Koronadal women display strength & resiliency
It was a day filled with impressive displays of talents and skills, where strength, resiliency and a healthy sense of competition were fostered.
What a sight to behold as the 27 barangay women’s associations loudly “cheered and yelled” to welcome the start of the month-long Women’s Month celebration on March 8 and are now prepared to move on to a grandiose culminating activity on March 31.
Despite the fact that women must get up early and leave the comfort of their homes to participate in the motorcade, the enthusiasm and excitement are palpable as cheerleaders prepare to conquer the venue. The women, dressed in costumes and some with pompoms, rocked the stage with their distinct shouts that demonstrated their resiliency.
In her speech, guest of honor Ms. Josephine C. Leysa, Regional Director of DILG XII, urged women to be aware of current laws protecting their rights, such as Republic Act No. 11313 or The Safe Spaces Act. (Bawal Bastos Law). Leysa shared that she worked to have the regional prime center designated as a GAD zone in her capacity as a Gender and Development advocate and Regional Director. She emphasized that it is only fitting that national agencies take the lead in implementing GAD programs, given all of the laws and circulars that have been directed to the LGU.
Through the GAD seal certification, which requires a number of assessments in accordance with statutory requirements, the DILG XII was able to award the seal to nine (9) national government agencies, including those outside the regional prime center, last year. “For this year, the first agency to be granted with seal is the Department of Health XII. Because no other region in the nation offers the same program on gender and development, I believe that this program on GAD and women helped me won the award for Best Regional Director in the entire nation”, Leysa said.
The women were greeted warmly by City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena. “There will come a time when women will rule our society because rising in the social ladder requires smartness and intelligence rather than courage and strength,” the Mayor said in his message.
Furthermore, various pinoy games such as tumbang patis, tug of war, Maria went to town, sack race, longest line, dancing ball, and message relay, where the participants were divided into eight clusters, added to the fun of the occasion. Aside from physical strength, the spirit of cooperation and camaraderie was fostered, which became their most valuable takeaways, aside from monetary rewards for their perseverance.
Councilor Ellen Grace N. Subere-Albios chairs the committee. Vice Mayor Erlinda Araquil, along with a group of female councilors, expressed their full support and contributed an additional prize.
As part of the culminating program, selected women will be presented in the South Cotabato Gymnasium on March 31 after receiving a free makeover. In addition, four (4) women were invited to share their empowering life stories based on their success, beliefs, and responsibilities. The host of the talk show will then ask some pertinent questions. In addition, the participating barangays will compete in a Tiktok Dance Challenge.
The 2023 celebration marks a milestone in the advancement of women’s rights because it introduces a new recurring theme that will run from this year to 2028: WE for gender equality and an inclusive society. It inspires a renewed commitment to advocacy and builds on the gains made during the 2016-2022 theme, “WE Make CHANGE Work for Women”, which emphasized the importance of compassionate and coordinated networks working toward Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE).
Whatever the competition that requires strong participation, from yell to games, women of Koronadal demonstrated strength in an opening day specifically designed for them.
As another competition approaches, preparations will be one of the most difficult challenges for the barangays to unite and work toward a common goal. Above all, their innate qualities of endurance, creativity, tolerance, and resiliency, among others, will undoubtedly flourish, ensuring that the celebration serves its purpose to the fullest.