The province of Siquijor marked International Men’s Day on Nov. 19, 2024, with the theme “Empowering Families, Empowering Communities, Empowering Siquijodnon.” The celebration brought together men from various sectors, including government agencies, and uniformed personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Siquijor Provincial Police Office (SPPO), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), 11th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army, Department of Education (DepEd), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), as well as from the local government units in the province.
In his message, Provincial Chief of Staff and Tourism Officer-in-Charge Atty. Dale Louis Tudtud emphasized the significant roles that men play in both the workplace and the home.
He stressed the societal expectations placed on men and the weight of responsibility they carry as providers and protectors of their families, and urged everyone to recognize and appreciate their efforts and sacrifices.
He acknowledged the often-overlooked struggles and pressures faced by men in society. “I see all of the men here today — brothers, husbands, fathers — the ones who carry the burdens of their families because that is what is expected of men,” he said.
“Most of the time, basta lalaki, you have the burden of expectation. Kon lalaki, expected gyud mo-head sa family, mo care sa tanan. Ang weight of the world is always on your shoulders,” he said.
(As men, you are expected to lead your families, take care of everything, and bear the weight of the world on your shoulders.)
Highlighting the realities of workplace dangers, the official pointed to stark statistics showing that men are 10 times more likely to die in the workplace than women, due to the physically demanding and often hazardous jobs they are more likely to take on. Men risk life and limb for their families, for their future, for the people they care about, and that is still considered normal in many ways, he said.
Tudtud also acknowledged the changing dynamics in the workforce, with more women entering traditionally male-dominated professions like the police force and military. “But even with more women in these fields, the vast majority of these jobs are still male-dominated,” he said, pointing out that men continue to take on these dangerous roles, often without the appreciation they deserve.
He urged the community to recognize the emotional and mental toll that these expectations take on men. “Men are also four times more likely to die by suicide than women,” he shared, addressing the importance of mental health awareness.
Tudtud stressed that mental health services and support are just as important for men as they are for women, if not more so, given the unique pressures men face in society. “It takes a different kind of strength to admit you need help,” he said, urging men to embrace mental health awareness programs, stress management seminars, and other resources.
“When we get these services, we realize it’s okay to have problems, it’s okay to vent, and we don’t always have to go to those places to get help,” he said.
Tudtud also urged future generations to be proud of who they are, regardless of gender. “We should not let men hide just because we are pushing for female empowerment. Let us all be proud of who we are, and push forward equally,” he said, calling for a society where both men and women are recognized and celebrated for their contributions.
Provincial Board Member Brylle Deeiah Tomarong Quio also expressed her admiration for men, acknowledging their patience, humility, and readiness to sacrifice for the welfare of their loved ones.
The celebration was capped with the distribution, dubbed “a love offering” of five kilograms of rice each to porters, habal-habal (motorcycle) and pedicab drivers, and security guards in recognition of their vital roles in the community.
It was a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and unwavering love that men bring to their families and communities. It served as both a moment of appreciation and a call for greater mental health awareness, helping to ensure that men are not only valued but also supported in every aspect of their lives. (RAC/PIA7 Siquijor)
