OLONGAPO CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!

Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Here in Olongapo City, Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon with Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo and Kgwd. Ellen Dabu led the celebration of IWD with a march joined by over one thousand (1,000) women coming from different women’s groups.

Officers and members of the Olongapo City Women’s Council, teachers and students, barangay health workers, barangay officials and employees and residents have come together to march for economic, political and social achievements of women.

At the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and Gabriel Munuera Vinals, Head of Political, Economic, Trade and Public Affairs Section of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines were the guests of honor in the program held after the march.

“Maliban sa pagiging ilaw ng tahanan, ang babae sa ngayon ay haligi na rin ng tahanan. Mga mahahalagang papel ang ginagampanan ng isang babae sa kanyang tahanan at sa komunidad. Kaya mahalaga na pangalagaan, respetuhin at kilalanin ang mga karapatan ng isang babae,” First Lady and Olongapo City Women’s Council Chair Anne Gordon said.

Mayor Bong Gordon, FL Anne Gordon and Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo awarded P900,000.00 Philhealth Indigent Unit allotment which was part of the funds raised at the 2009 City Fiesta as promised by FL Anne.

Livelihood assistance was also awarded to the beneficiaries with the help of representatives from the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) Women and Children Protection Desk and the Soroptimist International.

Activity Booths also opened. A lot of women, and men alike, waited in line for free haircut, free medical and dental consultation, mobile birth registration, PAP Smear screening, foot spa and job fair.

Meanwhile, different activities are set for the entire month of March to celebrate International Women's Day. There will be a “Buntis Party” on March 18, 2010 at 1:30pm and “Women’s Night” on March 29, 2010 at 1 o’clock pm both events will take place at the FMA Hall of the Olongapo City Hall.

Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Governor Anne Gordon and the Olongapo City Women’s Council led the parade of Olongapo women in celebration of the International Women’s Day with the theme “Babae: Tagumpay Ka Ng Bayan” on March 8, 2010.

Mayor Bong Gordon, First Lady & Zambales Vice-Gov. Anne Gordon and Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo awards Livelihood Capital Assistance (LCA) to thirteen (13) beneficiaries during a program observing Women’s Month. The LCA is part of the funds raised at the 2009 City Fiesta headed by FL Anne Gordon.