In recognizing the contribution of brave and empowered women across the province, the Cavite Gender and Development Focal Point System, together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, spearheaded the 2023 Women’s Month Celebration that took place on March 29, 2023, at the Provincial Gymnasium, Trece Martires City.

The event was graced by Hon. Athena Bryana Tolentino, Cavite Vice Governor, Hon. Romel Enriquez, 1st District Board Member and Committee Chairperson on Social Services, Family, Women, Children and Elderly, and Provincial Administrator for Community Affairs Mr. Alvin Mojica, with Provincial Board Secretary Ms. Michelle Alcid, PSWDO head Ms. Felipa Servañez, HRMO head Ms. Maria Fe Satsatin, PHDMO head Ms. Karen Tupas, and Provincial Information Officer Ms. Denesse Cajulis.

In his opening speech, PA Mojica imparted that the provincial government of Cavite is a gender sensitive workplace and the administration will continue in organizing programs and activities for women empowerment.

As part of the celebration, Vice Governor Tolentino, presented the Provincial Gender and Development (GAD) Code to enlighten everyone of its provision, while BM Enriquez gave updates on the other declarations and celebrations. He, then, emphasized the involvement, engagement, and empowerment of women in society.

Among the services and activities that took place during the provincial WMC were eye and general check-up, breast examination, health risk assessment and nutrition counselling, family planning services, HIV counseling and testing, first dose of HPV vaccination, and Oral prophylaxis. Booths of various offices and sponsor brands were also featured including Sister’s Napkin Product, Human Nature, PCLEDO, PICTO & LINKod Kabitenyo, PTCAO, OPA, PLO, TESDA, PNP-Cavite, and POPCOM.

For the successful conclusion of the event, Ms. Servañez expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who partook in making the celebration possible. “Tunay pong di matatawaran ang papel ng ating mga kababaihan sa lipunan. Kaya salamat po inyong angking katapangan, pagpupunyagi sa sakripisyo para sa aming lahat.”, she stated.

With impactful programs like this, women from all walks of life will be inspired to continue their pursuit of excellence and become agents of change. The launching of the new WMC theme, “We for gender equality and inclusive society”, marked a juncture in advocating gender equality and women empowerment, creating a harmonious connection and working for a more equitable society.— Jam Elisse M. Reyes,PICAD