By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City-Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said women took the crucial role of working in the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 because majority of the provincial health workers are women.
Lacson lauded and thanked all women in the Provincial Government workforce for being the best leaders and workers in their fields during the celebration of Capitol Women’s Day, held at the Capitol Social Hall Monday.
The activity was attended by Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chair of the SP Committee on Women and Family; Board Members Juvy Pepello, Sixto Guanzon, and Miguel Alonso; Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, and Capitol department and office heads and employees.
“As women of the Capitol, bear in mind that you are an inspiration to many; you are educated, intelligent and capable of effecting positive change, both in the household and in the community,” he said.
Lacson further said that “I hope the activity will give Women in Capitol renewed vigor as pillars of service, strength, and grace, in their homes and in the Provincial Government.”
The governor also said that the Gender and Development Priority Programs were initiated to further assist and enhance the potential of every woman in the provincial government.
He cited the continuing Scholarship Program for Masteral and Doctorate degrees and the scholarship for the employees’ children; the launching of Mental Health Program and Psychological Counselling Services; monthly seminar and orientation sessions on Gender Sensitivity, Human Rights, Violence Against Women and the Safe Spaces Act, among others.
The “Kapehan sang Kababaenhan”, which is a sharing of programs and services for the provincial government employees, was also held as part of the activity.
The Capitol Women’s Day was organized by the Provincial GAD Focal Point System led by Action Officer, Marie June Castro, which is also part of the International Women’s Day celebration.