Every year, we celebrate Women’s Month across the country to focus on women from all walks of life, their causes and achievements, as well as their indispensable role in communities.  
 

Indeed, women have made a huge difference in society, and although it would be great if we celebrated them 365 days a year, this March is an opportune time to honor them and give them accolades that they deserve.
 

In connection to this, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)-Regional Office 1 conducted a five-day bazaar dubbed, “GAD Tindaan nen Juana tan Juan” to recognize and support the amazing impact of women-led businesses and to raise money for a good cause.
 

The bazaar, held from March 21 to 25 at the PhilHealth’s lobby in Dagupan City, was participated by 13 stores owned by PhilHealth employees who were allowed to sell their quality products at reasonable prices during their non-office hours.   

PhilHealth Regional Vice President Dennis Adre said, “Importanteng i-celebrate natin ang Women’s Month to empower women in our society. Opening this GAD Tindahan nen Juana tan Juan is a symbolic gesture as it empowers women who are engaged in some home-based industries.”

The PhilHealth Gender and Development (GAD) Committee collected a minimal registration fee from the employee vendors which will be donated to a chosen charitable institution. 
 
Cynthia Santos, chief of the Management Services Division said, “Proceeds from collected registration will be donated to the DSWD Haven for Women in Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City – a substitute home care for women that provide intervention to women victims of gender based violence.”
 
“It will be used to buy toiletries and sanitary pads that women in the women’s shelter can use,” Santos said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.
 
She added, “Sana ay huwag sila mapanghinaan ng loob. Sila ay magpatuloy sa buhay dahil ang PhilHealth ay kaantabay nila sa mas malakas at malusog na pangangatawan sa kanilang pamumuhay.”

The employees were also treated to a free massage and ear candling as part of the celebration.

This activity of PhilHealth not just supports women-owned businesses but a fundraiser for a worthy cause – a simple act that when done together can truly make a big difference and compound into a mountain of progress for a brighter future for women. (JCR/AMB/PIA Pangasinan)