Women’s Month to focus on role of women in combating climate change

By Carlito C. Dar

Monday 13th of February 2012

BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) - - The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) will once again spearhead the country’s celebration of Women’s Month this March, this time focused on the role of women in combating climate change .

In consideration of the recent disasters and calamities experienced by the country and the impact of climate change observed and experienced globally, the theme for the 2012 National Women’s Month Celebration is “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility”.

Through the said theme, the PCW aims to help build gender-responsive resilient communities that are responsible and accountable, and prepared for any disaster that may come their way. It further aims to underscores the role of women as powerful agents of change in relation to disaster risk reduction and at the same time to highlight that climate change mitigation and adaptation is everyone’s responsibility.

In the city, activities for the Women’s Month celebration dubbed as ‘Kababaihan Festival 2012’, are being finalized by a multi-sectoral committee co-chaired by City Social Welfare & Development Officer Betty Fangasan and City Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda.

Aside from the March 8 National Women’s Day grand parade and program, another highlight of the month- long celebration will be Search for the Outstanding Women Leaders of Baguio.

The annual search, which started in 2006, is now looking for exceptional women who are recognized symbols of leadership in the public or private sector and have made an impact in their chosen or appointed fields of endeavor.

Nominees or candidates for the said prestigious award should be residents of the city and must have never been administratively or criminally convicted and have an outstanding and unique performance or contribution, and significant involvement in promoting the development of Baguio City and the general welfare of its citizenry.

Nominations are open to any government offices, city barangays, private or civil society group, organization or individuals. Nomination forms are available at the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and will be accepted by the search secretariat up to February 24.

Other members of the committee are the heads or designated representatives of the City Budget Office, City Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), City Health Services Office, City Planning & Development Office, Civil Service Commission (CSC-CAR), Dep-Ed Baguio, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-CAR), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA-CAR), Philippine Information Agency (PIA-CAR) and non-government organizations - KALIPI, Philippine Ob-gyne Society – Baguio Chapter, University of Cordilleras, Baguio Center for Young Adults (BCYA), Igorota Foundation, Innabuyog Gabriela, SAVE Our Women, and YWCA. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)