The famous "Marikit" statue at the Marikina River Park was lit up on Wednesday, March 8, in celebration of National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day.

The 20-foot high statue is a monument crafted and named after a local folklore story of a generous, affluent woman, known for her beauty (“marikit-na”), during the early foundation of the city.

According to the Marikina Gender and Development (GAD) Office, the statue, which represents the strength of Marikeñas, was lit up in purple hues to symbolize the “dignity of women, and justice for women.”

“Tulad ni Marikit, ang katatagan ng babaeng taga Marikina ay hindi matatawaran (Just like Marikit, the firmness of Marikina women is undeniable),” it added.

(Marikina GAD Office  / MANILA BULLETIN)

Along with the lighting ceremony, the local GAD office hosted a Women’s Month event at the Marikina River Park.

During the program, women leaders and male allies pledged their solidarity to continue uplifting women and proving that women in Marikina are rising up in every field and sector with the great talents and skills they have to offer.

Among the local government officials who participated in the event were First District Congresswoman Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro, Councilor Marife Dayao, and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)- Marikina Director Mary Jane Nacario.

They were joined by female heads of offices in the local government, members of the groups such as the Marikina Women's Power, officers of the Marikina Gender Violence Desk, and other women from the various persons with disabilities (PWD), youth, and solo parent sectors.

Guest performances were also showcased by singers Princess Velasco, Dionne Gale and the League of Dominions dance troupe.

(Marikina PIO / MANILA BULLETIN)

To kick off the month's celebrations, the "Indak ng Kababaihan" program, wherein multiple sectors of all ages participated in a mass zumba dance session, was held at the Marikina Freedom Park on Tuesday, March 7.

It was led by the Marikina City Police Station.

The program was conducted in solidarity with the local government's pursuit of gender equality and inclusivity for a progressive Marikina City.