Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday, March 8, assured women that they can achieve their dreams in Quezon City as the local government is committed in giving them equal rights and protection from any form of violence.

"If somebody says we cannot do it, what will we say— 'mali kayo (you are wrong), we will do whatever we want to do kasi kaya naming matamo ang aming mga pangarap (because we can achieve our dreams)," Belmonte said during the city’s kick-off ceremony for the Women’s Month celebration at the Quezon City Hall.

“Sa lahat ng mga kakababaihan, Happy Women’s Month sa inyong lahat. Itaguyod natin ang ating karapatan, kakayanan, kahusayan bilang mga kababaihan and always remember, you are equal to the man who sits next to you, and you can achieve all your dreams here in Quezon City (To all women, Happy Women's Month to you all. Let us promote our rights, abilities, excellence as women and always remember, you are equal to the man who sits next to you, and you can achieve all your dreams here in Quezon City),” she added.

In her speech, Belmonte shared that the city has established the Committee on Decorum and Investigation that ensures the safety of women while in their workplaces.

She said that through the committee, women who are working at the City Hall may report and get help for any abuse they may experience from their colleagues or even bosses.

The mayor also urged the city’s barangays and hospital administrators to create their own committee to protect women workers from harassment and violence.

She also encouraged women to utilize the city’s new “Safety City App,” launched on Monday, March 6, which they can install in their phones to easily report incidents of violence to the local government.

In her State of the Women Address, the mayor presented some of the city’s initiatives and accomplishments for women’s safety, empowerment, health, education, and livelihood.

These include the Task Force Magdalena, established in 2020, that already rescued over 100 women from human trafficking; QC Protection Center that provides legal and psychological interventions for victims of violence; and Bahay Kanlungan, a shelter for victims who are in need of protection; free medical assistance and medicines in barangay health centers for various illness and mental health conditions; No Woman Left Behind Program that allows women in the city jail to get free check-up, laboratory tests, and education; urban farms; and livelihood trainings and assistance.

The mayor said that in 2022, there were over 2,700 women assisted by violence against women desks in barangays, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), and QC Protection Center, while 22 were brought to Bahay Kanlungan.

To ensure the safety of women, additional bike patrollers were deployed, while closed-circuit television cameras and street lights were also placed in different areas in the city. Belmonte said the QCPD will assist the residents, especially women, in times of emergencies.

The mayor said that working together is important in promoting women’s rights and in having a progressive city that values equality and respect for everyone.

“Ang pagbabago ay nagsisimula sa tahanan. Kung bawat pamilya ay sasama sa pagsusulong ng karaptan ng kababaihan, makakamit natin ang pagbabago na para sa lahat, tunay at pangmatagalan (Change starts at home. If every family joins in promoting women's rights, we will achieve a change that is for everyone, real and long lasting)," the mayor said.

The event was attended by over 9,000 women, including city government officials and employees, city police, rescuers, and residents.

The city government has prepared various activities such as zumba, medical check-up, and livelihood trainings for National Women’s month.