Metro Manila – The month of March commemorates the celebration of women empowerment. This is made more significant with the issuance of Presidential Proclamation No. 227 Series of 1988 which provides for the observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History. The role of women was further recognized with the declaration of Republic Act No. 6949 Series of 1990 declaring March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day. These laws give recognition to the contributions of Filipino women in our society.

In line with the celebration of the 2022 National Women’s Month, the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) joined the nation in its observance following its 6-year theme “We Make Change Work for WOMEN”. Capping off with a sub-theme “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran”, the Board lined up several activities over the course of the month’s celebration.

The NCMB utilized the social media and its website to disseminate information to the public through the uploading of the prescribed and official banner and social media materials provided by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) as a means of social advocacy of the activity.

The banner was also uploaded and appeared in the official Facebook page of the Board during the entire duration of the celebration.

The NCMB also showed its support to the occasion through the wearing of a purple collared advocacy t-shirt every Tuesday (#PurpleTuesdays) and the use of All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang Video which was played in the Flag Raising Ceremony held every Monday of March. Furthermore, a Film Showing was also held hosted by the Research and Information Division (RID). Movies were shown every Friday of March depicting the role and life of women through different stories and characters.

On 08 March 2022, a Cooking Demonstration was initiated by the ODED-IS. The activity, led by Ms. Mariglo P. Alcala, aimed to empower and provide the NCMB employees additional knowledge in Homemade Puto Pao making. It was done via a blended execution, both via Zoom and physical participation while maintaining health and safety protocols.

On 15 March 2022, all male employees of the Board serenaded the female employees with beautiful and inspiring old-time favorite songs through the “Harana Kay Juana”. This activity brought smiles to women employees as they were reminded of days back then

Furthermore, the NCMB also participated in the celebration of “Girl Child Week” in the last week of March 2022. The Girl Child Week is initiated by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) in connection with the celebration of the National Women’s Month, and had the theme “Batang Babae: Kasama at Katuwang ng Pagbabago sa Komunidad” #WeMarch4Girls.

On 24 March 2022, a Lecture on Women’s Leave was conducted by Chief Rose-Maria C. Mamaoag . The lecture discussed the leave privileges of women through different circumstances. It was followed by a Health, Wellness, and Beauty seminar led by Guest Speakers from i-fern and Mary Kay. The afternoon event is a mixture of discussion from speakers, as well as participation from women employees.

A lecture on Republic Act No. 9710 also known as Magna Carta for Women was also conducted on 28 March 2022. Atty. Ronda T. Doctor-Malimban, Director for Technical Services of NCMB, served as the resource speaker and discussed various women’s human rights laws which aim to promote equal rights and opportunities for men and women for labor and other aspects of the society.

A Gender Role Switching activity was conducted on 30 March 2022 to cap off the month-long celebration. The “Serbisyo para kay Juana” aims to switch the role of women and men in the usual activities being done by women to show appreciation to their efforts in their day-to-day activities.

The Board acknowledges the role of women and their contributions in the society. The participation of the Board shows its full support as it believes that men and women can equally make a significant impact, and have equal voices towards narrowing gender gaps and promoting sustainable and equitable development.

END/ianne r. go