Manila Mayor Sheila Honey Lacuna-Pangan honored Filipina workers and celebrated women's empowerment during the Second Manila Women Summit at the Metropolitan Theater (MET), Plaza Lawton, Manila on Thursday, March 23.
Manila Women Summit 2023, with the theme "Bida ang Babae sa Maynila," is an annual activity that started in 2022 to celebrate National Women's Month and strengthen awareness on violence against women and their children (VAWC).
Lacuna, the first woman chief executive of the city, also recognized women's societal contribution during her address.
“Marami nang Pilipina ang nabigyan ng pagkakataong mamayagpag at magtagumpay sa iba’t ibang disiplina. Hindi na kaya sa isang pahina lamang maisulat ang lahat ng mga pangalan ng mga Pilipinang nagsikap, nagpunyagi, at nag-iwan ng legasiya sa kani-kanyang larangan (Many Filipinas have been given the opportunity to excel and succeed in various disciplines. We cannot write on just one page all the names of Filipino women who worked hard, struggled, and left a legacy in their respective fields),” the mayor said.
“Noong unang panahon at maging sa nakalipas na taon, ang mga kababaihan, sa daan-daang bansa, ay hindi pinapayagang bumoto. Ngunit sa paglipas ng mga araw, parami na nang parami ang mga babae na nagsama-sama at nanindigan upang ipinarinig ang kanilang mga tinig (In ancient times and even in recent years, women in hundreds of countries were not allowed to vote. But as the time passed, more and more women came together and stood up to make their voices heard),” she added.
Meanwhile, the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) and Gender and Development (GAD) Council of Manila invited a roster of field experts to talk about gender-based violence, policies, emergency responses, and referrals.
MDSW head Ma. "Re" Asuncion Fugoso said that the month of March is not only dedicated to women but to social workers as well.
She also cited the recent initiatives of the city government to suppress VAWC, including gender sensitivity seminars, job and food fairs, and health and wellness programs.
Heads of the local government offices, including the City Personnel Office, City Treasurer’s Office, Department of Public Services, Office of Senior Citizen Affairs, City Civil Registry Office, Solo Parent Organization, and Barangay VAW Desk Offices also graced the event.