The province of Aklan will be marking this year’s celebration of Women’s Month on March 10 with various activities with emphasis on Aklanon women’s welfare and empowerment.

                The observation is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 224 and 227 and Republic Act No. 6949 which provide for the yearly observance of March as National Women’s Month.

                This year’s theme, according to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in its Memorandum Circular No. 1 sent to all heads of constitutional bodies, departments, bureaus and agencies of the national government, LGUs, GOCCs with original charters and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), this year’s theme of the celebration is “Babae, tagumpay ka ng Bayan!”

                This is to highlight women’s achievement in paving the way for women’s advancement and empowerment amidst major challenges.  It also celebrates the success of women’s commitment to pursue equality which resulted in the enactment of the Magna Carta of Women.

                The Magna Carta of Women is a comprehensive women’s human rights law signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on august 14, 2009.

                The theme also celebrates the achievements in the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) including those related to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

                This year’s celebration, according to the memorandum circular, aims to inspire and increase understanding of microentrepreneurs, partners from government agencies, non-government organizations, , academe and the private sector  on microenterprise development, government programs and services that responds to the issues and concerns of the Filipino women, including but not limited to women’s rights, environment, family and work life balance as well as to inculcate knowledge among partner-government agencies and the private sector on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Magna Carta of Women.

                The celebration also aims to increase awareness of the general public on the platforms of the presidentiables and other elective officials to advance the status of women.

                In response to this, the Aklan Gender Commission (AGADC), chaired by Aklan Governor Carlito s. Marquez, will be setting a Candidates’ Forum in Aklan to serve as a venue for provincial and municipal candidates in the province to present their platforms of government for the welfare, benefit and advancement of Aklanon women.

                Other activities to be held by the province led by the AGADC include a Thanksgiving Mass on March 10, 2010 at the Kalibo Cathedral, motorcade around Kalibo and then a program at the Aklan Comprehensive Center for Women; while livelihood trainings, jobs fair for call center agents through PESO and DOLE, Training on VAWC Laws by MOVE/AGADC; Pap Smear, Blood typing, FBS and BP check-up by the PNRC and the DOH; Medical Mission by OWWA, PESO and Globe; Vegetable Seeds Distribution, Orientation on Magna Carta for Women and DAR Ladies’ Association Forum for DAR-Aklan Employees will be conducted as determined by sponsoring agencies and AGADC committees.

                This year’s activities for Women’s Month celebration in Aklan were discussed and determined during AGADC’s first regular meeting held February 16 at the Aklan Comprehensive Center for Women.  (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)