Following the theme “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!”, DMMMSU GAD Unit has listed a month-long set of activities in celebration of women. It hosted the virtual Region 1 Advocates for Gender Equality (RAGE 1) kick-off ceremony held on March 10, 2021 via Google Meet, and will be hosting more Gender and Development (GAD)-related activities in the next coming days.

This gesture of support is demonstrated by the whole University through various activities prepared by the various units and student-organizations.

President Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., as big support of Gender and Development, even asked the Members of the Academic Council to wear corporate attire with a purple accent during the Special Administrative Council held on March 12, 2021. The said meeting was also attended in by Campus/College GAD Focal Persons (FPs), Alternate FPs, and GAD Facilitators.

Annually, DMMMSU prepares and submits to concerned agencies i.e. CHED and PCW, its GAD Plan and Budget that contains key gender issues and concerns envisioned to be addressed at the end of the year. This is in compliance with Section 28 of the 1998 General Appropriations Act (RA 8522) and Local Budget Memorandum No. 28 dated June 15, 1997, as legal bases of agencies to “set aside a minimum of five percent (5%) out of their 1998 appropriations to be used for programs, projects, and activities designed to address gender issues in accordance with RA 7192 otherwise known as Women in Development and Nation Building Law.”

DMMMSU, through its GADvocates, adopts the below listed Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)- and RAGE 1-suggested GAD events, and conduct the same, along with other unique plans aimed at recognizing the achievements of women. Similarly, this enables the promotion of gender-sensitive and gender-responsive academic and working environments in all the operating units/campuses of the university.

The following are the RAGE 1-GADvocated activities this March in line with the women’s month celebration:

• March 1-31, 2021 (hanging of women’s month tarpaulin/streamer and updating of agency GAD corners);

• March 8-12, 2021 (Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Retail Selling at the DA-ROI from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM);

• March 10, 2021 (RAGE 1 Women’s Month Kick-off Celebration via Google Meet from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM);

• March 12, 2021 (Beshytaktakan c/o POPCOM-RO1 with RAGE 1 President as Guest at 11:00 AM);

• March 16, 2021 (DMMMSU-Open University System Kapihan Para sa Kababaihan: Dagdag Kaalaman Tungkol sa RAGE-1 via DMMMSU-OUS and RAGE 1 social media pages);

• March 17, 2021 (RAGE-1 Virtual Talk with the Youth from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN);

• March 19, 2021 (DOH Webinar on Healthy Lifestyle Program with DENR-RO1 and all RAGE 1 members);

• March 26, 2021 (Issues and Concerns of Women with Disabilities and Solo Parents in the City of Candon, Ilocos Sur c/o DSWD-RO1);

• March 29, 2021 (Spoken Poetry Contest Virtual Presentation c/o DMMMSU-MLUC);

• March 30, 2021 (Chikahan ni Juana at Juan c/o DMMMSU-MLUC); and

• March 31, 2021 (RAGE 1 Women’s Month Culminating Activity).

Resonating from the speech of Dr. Estrella N. Perez, DMMMSU Vice President for Administration, during the kick-off ceremony, the University is undeniably taking the lead in creating a vibrant noise to contribute towards the realization of gender equity vital in ensuring sustainable development.

This annual campaign is a call for action to close gender gaps, give tribute, and recognize the extraordinary roles of women in society. In the Philippines, this observance is guided by Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988, Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988, and Republic Act 6949 s. 1990, respectively.  

Despite the effects of the pandemic, together, #WEMakeChangeWorkForWomen because #WonderJuanas and #SuperJuans are both phenomenal and empowered individuals who can contribute to the achievement of United Nations-Sustainable Development Goal No. 5. (RMCPajarillo)