VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Ilocos Sur highlighted women’s health and well-being while leading a cleanup drive and fitness activities in celebration of National Women’s Month in March.
Participants engaged in a 30-minute Zumba session, “Indak ni Juan at Juana,” promoting physical fitness and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among women and staff members.
The DENR provided snacks, including pork buns packed with protein and carbohydrates, and boiled bananas rich in vitamin C and potassium.
Rosemarie Jornacion, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, said the event was a “leveling up” of Women’s Month celebrations, combining environmental efforts with health-focused activities.
She added that booths featuring healthy meal options, vegetables and organic eggs further underscored their commitment to promoting wellness and equality.
“With this cleanup, Zumba and booths that feature healthy meal options, we are making real strides toward equality. It is exciting to see this progress, and I know that we’re just getting started,” Jornacion said.
DENR staff were joined by personnel from various government agencies, including the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Land Registration Authority, and members of women’s organizations and students from Ilocos Sur Polytechnic College.
Jornacion urged the participating agencies to maintain the momentum, continue breaking down barriers and support one another to ensure that every woman, regardless of background or sector, receives the opportunities she deserves.
“Because when women rise, we all rise. Your support means the world to us and proves that we’re on the right track,” she said.
The DENR head called this a new leap for Women’s Month activities, aligning with this year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas” (Women in All Sectors, The Future Will Rise in the New Philippines).
She emphasized pushing forward the energy built through these activities to create a lasting impact on every sector of society.
According to DENR Ilocos Sur, this celebration offers an opportunity to reflect on deeply ingrained gender norms and biases and highlights the crucial role of men as allies in promoting respect, equity and inclusivity.
Gemina Angala, a BJMP Ilocos Sur employee, expressed gratitude for being part of the event and hopes to participate in more initiatives focused on women’s health and community involvement.
“I feel grateful to the DENR for including us in their initiatives and I hope to engage in more events like this in the future, specifically for women,” Angala said.
As part of its Women’s Month celebration, DENR Ilocos Sur will also host a gift-giving event for women, distribute informational materials and seedlings, and hold a special gift-giving activity for young girls.
The National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) Culminating Activity will feature cultural performances and the recognition of outstanding Juan at Juana employees. (CCMT/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
