A “Serbisyo para kay Juana” one-stop-shop will be held on Monday, March 16, at the Bacolod Government Center lobby, as part of the city’s commemoration of Women’s Month.
Varied services and assistance can be availed of from the City Health Office, Philippine Statistics Authority, Commission on Elections, Bacolod City Police Office, Department of Social Services and Development, Public Attorney’s Office, and other partner-agencies, the city said March 13.
The city government, through the Gender and Development Council (GDC), also recognized the contributions of women in Bacolod in an event March 11, on the theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas”.
Speakers emphasized that protecting women is equivalent to safeguarding an entire generation.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, represented by executive assistant April Rose Mayo, recognized the vital role that women play in the community. “Let us continue to support and uplift every woman in this city.”
Assistant city prosecutor Shelou Matti-Go encouraged advocacies on women’s rights by grounding efforts in Philippine history. “Women’s Month is not just an annual celebration; it should be celebrated every day until respect and validation are inherent. It should be celebrated until no woman feels that being born female is unfair, and true equality is achieved.”
Matti-Go assured that the Public Attorney’s Office stands ready to support women seeking justice, stressing that no woman should be afraid or left without assistance.
She likened modern women to babaylans—traditional Philippine spiritual leaders—and highlighted their strength and bravery in contemporary society.
She also listed key laws protecting women’s rights, including the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law), Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, 105-day Maternity Leave Law, expanded Solo Parent Act, Magna Carta for Women, and the new passport law.
The monthlong observance will culminate on March 27 with the “ZumBabayi” event, where participants are encouraged to wear purple. ||
