Bacolod women urged to become instruments of change

Talisay City Social Welfare Officer Dionela Madrona (center) receives a certificate of appreciation and token from Bacolod City Councilor Em Ang, First Lady Elsa Leonardia, Councilor Cindy Rojas, and Councilor Ana Marie Palermo. Madrona was the guest speaker during the launching of the National Women’s Month at the Bacolod Government Center on Thursday (March 7, 2019). (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)

BACOLOD CITY -- Women in this city have been urged to become instruments of change as Bacolod takes part in the observance of the 2019 National Women’s Month this March.

“Women should be active drivers in bringing about positive changes in the community,” Talisay City Social Welfare Officer Dionela Madrona told women representatives of various sectors during the launch of the month’s celebration at the Bacolod City Government Center here Thursday.

Councilor Cindy Rojas, chair of the City Council committee on women and gender, said observing Women’s Month aims to recognize every woman and her contribution to society.

“It also reminds all women that we are capable of becoming the better version of ourselves,” added Rojas, who also heads the city’s Gender and Development Focal Point System.

The activity, anchored on the theme “We Make Change Work for Women”, was also attended by Elsa Leonardia, the wife of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, and councilors Em Ang and Ana Marie Palermo.

This year’s International Women’s Day is also observed this Friday, with the campaign theme, #BalanceforBetter, which urges the celebration women's achievement, raise awareness against bias, and take action for equality.

In Bacolod, scheduled activities for the National Women’s Month are as follows: March 5-19 -- Training on Basic First-Aid/ Fire Preparedness Community Firefighting in 61 barangays; March 12 -- Self Defense Training for Grade 9 students of Negros Occidental High School; March 14 -- Self-Defense Training for Grade 9 students of Bacolod City National High School; March 16 -- Medical/Dental Mission in Barangay Taculing; March 18 -- Seminar-Forum on Republic Act 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 at the Barangay Taculing Hall; March 19 -- Self-Defense Training for Tanods and Barangay Staff in Barangay Villamonte; March 20 -- Zumba at the Bacolod Government Center grounds; March 21-- Training on Kasambahay Law; and March 22 -- Self-Defense Training in Barangay Mansilingan. (PNA/By Nanette Guadalquiver )