- MITCH M. LIPA
The Provincial Council for Women in Negros Occidental launched the Women’s Month celebration March 1, with Dr. Irene Gaile Robredo-Vitas, a niece of Vice President Leni Robredo, as guest of speaker.
She talked about the situation of women in the country and their relevance to the May 9 presidential and local elections.
Atty. Andrea Si, chair of PCW-Negros, said they do not endorse candidates but the members of the board have each expressed their personal sentiments, and their leanings are towards the lone woman presidential aspirant.
They also discussed the state of violence against women and the program of each local government unit.
The gathering was also attended by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and former governor Rafael Coscolluela.
Lacson has finally declared support for Robredo, while Coscolluela is the provincial head of the different organizers supporting her presidential bid.
Coscolluela has also invited Lacson to join the grand rally of Robredo, her running mate, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and their senatorial lineup on March 11 in Bacolod City.
Former Bacolod councilor Celia Flor, a member of the Women Sectoral Council of the National Poverty Commission, meanwhile, talked about developing the women’s agenda.
Ruth Robinson from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Rachel Nufable from the Department of Trade and Industry also shared their agencies’ programs for the women sector.
Board Member Rita Gatuslao briefed members of the PCW of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan support to the program on gender and equality, headed by Marijune Castro, executive assistant to the governor.
Castro said there will be another event on Women’s Day on March 8 at the Social Hall of the provincial Capitol, with the governor expected to lead the giving of honors to women employees of the provincial government. | MML
