Dozens of Fernandinas representing women’s groups from barangays, government offices, and private institutions gathered together for the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2022.
Highlights of the celebration were the kilometer-long “Unity Walk” from Capital Town to Heroes Hall and a Zumba dance exercise both hosted by the City Government of San Fernando, through its Gender and Development (GAD) office and City’s Dance Ensemble group.
“Ang martsa at saya na ating ginawa ay hindi lang basta martsa o sayaw. Ang sigaw nito ay pagkakaisa para sa kinabukasan ng mga kababayan nating Fernandina, pati na ang sigaw para sa pagpapanatili ng kanilang lakas at kalusugan,” explained Amy Catacutan, GAD focal person.
The Zumba exercise also marked the beginning of a month-long competition dubbed “Zoomba-baihan,” a virtual contest for women’s groups from all villages. On the culmination day of the Women’s Month celebration, winners will be named and awarded cash prizes.
City Councilor Cristina Lagman, who chairs this year’s celebration of women’s month, personally joined the groups in the activities, emphasizing her support to their advocacies.
“Upang maipadama natin yung ating suporta sa kanila, dapat ay sinasamahan natin sila sa kanilang mga aktibidad at adbokasiya. Sa pamamagitan nito, mas mabibigyan sila ng inspirasyon at empowerment upang maging masipag at aktibo,” she said.
Also in attendance were Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, and City Councilor BJ Lagman who all imparted gratitude to women for their participation in the lined-up activities for this month.
The officials led the awarding ceremony for women who excelled in the Zumba exercise. Winners received cash prizes from the City and tokens from its partner, CSFP Water District. Yearly, the City Government joins the International Women’s Day celebration.
Several activities like thanksgiving mass, health and social protection-related seminars, medical consultations, provision of livelihood aids and facilities, among others, have been held in the past years.
“Dito sa Siyudad San Fernando, taun-taon nating pinupugayan ang mga naging kontribusyon ng mga Fernandina lalo na’t isinusulong natin ang gender equality dahil tayo ay naniniwala na walang pinipiling kasarian ang pagiging matalino at matapang sa lipunan,” Santiago remarked.