BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol women employees marked yesterday the International Women’s Day celebration, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded them for a job well done, especially those who took the crucial role of manning the frontlines, in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lacson said that Filipino women are among the best workers and leaders in the world, disciplined, skilled and brilliant, making them an indispensable force in the workplace, and in whatever industry they are in.
“As your governor, I am just glad that I have more of you here in the provincial government,” Lacson said, noting also that majority of the provincial health workers are women.
“You braved the pandemic and remained consistent in providing the services needed by our constituents, despite the threats brought about by the Covid pandemic. With that, my sincerest gratitude to all of you,” he stressed during his speech at the Capitol Women’s Day celebration at the Provincial Social Hall Capitol in Bacolod City.
“Challenges are supposed to bring out the best in people, and I am grateful that the women of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, who coincidentally outnumber the men in our present workforce, rose to the challenge, in our fight against Covid-19,” Lacson also said.
Acknowledging the worth of women and their compelling role in society and in the workplace, Lacson said that the provincial government has devised Gender and Development Priority Programs, including the continuance of scholarship program for masteral and doctoral degrees for their children.
He also reported that launching of Mental Health Program and psychological counseling services, monthly seminar and orientation sessions on Gender Sensitivity, Human Rights, Violence Against Women and Safe Spaces Act, among others, which will further assist and enhance the potential of women Capitol employees.
The activity, which was also attended by Board Members Rita Gatuslao, Juvy Pepello, Sixto Pal Guanzon, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz and women’s heads of various Capitol departments, including Marie June Castro, who is Provincial GAD Focal Point System Action Officer, Atty. Julie Ann Bederio and Maki Ascalon, among others, was capped with the distribution led by Lacson, of fruit trees seedlings and health kits, instead of roses, to Capitol women employees.*
