In celebration of World Home Economics Day 2024, the College of Teacher Education, specifically the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd) and Bachelor of Technical Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd) programs, organized an event titled “Home Economics Day: Empowering Women for Leading 21st Century Life,” showcasing products and innovation of BTLEd & BTVTEd programs on March 21, 2024. The event focused on interrogating gender dynamics in the family and homemaking.

The festivities commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Efren U. Galapon. Ms. Darlene Avie Arellano provided insight into the event’s purpose, while Dr. Ma Teresa Susan L. Manzano, Dean of the College of Teacher Education, shared the rich history of Home Economics and commended the faculty for organizing the event for the second time.

The spotlight then shifted to the WHED Talk with Dr. Jeanina Batin, Home Economics professor, and Dr. Victoria Arce, Social Studies faculty and gender development advocate, as speakers. Dr. Batin reflected on evolving family dynamics and stressed the importance of challenging traditional gender norms and advocating for shared household responsibilities. Her personal anecdotes, especially about single motherhood, struck a chord with attendees, sparking discussions on gender roles in caregiving.

Dr. Victoria Arce also discussed gender dynamics and women’s economic empowerment, emphasizing the need for sustained policy efforts and community initiatives to promote gender equity. An engaging interview conducted by Mr. Jezreel Ducsa and Ms. Abigail Alapot further enriched the audience’s understanding of the speakers’ perspectives.

The program continued with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for innovative food booths, led by Dr. Ma Teresa Susan Manzano, Dr. Leilani Raquepo, and Dr. Jenny Lou Taan, showcasing students’ culinary and artistic talents.

The much-anticipated awarding of the food booth contest winners followed, with BTLEd 1 emerging as the overall champion. They also received awards for the most creative presentation and Best Collaboration. The celebration ended with a spirited zumba session, fostering camaraderie among students and faculty members.

The Home Economics Day 2024 celebration served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, innovation, and empowerment, reaffirming the College of Teacher Education’s dedication to promoting gender equity and women’s empowerment in all ranges of society.

Article and photo by Arthur V. Pascua.