The University Center for Gender and Development, with officer-in-charge Dr. Vonnavic Racuya-Agad at the helm, marked the end of the National Women’s Month celebration with a forum on women’s health and leadership. With the theme “Kabaelan Dagiti Babbai, Intay Paneknekan,” it was held on March 21, 2024 at the UNP Auditorium.

The event also featured the launch of UNP’s advocacy video on women empowerment.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Agad reiterated the core of the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration by honoring women’s accomplishments in various fields and celebrating women’s adversity and talents regardless of background and culture.

She also emphasized renewing everyone’s commitment as duty-bearers to supporting and uplifting women in their pursuit of justice and equality. She said, “Together, we can achieve gender equality and an inclusive society.”

The Vice President for Finance and Administration, Mr. Albert R. Tejero, also gave his inspirational message on behalf of the University President, Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, by acknowledging the significant role of men as partners of women in development.

He pointed out that men have a great role in empowering women by giving them all the needed avenues to hone and maximize their talents, skills, knowledge, and core values in creating a society based on mutual respect, justice, and love. He also thanked and lauded the women of the University and emphasized that UNP is a fertile ground for women’s empowerment.

One of the highlights of the program was the launching of the CGAD’s advocacy song for women, titled “Juana” and composed by Dr. Daune Alden F. Oandasan of the Medical Services Office. It was interpreted by the College of Fine Arts and Design Band composed of Aries R. Ellana, Aira M. Tumbaga, Meryll Angela Dato, Sheila Rose B. Joaquin, and Jeric Karl S. Arizabal. The song featured a message of encouragement to all women to pursue a path of fulfillment and success amidst life’s adversities.

The event was graced by Provincial Board Member Hon. Mildred M. Elaydo, Chair of the Province’s Gender and Development Committee, Women and Family Affairs, as the event’s keynote speaker. She shared her success story as a woman in governance. Elaydo inspired the participants of the event by sharing her personal, professional, and social struggles, and how she overcame the challenges of gender stereotyping faced by a woman in the political arena by being true to the call of service to others and God.

In the same vein, Dr. Antonio Uclusin Jr., medical officer of the Magsingal Rural Health Unit and faculty member of the UNP College of Medicine, lectured on sexually transmitted infections. Dr. Patricia Villanueva de Grano, consultant at the Metro Vigan Hospital, focused on breast cancer awareness.

The event was formally closed by Dr. Joselito de la Rosa, the Dean of the College of Public Administration. He emphasized the alignment of the activity to the legal mandates of gender and development, as well as the sustainable development goal on gender equality.

The culminating activity is in partnership with the Medical Services Office, College of Public Administration–Public Administration Students’ Society, College of Criminal Justice Education–riminology Students Organization, College of Fine Arts and Design, College of Technology, College of Arts and Sciences–Politically Inclined Students, and Students of Arts and Sciences Organization.

The 2024, NWMC bears the sub-theme of “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng kababaihan, patunayan!”

Article by Sandy Gasatan and Vonnavic Racuya-Agad. Photo by Joel Tipon.