“Walk-for-a-cause” and “Hataw” exercise kick-off Women’s Month Celebration in Caraga

Women in Caraga Region converge on March 3 at Butuan City Hall grounds to mark the celebration of Women's Month.

As mandated in Proclamation No. 227 “Providing for the observance of the Month of March as ‘Women’s Role in History Month’, the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) of Caraga Region spearheaded the conduct of Women’s Month Celebration with the theme “Babae, Yaman ka ng Bayan”, which was highlighted with a fun walk dubbed “Walk-for-a-cause” in the opening ceremony followed with a “Hataw Exercise”.

GADCC Chairperson and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Director Atty. Marilyn Pintor welcomed and acknowledged the presence of the participants from the government and private sectors who also participated in the “Walk-for-a-cause” which started at 5:30 in the morning from the Agusan del Norte Capitol grounds and proceeded to Butuan City Hall, and also joined in the Hataw Exercise.
In her speech, Atty. Pintor said that this year’s theme highlights the critical role of women in nation-building and recognizes that women are an important resource who can contribute to the reduction of poverty, and it also supports the fulfillment of the country’s international treaty obligations particularly Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Millennium Declaration, and International Labour Organizations (ILO) conventions.

“To serve as a venue for sharing of inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs, lessons learned and good practices in entrepreneurial activities; and to serve as a channel for the nationwide campaign to promote women’s economic empowerment and rights through entrepreneurship are the two main objectives of this year’s celebration” Atty. Pintor added.

Another activity will be conducted on March 10, 2009 dubbed as “Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan 5” which is said to be a venue for Technology transfer for Livelihood opportunities and skills development, trade fair, ukay-ukay, GAD film showing, beauty and massage parlors, parlor games, and creates a venue for information dissemination on GAD issues and concerns.

Also, on March 31, 2009, a sportsfest and culmination activity will also be conducted at the Philippine Ports Authority grounds. (pia caraga/jem)