Women’s Month celebration marks giving of outstanding women leaders, functionality of barangay violence against women desk assessment, Gawad sa Paglingkod sa Sambayanan awards
Hundreds of purple-clad ladies and supporters from local groups and offices, national agencies, and stakeholders witnessed the giving of three notable awards during the 35th women’s month celebration at the PFVR gym last March 16.
Present during the ceremonies with profound greetings and messages for the women’s groups were: Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, Councilors Betty Lourdes Tabanda, Elmer Datuin, Mylene Victoria Yaranon, Leah Farinas, Benny Bomogao, Leandro Yangot, Jr., and Youth leader Levy Lloyd Orcales.
Head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Liza Daisa Bulayungan welcomed the delegations while head of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Helen Tibaldo served as guest of honor and speaker of the occasion, where she presented womens’ current descriptive and statistical status.
Four Outstanding Women Leaders (OWLs) were honored during the program: St. Louis School Administrator Annie Marie Caguioa for Education; Civilian Human Resource Supervisor at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Ma. Monica Costales, Ph.D. for Human Resource Management; Marites Baucas for Community Women Empowerment; and Editha Puddoc for Public Administration and as Community Peace building advocate.
They were welcomed as new members of OWLs Baguio after undergoing rigid screening, validation and judging from the respective committees.
Also present during the event were OWLS President Digna Donna Rosario, OWLs members, former councilors Phillian Weygan-Allan and Perlita Chan Rondez.
Meanwhile from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with Leo Quintilla as head of the CAR office, the Gawad sa Paglingkod sa Sambayanan (GAPAS) was awarded to the Kalipi Women’s Federation of Baguio.
The award was given for “unwavering support and outstanding contribution on women’s empowerment in the Cordillera Administration for the year 2022”
For the functionality of barangay Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desk for 2022; ten barangays with their respective Punong Barangays received the plaque of appreciation and cash award.
The barangays and their respective Punong Barangays are: Sto. Tomas Proper, PB Josephine Balusdan; Kayang Extension, PB Atty. Nerissa Bayan; Pucsusan, PB Ricardo Mendoza; Middle Rock Quarry, PB Arnold Camongao; South Drive, PB Maribel Cagalawan; San Luis Village, PB George Saguid, Jr.; Phil-Am, PB Sara Mina; Magsaysay Private road, PB Debbie Banagui; Cabinet Hill/Teachers Camp, PB Edward Lumasang; and Upper Rock Quarry, PB Joey David.
After the program, a marching band led the lady councilors, OWLs members, barangay officials and womens’ groups from PFVR gym to Melvin Jones, Burnham.
The theme for Women’s Month celebrations from 2023 to 2028 is; “WE (Women Empowerment) for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.”
Women’s month is declared as a reminder of women’s roles in society; through Presidential Proclamation 227, series of 1998 and that March 8 is International Women’s day with RA 6949, series of 1990. – JGFianza
