Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Regional Fish Ports (RFP) joined the nation in the observance of the 2023 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) with the theme “WE for gender equality and inclusive society" this month of March 2023.

As part of this year’s celebration, the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC) Gender and Development – Technical Working Group (GAD-TWG) conducted various activities for port employees and clients, starting with a kickoff program led by PFDA Officer-in-Charge General Manager Ms. Iris R. de Vera and PFDA-NFPC Port Manager Ms. Luz P. Ortiz.

Some activities include a Women’s Month parade and the distribution of GAD reading materials. In addition, the PFDA-NFPC launched an exhibit entitled “HER Story: Outstanding Women Exhibit” that celebrates the work, achievements, and historical significance of remarkable Filipinas. 

Afterward, the color purple which symbolizes women’s empowerment and gender equality illuminated the night during the ceremonial lighting of the PFDA-NFPC GAD Center Building.

Subsequently, staff and personnel of the PFDA – Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) led by Port Manager Ignacio M. Yao joined the “Marcha de Las Mujeres: A Purple Walk for a Cause Campaign” organized by the City Government of Zamboanga as part of the 113th International Women’s Day celebration with the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” on March 8, 2023.

To show their commitment to gender equality, participants from various government and non-government agencies filled the streets with purple and marched more than one kilometer from Mayor Climaco Avenue to Paseo del Mar where the program proper was held. 

Subsequently, members of the PFDA – Davao Fish Port Complex (PFDA-DFPC) led by Port Manager Albert P. Aguinaldo took to the streets to participate in the purple parade on International Women's Day organized by the City Government of Davao. Later, representatives of the PFDA-DFPC GAD-TWG attended the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region XI’s Women's Month Opening Program.

In addition, the PFDA - Lucena Fish Port Complex (PFDA-LFPC), headed by Port Manager Custodio L. Balaoing Jr., also joined the purple campaign by leading a kickoff event for the 2023 National Women’s Month. The program was attended by staff and personnel of the PNP-Maritime Unit, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Plant Industry.

The PFDA - Sual Fish Port (PFDA-SFP) also showed its support for the 2023 National Women’s Month.

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with reports and photos from PFDA-NFPC, PFDA-ZFPC, PFDA-DFPC, PFDA-LFPC, and PFDA-SFP GAD-TWG Members)