BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Regional Development Council-Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDC-RGADC) Caraga has organized a Women’s Summit, which comes with a series of learning sessions, free services from various government agencies, fun games and prizes, and skills demonstration on food processing, among others.

According to RGADC Chairperson and Regional Director Alexander Makinano of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), different sectors in the region have converged efforts in taking part and providing various services and programs for women and men in public service.

“While we offer these free services to our constituents, we also want to give value to our colleagues in government offices, especially women who have been serving other people. In time with the International Women’s Day celebration, the women sector as our partner in nation-building also deserved to be pampered and awarded,” said Makinano.

Informative sessions covered various topics, such as financial literacy, the “Know Your Money” campaign by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); taxation (specifically focusing on online selling) by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); virtual assistant initiatives by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT); PhilHealth’s Konsulta benefit package; scholarship programs offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Internet Transaction Law by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); and coverage, benefits, and claims information provided by the Government Service Insurance Corporation (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS).

Additionally, the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries conducted a demonstration on food processing and showcased practical skills.

Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, who served as the keynote speaker and was represented by Provincial Administrator Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, emphasized the collective efforts in championing gender equality and development in the region and recognized the significant strides made in the fight for women’s rights.

“This year’s theme amplifies the importance of providing women with equal opportunities to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. It highlights the transformative power of eliminating gender inequalities and stereotypes, as evidenced by the resilience and determination of women throughout history,” Calo stated as she read Gov. Amante’s message.

“Empowering women is not solely the responsibility of women themselves; it requires the concerted efforts of all members of society, regardless of gender. It is a shared endeavor that demands action from fathers, sons, politicians, leaders, and every individual,” Calo added.

Notable impressions of stakeholders

Anessa Tiburon from the Girls Scouts of the Philippines–Agusan Council shared that the said gathering gave her the opportunity to witness the fun and excitement, and the day was pampered with the different free services from the member agencies of RDC-RGADC Caraga.

“I wish to join again next year, along with my peers. I’m excited to experience all these activities again with new friends and acquaintances,” she said.

Ivan Luigi Xersis Burnea, an employee from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga, one of the male participants who availed of the free services, expressed his appreciation to the RGADC and all the partner stakeholders for extending help in making this annual celebration successful and memorable.

“I will definitely join in other GAD-related activities set for this year’s Women’s Month celebration. I support women empowerment, gender equality, and gender mainstreaming,” he said.

Awarding of outstanding women

The committee also recognized former or retired GAD focal persons, namely, Insp. Lorna Bayer [Ret.] from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Emmi Mari Cabahug of the Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga.

The People's Power Volunteer Reform (PPVR), led by Concepcion “Chit” Asis, who co-chairs the RGADC, also handed over plaques of recognition to the outstanding women, namely, Helia Tingzom, aPPVR gender specialist since 2010, and Elizabeth Encenada, a PPVR volunteer since 2010.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga also recognized outstanding rural women, namely, Sheila Maglines, the 2023 regional winner from Butuan City, and Leni Mission, the 1st runner-up from Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

Participants from different government agencies,civil society organizations, and other guests also performed the 'One Billion Rising' dance during the Women's Summit.

Multi-sectors rise through dance to express joy and community and celebrate the fact that we have not been defeated by this violence. We rise to show we are determined to create a new kind of consciousness—one where violence will be resisted until it is unthinkable.

In her closing message, Asis reiterated to all women and men to continue in the promotion of a peaceful home and community, away from all forms of violence and abuse. 

“Preventing domestic and gender-based violence starts at home and should be practiced in everyone's daily life,” she remarked. 

With this year’s theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” the summit underscored the importance of providing women with equal opportunities and privileges and empowering them through different capacity development strategies. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)