QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) first female Director General and Chairperson of the Gender and Development (GAD), Director General Katherine Chloe S. De Castro assured the agency’s commitment to advocating gender equality and women empowerment.
During PIA’s kick-off celebration of National Women’s Month held at the PIA Auditorium, DG De Castro said that the theme “Babae sa lahat ng sektor, aangat ang bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” is not just a statement but a call to action.
“It’s a reminder that while we are making progress, there’s still so much work to do. We’re building on a foundation and continuing our commitment to advocating for gender equality and women empowerment,” said De Castro.
The PIA chief stressed that gender equality and women’s empowerment are things that can’t be achieved by women alone.
“It requires the combined efforts of all of us. Babae ka man, lalaki, miyembro ng LGBTQIA plus. As an informative government institution, we all share this responsibility. So, when we say gender equality, we’re not just talking about a concept. We’re saying this for the future, for our children, for everyone tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
DG De Castro also thanked the PIA for the continued support for women in the agency.
“Nawa’y tayo ay magsilbing halimbawa hindi lamang sa mga kasamahan dito sa trabaho kundi na rin sa mga nakakasalamuha natin sa araw-araw.”
Also part of the kick-off celebration is a discussion on the prevention of cervical cancer and family planning by Nurse Maria Margareth Agdeppa of Project 6 Health Care Center in Quezon City. She said that cervical cancer as one of the most common cancer that affect women globally.
Likewise, Dr. Arnold Moneteiro discussed hypertension and diabetes in women. Dr. Monteiro stressed the importance of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
