani and Darwin Galleta who served as the masters of ceremonies. (By Ayu)
