In a meeting held Monday, February 29, Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person and Policy and Plans Division Chief, Yvonne Abonales of the DSWD Field Office Eight emphasized that the agency will be pursuing a month-long celebration for both men and women this March to mark the National Women’s Month.

Said Abonales, ” the activities are geared towards intensifying the rights of both sexes, as well as recognizing men and women who have contributed to the development and welfare of beneficiaries in the countryside.” In line with this, there will be various gender competitions such as cooking and “doble – kara” singing contests for both men and women, competitions on manicure and mending torn garments for men, and equipment assembly and minor repairs of electrical gadgets for women.  There will be gender-appropriate parlor games, a session on Household Tips and Financial Management, Skills Olympics for DSWD Eight employees on candle-making, baking, simple sewing, among others. Health and wellness activities will be conducted all throughout the month, a Gender Cultural Presentation, and a Lecture on GAD-related laws.

The launching will be on Monday, March 7, 2016, via a motorcade around the city, a slogan contest,and a Women’s Right Quiz. This year’s theme is ” Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda.”