As part of the month-long celebration for women at Don Mariano Marcos State University, another set of activities was spearheaded by the Gender and Development team led by Ms. Cecilia S. Sanchez, SLUC GAD Coordinator, today, March 14, 2023.
During the opening program, Ms. Sanchez oriented the participants on the laws governing the Women’s Month Celebration. She mentioned Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 declaring the first week of March as Women’s Week, Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988 which provides for the observance of the Month of March as ‘Women’s Role in History Month’, and R.A. 6949 s. 1990 as an Act declaring March 8 as a working special holiday to be known as ‘National Women’s Day – all of which were signed by the first woman President in the Philippines, her Excellency Corazon C. Aquino.
Meanwhile, in her speech, Prof. Prescilita Villanueva highlighted the women in the Bible and the special roles they played: “ The women in the Bible are a reminder of what it means to be brave and faithful. Their stories remind us that no matter what life throws our way, we can always find comfort in God’s love and grace.”
Along with Ms. Sanchez, all GAD focal persons representing the various Colleges in the Campus worked together to prepare the advocacy photo booth and the ‘wall of commitment’ where personnel affixed their signatures to affirm their commitment to protecting women and members of all genders. Also, there was a simultaneous opening of booths for various services – pakape para kay Juana at Juan, DMMMSU-ATBI where women’s associations exhibited their products, distribution of milk products of Philippine Carabao Center headed by Ms. Vilma Gagni, as well as health services to include blood typing/blood pressure taking by the Red Cross Youth Council of the College of Community Health and Allied Services, and blood sugar testing spearheaded by Dr. Charlotte Marceline Mildred Asunsion, Campus Physician. Three booths for Gender and Society were also opened under the care of Mr. Ronald B. Bustos and BSE students. Each of the facilitators – Russel Ann A. Kechawan, Adrian E. Ramos, Marlen C. Tunga, Kathrina T. Dacanay, Darwin Piscasio, and Jenygrace Marquez — took part in facilitating various services.
As for her part, Ms. Sanchez wishes to extend her thanks to the Colleges Deans, the SLUC administration, the nonteaching and teaching personnel, the Health and Extension Units, and students for their participation in today’s activities. Many availed of the services offered during the whole-day program. (by Ayu)
