by: HAIDEE I. GABRIEL
The Schools Division Office of Olongapo City commemorates the celebration of the National Women’s Month through various activities that institutionalize awareness of Proclamation No. 224 s, 1988 which declared March as the month for conducting nationwide activities that will define the importance and worth of women in the society.
Focusing on the theme” We make change work for women”, the Human Resource and Development in coordination with the School Health and Nutrition and Social Mobilization and Networking of the Schools Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) provided a month-long activity for Division personnel.
The celebration started with Purple Friday as suggested by the Philippine Women’s Commission’s (PCW) to symbolize women’s empowerment. Further, Slimmers World International, Subic Bay partnered with SDO Olongapo City as the company sponsored Zum-VAW, Zumba to support advocacy on Violence Against Women held last March 13, 2020 at SDO, Conference Hall and participated by fifty two (52) SDO employees. On the other hand, some planned activities were no longer conducted due to unexpected Enhanced Community Quarantine and these are: SPAcial Day: a relaxation and wellness activity courtesy of Slimmers World, Subic Bay, Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium, Free Eye Check Up in coordination with SD Optical and I “JUANA” Learn: Financial Literacy Training in partnership with JCI Olongapo.
Though some activities did not materialize, the SDO affirms its commitment to continue its advocacy in intensifying gender sensitivity by integrating the celebration of the National Women’s Month in its Annual Plan.