With the theme: “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagsulong at Pagbangon”, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 observes Women’s Month on March 23, 2014 at Crown Pavillion, Tuguegarao City.

The one-day activity was attended by the women staff of the Field Office, together with the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from the provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya; members of Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) from the province of Isabela; and the members of association of Women with Disabilities from the province of Cagayan.

The event was highlighted with the sharing of the vital contributions of women in society development and nation-building.

In her message, Regional Director Remia T. Tapispisan emphasized about women empowerment that is very evident now these days as women can also be at par with their male contemporaries in different fields.

“Noon, ang mga kababaihan ay nakakulong sa loob ng kanilang tahanan, at walang iniintindi kundi ang mga gawaing bahay. Pero ngayon, ang mga kababaihan, dahil alam na nila ang kanilang mga karapatan, ay marunong ng makipagsabayan sa mga kalalakihan, kahit saang larangan,” Director Tapispisan said.

Another highlight of the activity was the showcase of talents wherein the participants showed off their grooves in dance number and displayed their acting prowess through a short drama.

STRENGTH OF A WOMAN

Aside from the group presentations, there was also a sharing of testimonies among the participants that talked about a woman’s resiliency and endurance amid challenges.

In her testimony, Gracita Lacuesta, a Pantawid beneficiary from Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya, shared how she keeps her strength and faith despite the financial shortcomings and other family problems.

Mrs. Lacuesta is struggling to send her children to school. Thus according to her, the cash grant she receives as a beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilya is a blessing as it augments her family’s need, in health and in nutrition, especially in the education of her children.

But above all, Gracita and her husband continue to work hard to make both ends meet and to give their children a bright future.

“Sa kabila ng mga dagok sa buhay, huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Dapat tayong maging matatag at ‘wag susuko,” Gracita said in her testimony. “Alalahanin po natin na sa likodng mga ulap,may nagtatagong liwanag, at iyon ang ating panginoon,” she ended. ###By MARICEL B.ASEJO, Pantawid Information Officer II