As part of the National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC), every March in congruence with the worldwide observance of the International Women’s Day, the CALABARZON Regional Gender and Development Council (RGADC) held the 2020 Region IV Women’s Month Celebration at the University of Rizal System Morong Campus on March 5.
A breakfast dubbed “Kapehan” kicked off the event. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and other regional line agencies from Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal like the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) was present. The Department of Health (DOH) gave free intravenous pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination 23 (IPPV 23). This would render the recipient safe from deadly pneumococcal diseases for at least five years accordingly.
A forum on women and women empowerment followed. The keynote speaker, Atty. John Castriciones, Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) shed light on RA 9710 otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Women (MCW). The MCW is a comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination through the recognition, protection, fulfilment and promotion of rights of Filipino women, especially those belonging in the marginalized sectors of the society.
A special dance number for everyone was led by the DAR participants. A video presentation on teenage pregnancy was given by the Commission on Population (POPCOM) Region IV – A. Cultural presentations in the form of dances were rendered by the URS – Antipolo Dance Troupe.
Winner of the Best GAD Advocate and champions of the #Hashtag Contest aligned on the theme of the Women’s Month Celebration, “We Make Change Work for Women” were given prizes. The best GAD Advocate is Daisy Barilea of TESDA – Rizal. #Hashtag Contest winners are First Prize – Gemma Sippi (PSA – Rizal) with her entry #MarchanaJuana; Second Place – Ma. Theresa Hernandez (BatSU) with her entry #KakaiBabae, and; Third Place – Vanessa Antazo (PSA – Rizal) with her entry #MakabagongFilipinasaBagongDekada.
The participants received free haircuts, manicures, pedicure,s and massage after the forum.
A total of 693 delegates participated in the event.
This year’s hosts are the DAR and URS. As tradition goes, the host to the 2021 Regional Women’s Month Celebration will be the Province of Cavite and the Cavite State University (CvSU).
