THE PAGADIAN CITY government continues to remain at the forefront of promoting gender equality and women empowerment.
Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones during the gathering of women here said he has been a strong advocate of women’s rights and underscored the vital role of women in nation-building.
Promote gender equality, women’s rights
“We have no discrimination against women in Pagadian City because we continue to promote gender equality and the rights of women.”
Pulmones said the city government gave importance on the role of women in society by giving them top positions in the office.
“Majority of our department heads and division chiefs are women, while only few are men,” Pulmones proudly said.
He said that the city government realized that there is a need to ensure equal representation, recruiting and retaining best women leaders in the government service.
“We have seen the expertise and talent of the top women in their respective fields. We can see how strong and talented women are in our society,” he added.
Equal representation in government service
Engr. Leonila L. Sisona, head of the Pagadian Regional Center Management and Coordinating Office (PRCMCO), thanked the city government for giving her the opportunity to work and prove her worth as a woman leader.
“It’s a great honor and privilege to be part of the organization. Working in the office as a woman is challenging, fulfilling and exciting,” she proudly said.
Meanwhile, Senior Jail Officer Evelyn Salinding of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said she was grateful that the Local Council of Women (LCW) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) took the lead in promoting women’s rights by conducting various activities annually.
Collective efforts in advancing women’s welfare
Salinding said in the Women Month’s celebration, the Zamboanga City Female Dorm Persons Deprived of Liberty (ZCFDPDL) were given the chance to exhibit their paintings featuring their individual and collective efforts in advancing women’s welfare.
She said that the female inmates from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City were very proud to display their local products such as the twin and small bags and wallets.
Showcase of talents
The Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology (BJMP) participated also in the dance contest where lady jail officers showcased their talents in dancing.
“The lady jail officers formed a dance team to join the contest to display our talent,” Salinding said, since March is Women’s Month, to showcase their beauty, talents and achievements.
Increased public awareness
This year’s observance of Women’s Month, the Local Council of Women and the CSWDO conducted various activities to increase public awareness such as kick of ceremony, thanksgiving Mass, observance of International Women’s Day, free medical check up and consultation, bloodletting and forum on the Convention on the Elimination of Discriminator Against Women (CEDAW). (ALT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)(By Gideon C. Corgue)
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