LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — The administration’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas is one that protects and upholds women’s rights while creating opportunities that drive progress for all Filipinos — a commitment highlighted during the celebration of National Women’s Month in Ilocos Norte on March 8.
Assistant Secretary Ana Carmella Remigio, the presidential assistant for northern Luzon, emphasized the crucial role of women in shaping the nation’s future and the administration’s dedication to women’s empowerment.
“Let us continue supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the various causes he pursues to advance the plight of women. The Bagong Pilipinas he intends to build is one that protects and upholds women’s rights. The administration affirms its vision of providing opportunities that propel not just the progress of women but all Filipinos,” she said.
She also recognized the contributions of Ilokanas in preserving and innovating local traditions, creating products that reach global markets.
“Many of the brilliant creations in our locality are made by women, from the food we eat to the handicrafts we send all over the world. Ilokanas have introduced old traditions with new methodologies to make life better for many people,” she said.
The celebration reflected the administration’s commitment not only to recognize women’s contributions but also to ensure their safety, well-being and growth.
Women from various local government units, national agencies and nongovernment organizations led the annual Kinni-Kinni Parade on March 8, marking International Women’s Day with colorful displays and inspiring messages.
For Leonabel Pilot, a barangay nutrition scholar from Bangui town, the Kinni-Kinni Parade was a moment of solidarity and empowerment.
“As someone like me who is a working mother, this parade is a time where we can relax and bond with other working women to show appreciation for Women’s Month. This is a fun way to appreciate the grace and elegance of women,” she said.
The Ilocos Norte Provincial Government’s Gender and Development Office organized monthlong activities for women’s health, safety and empowerment, including free beauty and health services on March 14 and a Zumba session on March 21.
Other activities included self-defense training and a gender forum in Nueva Era on March 26, a parent-teen talk in Pinili on March 27 and another self-defense training and gender forum in Laoag City on March 31.
Ilocos Norte continues to champion women’s rights and support the Bagong Pilipinas vision — a nation where every woman’s progress drives collective prosperity. (CCMT/EJFG, PIA La Union)
