๐ข๐ ๐ณ๐ก๐ ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ ๐ญ, ๐ฏ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐พ๐ โ The city of Catbalogan officially launched the celebration of Womenโs Month today, March 3, with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a short program at Seaside.
City officials led by Vice Mayor Coefredo “Tekwa” Uy and employees gathered for the event, which was attended by key figures, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Director for Samar, Ms. Meilou Macabare, and the Catbalogan City Chamber of Commerce officers, led by President Sir Sydney Zosa.
A highlight of the dayโs activities was the opening of the Juana Trade Fair, which showcased products from local women entrepreneurs and producers. The fair featured a variety of items, from crafts to food products, and provided a platform for women to exhibit their businesses and talents to the public.
Former Mayor and current City Councilor Stephany Uy Tan gave an inspiring speech during the program, emphasizing the importance of Womenโs Month as a time to honor and recognize the achievements, strength, and resilience of women in Catbalogan, across the Philippines, and worldwide.
โToday, as we celebrate Womenโs Month, we honor the significant contributions of women in all sectors of lifeโfrom the home to the workplace, in our communities, and beyond,โ Councilor Uy Tan said. โThis is a month for us to recognize the extraordinary impact women have made throughout history and continue to make every day.โ
She also acknowledged the ongoing struggle for gender equality and womenโs rights, pointing out that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and safety for all women.
โThe women who fought for the right to vote, and those today advocating for equal rights, have paved the way for the progress we enjoy now. But we must continue pushing for a society where every woman can thrive and fulfill her potential,โ she said.
Councilor Uy Tan also called for collective action to support women in all aspects of their lives and challenged citizens to ask themselves how they can contribute to the advancement of gender equality in their own communities.
โThis month is not only a celebration but a time for reflection. Let us ask ourselves: How can we be better allies for gender equality? How can we support the women in our lives and communities?โ she urged.
The theme for this yearโs Womenโs Month celebration is โBabae sa Lahat ng Sector, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,โ which calls for unity, respect, and collective effort to create a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.
In her closing remarks, Councilor Uy Tan also emphasized the crucial role of men in womenโs empowerment. She praised the men who have supported and advocated for the progress of women, noting that gender equality benefits everyone.
โThis is a collective effort,โ she said. โTogether, we can ensure a more prosperous and progressive future for Catbalogan.โ
As the city embarks on this month-long celebration, it is clear that the focus will be on recognizing the achievements of women, while also working toward a future where womenโs rights and opportunities are equal to those of men.
At the end of the program, City Officials led by Vice Mayor Uy, Councilor Tan, DTI officials, and other guests performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the formal opening of the trade fair in the same area. | ๐ฑ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐ก๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐บ, ๐ณ๐๐พ ๐ฒ๐บ๐๐บ๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐๐๐ผ๐ ๐พ
