CITY OF SANFERNANDO – Of city hall’s 22 departments, 16 are headed by women.
Majority of the employees are of the fairer sex, all 614 of them. And two lady legislators currently sit in the city council.
“The issue of equality and protection of women has long been over in our city…our focus now is the empowerment of every Fernandina to take active participation in our march toward a new San Fernando,” declared Mayor Edwin Santiago at Monday’s launch of the celebration of International Women’s Month here.
This year’s theme is “Fernandina, Mapagkalinga sa Bayan, Kaantabay sa Kaunlaran ng Bagong Syudad San Fernando.” The “new” in San Fernando, Santiago defined as “smart, liveable and sustainable green city.”
“We cannot deny the effectiveness of women in all aspects of our society, especially in teaching and nurturing every person and place they consider their home and family,” Santiago stressed.
This, even as he hastened that the empowerment of women “does not equate discrimination among the men and the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) community.”
“Equality obtains in our city among all citizens, regardless of gender or orientation, social status, or religious belief,” Santiago said.
A series of activities designed to promote awareness of women’s rights and health issues has been slated for the celebration according to Dr. Leticia C. Yap, focal point person for this year’s event.
On March 8, Fernandinas will join the global International Women’s March. “Pampering” event for some 200 women will also be held on the same day.
The Roving Academy and Go Nego Kabuhayan Product Showcase is slated on March 15-16.
On March 17-18, will be Women’s Trade Fair in front of the city hall.
A different take from the previous years’ celebrations is the All Male Quiz Bee on the Magna Carta for Women on March 20.
The City College of San Fernando will host a Forum for Youth and Students on March 21- 22 with 500 participants expected.
A Couples Rights: Renewal of Vows on March 23 at the Heroes Hall will have some 100 couples participating.
On March 24, the 4th All Women Health and Wellness Program. And on March 25, the General Assembly of Fernandina Women’s Federation.
Capping the monthlong celebration will be a blood-letting activity “Fernandina: Dugo Ko, Karugtong ng Buhay Mo” on March 30, and the Buntis Summit for Couples on March 31.
