BAGUIO CITY – The city will kick-off its annual celebration of National Women’s Month (Kababaihan Festival 2020) on March 2, 8 am, during flag-raising rites at City Hall with the theme, “We Make Change Work For Women” spearheaded by the city social welfare and development office in coordination with other government agencies and women’s organizations.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong will lead local officials and women’s organizations representatives in unfurling the banner showcasing the event’s activities . He will also induct the incoming officers of the Outstanding Women Leaders (OWLs) of Baguio.
OWLs outgoing president Imelda Bisnar said that other government agencies will also have similar programs during their flag-raising ceremonies.
Punctuating the month-long celebration is the Women’s Day Program on March 13, 8am to 12 noon, at PFVR Gymnasium with RTC Executive Judge Mia Joy Cawed as guest of honor and speaker. Councilor Lilia Farinas, chair of the city council’s committee on women, and other officials will also deliver messages during the occasion.
Highlighting the program is the awarding of this year’s Outstanding Women Leaders who will be revealed during the activity itself after a stringent nomination and selection process, according to Bisnar.
A dinner honoring the OWLs awardees will be held in the evening at Ridgewood Hotel, Lualhati barangay.
Other activities include an on the spot art competition on March 6, 7 at Camp John Hay, 9am to 3pm; a photo exhibit, 8 am to 5m, and One Billion Rising dance, 1:30 to 2:30 pm at Malcolm Square on March 8; women’s health forum at the health services offices, March 13, 1 to 5 pm; women’s mentoring at University of Baguio, March 24, 9am to 12 nn; and Pinay Power (Women’s Talk) at Street 77 Cafeteria, March 24, 6 pm.
The role and participation of women on the city’s creative programs at Baguio city multipurpose hall, March 18, 8 am to 5 pm; digital literacy for children in conflict with the law and out of school youth , March 16 to 20, and for women, March 27, at DICT training center, Pacdal; enhancing adolescent health, March 20, 8:30 to 11:30 am, PWU; and a symposium on solo parenting, March 20, King’s Court, Trancoville.
Also slated are a women with disability day forum at Baguio multi-purpose hall, March 25, 8am to 5pm; unit level socio-cultural contest for women at CSWDO unit offices, March 23 to 27; forum on revitalizing environment at BCNHS gym, March 27, 2 to 5pm; and closed door survivors forum on March 28.
For the whole month of March, there will be an advocacy thru various media outlets; practical skills training and livelihood program in identified barangays and training centers; free papsmear at district health centers; and symposium on violence against women in different barangays and schools.**gaby keith
