By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City Councilor Celia Flor said there is still much to be done to achieve gender equality.
Flor, vice chairwoman of the Gender and Development (GAD) Council, made the statement during the launch of the National Women’s Month 2025 Kickoff Celebration at the Bacolod City Government Center Lobby over the weekend.
The event carried the theme: “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
“Women must be celebrated because we are more than half of the population,” Flor said.
“Despite all the gains and wins of the women’s movement over the years, there is still a lot to be done to achieve gender equality.”
She added, “Patriarchy still exists. Women should be empowered to have a voice and be heard—not just during Women’s Month, but every day.”
The Bacolod City Public Information Office (PIO) said on its social media page that the celebration featured an overview of the 2025 National Women’s Month, presented by Dr. Richelle Verdeprado, head of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).
Councilor Kalaw Puentevella also delivered a message, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
Representatives from various sectors shared insights on women’s empowerment and their contributions across different fields.
The event concluded with a commitment signing, where organizations and sectors pledged to:
-Advance gender equality in policies and programs.
-Empower women’s leadership in all sectors.
-Ensure equal access to resources and opportunities.
-Challenge biases and promote inclusivity.
-Engage men as allies in gender advocacy.
Attendees included representatives from various barangays and organizations such as PDAO, KALIPAY, DSSD, PAO, BFP, DPS, BHA, and DSWD.
To show support for the event, participants wore purple, symbolizing women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Meanwhile, in celebration of National Women’s Month 2025, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental conducted activities for female Capitol employees, including:
-Family planning services
-Mental health services
-Urine and blood sugar screenings
-Safe motherhood advocacy
-Blood pressure monitoring
-Free haircuts and massages
