Zamboanga Women Chart Path to Empowerment at PAKIGDUYOG:
Women’s Summit 2024
To celebrate the National Women’s Month, the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University illuminated with empowerment during the second installment of the PAKIGDUYOG: Women’s Summit 2024, convened on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women – North Mindanao Field Office (PCW-NMFO) in close partnership with the City Government of Zamboanga through its Gender and Development Office, this summit heralded a crucial step forward in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment within the region.
With representation from every barangay in the Zamboanga Peninsula and spanning diverse sectors such as Solo Parents, Indigenous Peoples, KALIPI members, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, Urban Poor, and Women’s Associations, this year’s summit took a focused approach toward empowering women. Through a series of life-skill lectures and the provision of essential services, attendees were equipped with the tools and resources necessary to enhance their well-being and advance their roles within their communities.
In her opening remarks, PCW Officer-in-Charge, Atty. Khay Ann C. Magundayao-Borlado, underscored the urgent need to dismantle gender stereotypes, emphasizing the transformative power of women in society.
“This Women’s Month, let’s show the world that being a woman is not a limitation, it’s a boundless potential, it’s a wellspring of power, it’s a source of strength capable of transforming society,” Atty. Borlado said.
In a display of solidarity with the Summit, Zamboanga City Mayor, Hon. John M. Dalipe, conveyed his gratitude through SK National President Caol Julianne Dalipe, recognizing the event as a pivotal platform for championing gender-responsive policies and initiatives.
“The summit today will raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment among young people, policymakers, and the broader community,” she emphasized.
Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, speaking in her local dialect, extends heartfelt appreciation to the summit, affirming the steadfast support of the local council of Zamboanga towards such impactful initiatives. She emphasizes the invaluable contributions of events like this in shaping the development and empowerment of women in Zamboanga. Vice Mayor Pareja underscores the council’s commitment to upholding and advancing the rights of women, citing the recent approval of the 2022 Revised Gender and Development Code of Zamboanga City as a tangible demonstration of their dedication to promoting gender equality and inclusivity in the region.
Dr. Nelson Cabral, President of ZPPSU, reiterated the university’s steadfast commitment to advocating for gender equality, particularly within the education sector, emphasizing the importance of government initiatives in supporting women and girls.
“ZPPSU fully supports all the plans and policies of PCW to raise awareness on women’s rights and encourage women as vital part of the society especially in nation building as well as assist women and girls as part of government’s capacity program,” he stated.
Keynote Speaker, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, emphasized the necessity of legislative action to protect and promote women’s rights, urging investment in women as a fundamental belief in their capabilities and potential.
“Indeed to invest in women is to believe in women. To believe in our stories, to believe in our capabilities, to believe in our dreams, to believe that we are worthy, to believe that we are enough. Kapag buong puso nating pinaniniwalaan ang kuwento, kagalingan, at karapatan ng ating mga kababaihan, buong puso rin tayong masusuportahan sa kung anuman ang kailangan natin sa buhay,” she reminded.
In a unifying gesture to bolster the advancement of women’s empowerment and gender equality in the region, PCW-NMFO Chief GAD Specialist Atty. Khristine Kay M. Lazarito-Calingin takes the lead in orchestrating a pledge of commitment from all present. With hands raised, attendees solemnly vow to actively promote inclusivity, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for the rights and opportunities of women and girls in every facet of society. This pledge symbolizes a collective dedication to fostering a more equitable and just future for all.
City Councilor and Chair of the Committee on Women, Children, and Family Welfare, Hon. Al-Jihan Edding, emphasized that this term marks a herstory for Zamboanga City, with five (5) female legislators serving concurrently—the highest number ever. She highlighted the significance of a society that uplifts women, asserting that by empowering women, society as a whole is empowered. She urged everyone to recognize and showcase women’s capabilities, as they are the cornerstone of a brighter future.
In his closing remarks, Director Raymond Domingo, Chairperson of RGADC IX, eloquently emphasized that the pursuit of gender equality transcends individual efforts—it is a collective endeavor that requires collaboration and solidarity. Drawing inspiration from the theme’s root word, “duyog,” which embodies the notion of accompaniment, he called upon all present to embrace the spirit of “makipagduyog” or mutual support. Regardless of gender identity or orientation, Director Domingo underscored the imperative for women, men, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and every individual to join hands in fostering an environment where gender equality thrives. By working together harmoniously, he emphasized, we can transform the aspiration of gender equality into a tangible reality for all.
Summit Lecture Series
A pivotal aspect of the summit lies in its commitment to empowering women through the engaging lecture series led by esteemed partner Regional Line Agencies. These sessions serve as transformative platforms where attendees not only gain valuable insights and acquire new skills but also find inspiration to break barriers and challenge societal norms. By fostering an environment of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, the lecture series empowers women to harness their full potential, enabling them to become catalysts for change within their communities.
The Bureau of Fire Protection IX – Zamboanga City Fire District spearheaded discussions on Basic Fire Safety, while the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Zamboanga City Branch enlightened attendees on Basic Financial Literacy. The Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office provided insights into Emergency Response, while the Zamboanga City Medical Center delved into Mental Health Awareness. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture IX shared expertise on Basic Urban Gardening, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology IX shed light on Digital Parenting and Anti-OSAEC strategies. The Department of Trade and Industry IX led discussions on Entrepreneurial Mind-Setting, and the Commission on Population and Development focused on Adolescent Health and Development. Furthermore, the Western Mindanao State University offered invaluable guidance through a Self-Defense Class, and the Zamboanga City Water District imparted essential skills through a Basic Water Repair Seminar.
Serbisyo para kay Juana caravan
With an unwavering commitment to celebrating and empowering women throughout National Women’s Month, the Pakigduyog: Women’s Summit 2024 emerged as a dynamic hub of support and empowerment. Serving as a centralized resource center, the summit facilitated a wide spectrum of complimentary government services through esteemed partner agencies. Attendees were granted access to an array of offerings, including legal services for advocacy and empowerment, medical consultations for holistic well-being, wellness treatments such as massage services to promote self-care, and valuable giveaways to enhance their overall experience. This holistic approach not only acknowledged the diverse needs of women but also underscored the collective effort to ensure their comprehensive support and empowerment.
As the summit concluded, women beneficiaries were commended for their unwavering dedication and participation in this year’s Pakigduyog. The Philippine Commission on Women, in collaboration with its esteemed partner agencies, reaffirms its steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality beyond mere aspiration and towards the creation of a fair and inclusive society for all.
