Women, through the years have played diverse roles in the society, yet most of them remained uncelebrated.   

This March, as millions of women joined the world in the celebration of Women’s month, the cry to break "stereotyping" and remove barriers that dictate gender roles still echos in the various nooks and corners of the globe.

This year’s theme: “WE for gender equality and inclusive society” is a continuing reminder that women persist to carry on their shoulder the role of advancing women’s right, transcending culture, social, economic and political barriers. 

Highlights || Celebration of Womanhood showcased in Bicol provinces

PIA Camarines Sur

“Unang una, binabati natin yung ating mga kasamahan na policewomen ng Happy Women's Month. Of course, nagpapasalamat tayo sa naging contribution nila sa pagpapanatili ng katahimikan dito sa ating lalawigan. Gayundin yung awareness na binibigay nila, tulad ng mga seminars na para sa ating mga kababayan,” Domingo said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency-Camarines Sur during the Women’s month kick-off activity held at the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office grounds on March 6, Monday.

Awardees came from the Women and Children Protection desk (WCPD), Family Juvenile Gender and Development Office (FJGAD), and Finance Department.

On March 8, not just women, but all male personnel and students of Cararayan National High School (CNHS) or ‘Cara High’ celebrated the International Women’s month through the CNHS Women and Girls Conference held at the Senior HS Building, Cararayan, Naga City.

CNHS Gender and Development Coordinator Hallivin Pavoreal-Arevalo, herself an accomplished and empowered woman, spearheaded the activity which was participated by Grade 12 students, Senior and Junior HS teachers and Supreme Student Government (SSG) officers and members.  

“Wherever we belong, let us remain empowered, and fight for a cause.  Let us, as educators, be part of the change we want the world to see. Let us enforce our full potential to beat the challenges every day conscientiously because our battles continue as we become stronger. Let us translate our weaknesses into strengths no matter how difficult it would be. Let us create an infinite light to illuminate gray areas in our roadways,” Arevalo stated.

Cararayan National High School (CNHS) expressed their Women’s month celebration through the hanging of tarpaulins, flag- raising ceremonies, and kick off program.  

“We empower girls in school aside from women for their safety and protection.  Let the female voices be heard!,” Arevalo added.

In Naga City, the Federacion Internacional de Abogadas (FIDA) Camarines Sur, through the city’s First Lady and Events Committee Chairperson, lawyer Marion Legacion, in partnership with the Happy Souls, conducted a livelihood training reality show dubbed “Kusinerang Nagueño” as one of the highlights of Women’s Month celebration.

Also through the efforts of Legacion,  a free medical and dental examination for needy residents of the city was also provided at the Naga City People's Hall.

A job fair, local and overseas (March 27 to 28) and Trade Fair (March 27 to 30) were also held at the Atrium, Robinsons Naga to celebrate this year’s Women’s month.

The "Happy Souls," is a charity organization headed by Pres Mariza King Forward.  They also conducted a blood letting activity on March 9 in line with the celebration of both Women's Month and World Engineering Day.  The activity was also made possible through their various partners; the  Naga City Council for Women, Philippine Red Cross Camarines Sur Chapter and Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc.- CamSur Chapter.

Blood Letting Activity II The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, (PICE) Inc.- CamSur Chapter partnered with the Happy Souls, Naga City governnment, and Philippine Red Cross Camarines Sur Chapter during the Blood Letting Activity held on March 9, 2023 at the Naga City People's Hall with the theme " Sa Dugong Alay Mo, Ibayong Lakas Taglay ko," now on its 3rd year. (Photo grab/ Photo credits: PICE, CamSur page)  

PIA Catanduanes

The provincial government of Virac, Catanduanes in partnership with the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) Catanduanes Chapter, teamed up to mark the observance of the Buntis Day with maternal care  on March 17, Friday at the Provincial Convention Center.

It catered to 180 pregnant women and lactating mothers under the theme “Pagsulong Tungo sa Malusog at Ligtas na Pagdadalang-Tao.”

POGS Catanduanes chapter Coordinator Dr. Ruth Lizaso-Dy welcomed the attendees to the annual event, which featured a series of talks on prenatal care, healthy eating during pregnancy, presented exercises during pregnancy, and talked about women's rights. Lawyer Michevelli Samonte, on the other hand, gave a lecture on violence against women and their children.

The Virac Municipal Police Station also conducted a "Serbisyo Caravan" for women on  March 11,  at Barangay Palta Big. Some 200 women from various barangays of Virac benefited from the project.

Among the free services rendered to the beneficiaries included manicure and pedicure, haircut, seedlings, sim card registration assistance, livelihood assistance for single mom,  Unlad Kasanayan Para Kay Juana (torones making) and VAWC lecture.

The provincial government of Virac also joined the celebration of the 5th Provincial Rural Improvement Club Achievement Day held on March 24 at the Capitol lobby.

The event marked the club’s years of continued service to rural women with the theme: "WE Gender for Equality & Inclusive Society.”

In her message, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Hazel A. Palmes said this year’s theme was very timely since the RIC’s activities were not only geared towards agriculture but  also showcased the importance of women as food security frontliners.

Governor Joseph C. Cua extended his gratitude to the RIC members, adding that their efforts and contributions to the community were a reflection of their skills and abilities and proof that women can achieve great things.

PIA Camarines Norte

Government programs and services for women and children in Camarines Norte were tackled during the kapihan dubbed “Talakayan sa PIA” held at SM City Daet, on March 29, Wednesday.

The activity is in line with National Women’s Month Celebration this month  with this year’s theme “WE for gender equality and inclusive society with the official hashtag “WEcanbeEquALL."

It was  spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency- Camarines Norte-Information Center in partnership with SM City Daet.

RA 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act, as well as legislation against rape and sexual harassment, among others, are just a few of the laws that safeguard women and children, according to provincial social welfare officer Cynthia de la Cruz. Women's rights and equal opportunity are promoted by these laws as being integrated into all facets of society.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office also offered information about their programs for men and women who were designated as solo parents. They were also given training and instruction in fundamental life skills.

A temporary shelter, a special care facility or “Halfway Home” was also provided by the provincial government which would serve as temporary shelter for victims of domestic violence, illegal recruitment, and prostitution. The shelter provides psychosocial, livelihood, and financial assistance.

Provincial Disability Affairs Office representative Jessa Mae B. Braga also gave recognition to three women with disability in partnership with the Camarines Norte State College last March 27 in line with the Women's Month celebration.

The PDAO also had community-based enterprises or livelihood program in partnership with Project Inclusion. They also provided educational assistance through the provincial government.

PIA Albay

More than 400 residents availed themselves of various government services thanks to PIA Albay's Caravan, which was organized in collaboration with Albay Communicators Network. 

In collaboration with Dito, Smart, and Globe, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Regional Office V provided onsite services including SIM registration. Legal Counsel for NTC 5 lawyer Judy Bilangel talked on the value of sim registration to ensure mobile phone users' safety as well as ways to avoid text frauds.

Nearly 100 target beneficiaries coming from three clustered barangays received free optical and medical checkup, medicine, supplements and other medical services from Legazpi City Health Office (LCHO) headed by Dr. Fulbert Alec Gillego.

PHILSys ID registration and tracking were also carried out by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) -Albay. They provided birth certificates to clients from the underserved community through their PhilSys Birth Registration Project. PSA provided them at no cost.

Aside from membership and updating of records, Social Security System (SSS) Legazpi Branch Senior Analyst Nizel B. Vasquez answered queries of SSS members regarding the various SSS services and members’ benefits.  (PIA5/Camarines Sur with reports from Sally Altea, Edna Bagadiong, and Rosalita Manlangit)