By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said gender advancement and advocacy is among the thrusts of the present administration.
Lacson issued this statement during the Provincial Women’s Day celebration spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and the Provincial Council for Women (PCW) held at the Capitol Social Hall Tuesday.
The event was attended by women groups and representatives from the different cities and municipalities of the province.
The governor said that the provincial government made certain that proper enabling mechanisms shall be in place through the creation of appropriate structures, adequate budget, and priority programs.
This year’s National Women’s Month celebration is themed, “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!”
Lacson also said that aside from the plans, continuing programs, and activities that are in place, the provincial government has established the Provincial GAD Focal Points System, the Committee on Decorum and Investigation, the Provincial Committee Against Child-Trafficking- Child Pornography and Violence Against Women and Children, and the Provincial Committee on Migration and Development.
He added that there are also new programs such as the establishment of a gender responsive Migrant Resource Center, help desks and services for women migrant workers, and the HerVoice mobile app to help protect women from Gender based violence.
All of the Provincial Government’s efforts are being done to bridge the chasm caused by society’s prejudice on the role and capacities of women, he said.
“Gender equality has always been at the core of social justice, true democracy and genuine progress.”
Also present in the activity were Negros Occ. Board Member Araceli Somosa, Provincial GAD Focal Point System Action Officer Marie June Castro, and PCW officers led by Andrea Si and Mary Ann Colmenares, among others.
