Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), through the PFDA Gender and Development Focal Point System (PFDA-GFPS), joined the celebration of the 2023 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) with the theme “WE for gender equality and inclusive society” this March 2023.
During a kickoff event on March 6, 2022, the PFDA launched its participation in the month-long observance, aiming to motivate women and everyone (WE) to push equality and inclusivity where all, regardless of ability, status, and situation, are respected and afforded their rights.
In her opening speech, PFDA Officer-in-Charge General Manager and PFDA-GFPS Executive Committee Chairperson Ms. Iris R. de Vera recognizes the dedication of every female employee in the Central Office and in the Regional Fish Ports who are passionately working to assist our resilient Filipino fisherfolk.
“We truly believe that the PFDA has always been a gender-equal and inclusive agency. We have always been respectful and compassionate to everyone. The PFDA is a place where employees, clients, and stakeholders can feel safe and enjoy their freedom of self-expression without the fear of judgment or harm,” Ms. de Vera said.
The OIC-GM also noted that the female fight toward equality is not over yet, but the PFDA is committed to championing gender and development throughout the agency.
Public Information Division Officer-in-Charge and Head of the PFDA-GFPS TWG Committee on Advocacy, Linkages, and Capacity Building Mr. Miguel M. Pilarta announced the lineup of activities for the entire March. This month’s activities include the launching of the NWMC 2023 Advocacy Photobooth and the conduct of a Gender Sensitivity Orientation, which will coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8.
To close the kickoff program, PFDA-GFPS TWG Assistant Head Ms. Mary Ann D. Daquer said that that women have no limit to what we they accomplish. “Huwag natin lilimitahan ang sarili natin sa kaya nating gawin dahil lang babae tayo. Hindi tayo babae “lang”. Babae tayo,” Ms. Daquer said.
Ms. Mary Anne Kristine R. Ramos of ASD-HRD and Mr. Pilarta served as the hosts and moderators of the event.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez with photos from Paul Vincent R. del Rosario – Public Information Division)