The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has joined the celebration of National Women’s Month, stating that they are a priority when it comes to the provision of training for them to be empowered and to further widen their employment opportunities in the country. TESDA took part in the celebration with the theme "We and everyone (WE) for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.” TESDA Director General Danilo P. Cruz, together with Deputy Directors General Aniceto D. Bertiz III and Vidal Villanueva and Philippine Commission on Women Deputy Executive Director for Operations Maria Kristine Josefina Balmes led the kick-off during TESDA’s regular flag-raising ceremony. “This year's celebration serves as a tribute and a platform towards the empowerment of every woman, including those in the technical vocational education and training (TVET) sector, who continue to make change work for women,” he said. TESDA has lined up various activities for National Women’s Month. Among these are Lifelong Learning Programs such as Embracing Gender Equity in TVET, and Supporting the Women with Disabilities Day Celebration. The agency is also set to hold the two-part “Serbisyo Para Kay Juana”, a showcase of skills and free products; “Agenda ni Juana sa TVET” Forum; Launching and Showcase of TESDA’s Women-Focused Training Programs; and iSTAR Mass Graduation. Meanwhile, in her message, Balmes recognized TESDA’s efforts in formulating policies, enabling mechanisms, and programs that promote gender equality and women empowerment. Balmes also emphasized that gender equality is a key to inclusive development in the country. “With women comprising half the population, harnessing their natural and amazing potential can propel our country to greater heights,” she said. TESDA has continuously been implementing programs toward gender equality. In 2014, TESDA received a Gender and Development Transformation & Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages & Advocacies, or the GADTIMPALA Bronze award as one of the Outstanding Gender-Responsive Government Agencies in the Philippines. Similarly, in 2019, TESDA received an award for Outstanding Gender-Responsive Government Flagship Programs for the Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program It can be recalled that Proclamation No. 227 issued in 1998 called for the observance of the month of March as “Women’s Role in History Month”, while Republic Act No. 6949 enacted in 1990 declares March 8 of every year as “National Women’s Day.”