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With March marking Women’s Month, by virtue of Proclamation 227, s.1998, the City of Koronadal enjoined all Juanas of Koronadal to celebrate the month with series of activities lined-up to give importance to the role of women in nation-building and to pay tribute to all women leaders who passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies.
The celebration carries the theme, “Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”pays tribute to the strong and resilient “Juanas” or women and promotes the full participation and equitable representation of women in all spheres of society particularly in the decision-making and policy-making processes in government and private entities in order to fully realize their role as agents and beneficiaries of development. Meanwhile, Koronadal’s version was dubbed as “Paligsahan ng mga Babaeng Mahuhusay (PBM) sa Barangay”.
This year’s celebration aimed to pay tribute to all women leaders and to recognize and highlight women’s key roles and accomplishments in leadership, power and decision-making, increase awareness on engaging women to participate at all levels of policy and decision-making, and share strategies and best practices women had employed to become successful women leaders.
Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee Chairperson on Women Councilor Marie Antonina I. Hurtado in her message during the opening program said, “I am thankful with the Mayor’s strong support in all our programs by giving us an opportunity to conduct a 3-day activity that would give importance to women”. Further she said, “I hope that somehow, this occasion will relieve you from the burden of housework and reproductive roles”.
As a kick-off activity, on March 6, women from the 27 barangays and employees of the city government paraded from the City Hall towards Barangay Zone III. It was followed by an opening program where the opening of the volleyball tournament through a ceremonial serve was officially declared. The next day, an inter-barangay volleyball tournament was played at Barangay Zone II and III. Meanwhile on March 8, the championship game was conducted at the Rizal Park.
To conclude the 3-day celebration, on the night of March 8, women of the 27 barangays gathered at the Rizal Park for a fellowship night and awarding ceremony. Seventeen (17) dance groups representing their barangays showcased their talents in dancing based on popular dance concept with their modern style of fashion and music.
“We are born of a woman and this celebration provides us with a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon the strides made by women and to recognize their contributions in our city’s development”, City Mayor Peter B. Miguel said in his message. The Mayor also made mentioned on how the alarming rate of violence against women negatively affects women’s general well-being and prevents women from fully participating in society, hence he acknowledged the role of the government in addressing the said problem.
“We recognize the complex role of women in the family and society and we know that violence and threats against women still exist and this violation of women’s human rights needs intervention”, the Mayor said. “That is why, our administration ensures to provide livelihood opportunities to our non-working women geared towards women’s empowerment and gender equality”, the Mayor added.
Organizers headed by City Councilors Hurtado and Rose S. Dideles were hopeful that the celebration would rouse the interests of women to leadership roles and participation in the decision-making process. Further, as women leaders, they both aimed to advocate women’s empowerment and gender equality.
On the other hand, as a culminating activity, the office of the City Population would spearhead an activity dubbed as “We, MEN sing for WOMEN” on March 30 at the City Hall Lobby. The said event is a sort of Harana competition composed of male government employees who would be singing a contest piece especially dedicated to the women.
Contest Winners:
Popular Dance Contest: 2nd PBM Volleyball Tournament:
Champion – Brgy. Sta.Cruz Champion - Brgy. Mambucal
1st Runner-up – Brgy. Avanceña 1st Runner-up - Brgy. Sta.Cruz
2nd Runner-up – Brgy. Conception 2nd Runner-up - Brgy. San Jose
3rd Runner-up - Brgy. San Roque
MVP: Ms. May Aballe (Brgy. Mambucal)
source: Koronadal City
