NAGA City will join the rest of the world in having the Women’s Month celebration this March 2024.

City Councilor Gilda Gayle Abonal-Gomez, co-chairperson of the Naga City Council for Women (NCCW), said that the city government thru the NCCW and its partners have lined up significant activities that will be conducted during the month-long celebration.

In her letter to fellow advocates of the women’s sector in the city, Abonal-Gomez said the events will intensify the advocacy for women’s rights, women empowerment, and gender equality.

In her message before her colleagues in the city council, employees, and other officials of the local government unit, the legislator said that the celebration of Women’s Month “reminds us of the persistent efforts of the women sector throughout history in pursuit of justice, equality, and empowerment.”

She said that the NCCW reaffirms its commitment and continues to hold a collective responsibility in building a more equitable society.  She stressed that the challenging task is a call to action.  “It reminds us that the journey towards gender equality requires the active participation of all,” she said.

The councilor said that the year 2024 marks the 20th year when RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and Children.  “It was also in 2004 when I began my personal advocacy to work as a staunch supporter of violence against women and children.   

With Mayor Nelson Legacion leading the advocacy for women in the city, Abonal-Gomez expressed optimism that the services and programs for the sector will be strengthened and become even more sustainable as it continues to maintain strong collaboration with NCCW, the board members, and executive officers.

This year’s celebration will be marked by an array of activities:

Messages of the city mayor, vice-mayor, and NCCW officers, oath-taking of NCCW officers and Belly Good officers, March 4; International Women’s Day Celebration (to be conducted in Legazpi City), March 8; City Hall Flag Ceremony, Ribbon Cutting, Opening of Trade Fair, and Cooking Demo, March 11;

Trade Fair at the City Hall grounds, March 11-15; Advocacy and screening on breast and cervical cancer (to be conducted by personnel of the City Health Office at the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum, and Naga City Bantay Familia Training Room, March 12;

Basic Attending Skills and Self Care (lecturer: Councilor Gayle), March 14; Orientation on the functionality of the GFPS members in the barangays, Museo ni Jesse M. Robredo, March 15; Online seminar on trauma care for school heads and guidance counselors with Councilor Gayle, March 16;

Lakas ng Kababaihan tree planting activity, residual containment area; lecture demo on solid waste to be conducted at the sanitary landfill in Barangay San Isidro, March 16; Revisiting the VAW referral system with service providers to be conducted at the Museo ni Jesse M. Robredo;

Orientation on localization of SSA ordinance for GAD focal point persons to be conducted at the Museo ni Jesse M. Robredo, March 19; Launch of the quarterly trainer’s training for quality and inclusive early child care and education initiative in Naga City, venue: Naga City Civic Center, March 21;

Rural Improvement Club activity (no final date yet); Naga City Bantay Familia (no final date yet); Women’s Month culminating activity, messages, and recognition of Nagueña achievers, Venue: Sta. Cruz Event Center.

For queries: you may call or send an SMS to CP No. 0999-4499129 or 09279818318.

Meanwhile, Legacion presided over the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected and re-elected officers of the Naga City Council for Women, which took place after the flag-raising ceremony at Naga City Hall on Monday, March 4.

The recently appointed officers include Marivic Balance as President, Shyla Dumalasa as Vice-President, Engr. Herlyn Delos Reyes as Secretary, BJ De Asis as Treasurer, Engr. Flordeliza Azaña as Auditor, and Marilyn Dy as PIO.

This oath-taking event marked the commencement of the Women’s Month celebration in Naga City.

Balance affirmed her dedication to sustaining the council’s ongoing programs, stressing the collaborative efforts between the local government and the council to advance women empowerment and gender equality.

Reflecting on their longstanding partnership, Balance recalled, “Vice Mayor de Asis, when still a city councilor, and I, as the council’s president, were active partners with the city government in promoting gender equality and women empowerment.”

Looking ahead, Balance expressed optimism that their leadership would inspire progressive successors by the end of their term in 2026. She stated, “Hopefully, more leaders will emerge with progressive ideals.”

Following the ceremony, the Belly Gud Dancers marked the occasion with a performance, coinciding with their swearing-in on the same day.