The Gender and Development Council (GAD), chaired by Bacolod City Councilor Cindy Rojas, opened celebrations of International Women’s Month, yesterday.
Civil Service Commission-Negros Occidental Field Office Director, Atty. Erna Elizan, served as guest speaker for the opening ceremonies, emphasizing the focus on female empowerment in order to achieve gender equality.
Also in attendance at the event were representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa), Social Security System-Bacolod, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and its Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) from all 10 police stations, the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), among others.
The month-long celebration began with a series of orientations on adolescent health and development and practical training on self defense.
Other activities include a symposium on fighting human trafficking and modern slavery, the launch of kasambahay desks, a seminar for single parents, and a culmination program with Zumba./WDJ