The Regional Advocates for Gender Equality, Inc. -1 or RAGE-1, in collaboration with DMMMSU, kicked off the National Women’s Month celebration at the DMMMSU Mid La Union Campus (MLUC) covered court on March 8, 2024.
Gender and Development or GAD advocates from various RAGE-1 member agencies participated in the Walk for GAD from the San Fernando City Plaza to DMMMSU MLUC starting at 6 AM.
Wearing purple shirts and holding purple balloons, the RAGE-1 GAD advocates painted the town “purple”, a color that signifies justice and dignity and being loyal to the cause of women empowerment and gender equality.
Thirty-four (34) agencies participated in the activity. These are the following: Regional Advocates for Gender Equality, Inc. -1, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Human Settlements Adjudication Commission, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, Philippine National Police, Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Agriculture, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Education, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Commission on Higher Education, Commission on Human Rights, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Postal Corporation, PhilHealth, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Customs, Commission on Audit, Maritime Industry Authority, Civil Service Commission, National Nutrition Council, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Health, Department of Agrarian Reform, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Philippine Statistics Authority, and the Commission on Population and Development.
A thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Joseph Ocampo of the Philippine National Police was held at DMMMSU MLUC covered court, where the participants convened to celebrate National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day (March 8).
After the mass, a GAD Zumba ensued, and Zumba dancers from the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center led the participants, men and women alike.
In the program proper, Dr. Eduardo C. Corpuz, Chancellor of DMMMSU MLUC, gave a welcome message on behalf of DMMMSU President, Dr. Jaime I. Manuel. Dr. Sherlyn Marie D. Nitura, RAGE-1 President and DMMMSU GAD Focal Person, introduced the keynote speaker, Hon. Mary Jane C. Ortega, former Mayor of the City of San Fernando, La Union.
Ortega shared some insights she gained as a woman, a daughter, a wife, and a daughter-in-law in her message. She stressed the importance of the role of women as mentors to their children, specifically to their daughters and daughters-in-law, and how women ought to see themselves as equally important and significant as men.
Ortega highlighted that women and men are partners and not rivals in nation-building and that women should care for and support the men in their lives so that the men would also care for and support women.
Her talk echoes the theme of this year’s Women’s Month Celebration, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong PIlipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” which espouses gender equality by proving the ability of women as contributors in society.
Meanwhile, a contest for the best GAD booth was held during the day. DMMMSU won first place, with its fiesta-themed booth that showcased famous Filipinas. The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 1 placed second while the Commission on Human Rights placed third in the contest. GAD-responsive games were held where the participants competed in fun and GAD-related games, furthering the cause of gender and development.
On behalf of Prof. Lilito Gavina, DMMMSU GAD Focal Point System Vice Chairperson and Vice President for Administration and Quality Assurance, Prof. Keneth Bayani and Prof. Darwin Galleta gave the closing remarks. (By Ces Myra P. Mabalot)