In the true spirit of women empowerment all around the country, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Regional Fish Ports (RFP) commemorated the National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) 2025 with various special activities throughout the month of March.
The PFDA RFPs, namely: PFDA - Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC), PFDA - Davao Fish Port Complex (PFDA-DFPC), PFDA- General Santos Fish Port Complex (PFDA-GSFPC), PFDA-Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC), PFDA - Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC), PFDA - Bulan Fish Port Complex (PFDA-BFPC), PFDA - Camaligan Fish Port (PFDA-CFP), and PFDA - Sual Fish Port (PFDA-SFP) have simultaneously observed the start of the NWMC 2025.
Aside from having a kickoff program, the PFDA-ZFPC took part in the annual Marcha de las Mujeres, a purple walk organized by the Local Government Unit of Zamboanga City on March 7, 2025. The purple walk, symbolizing unity and advocacy for gender equality, brought together individuals from multiple genders, showcasing strong solidarity in the fight for women's rights. It also served as a platform to celebrate the accomplishments of women around the world.
Meanwhile, the PFDA-DFPC joined the International Women's Day Parade on March 8, 2025, organized by the City Government of Davao. In addition, they partnered with Viacrucis Infirmary to conduct a medical mission with the theme, “Kalusugan para kay Juana: Misyon ng Pagkalinga at Pag-asa”.
Subsequently, the PFDA-IFPC held a Gender Sensitivity Orientation on March 19, 2025. The session was designed to educate attendees on how to recognize gender biases and become more mindful in fostering equal opportunities for all genders. In addition to lectures and discussions, an exciting and interactive activity—Gender Sensitivity Bingo—was included to make the learning process both fun and informative.
Meanwhile, on March 12, the PFDA-NFPC had a parade around the port’s vicinity where they distributed IEC materials to market clients. This activity aimed to raise awareness about the significance of the month, its history, and the celebration of women’s achievements and contributions. Afterwards, purple lights illuminated the PFDA-NFPC entrance gate during the lighting ceremony.
In addition, on March 25, the PFDA-NFPC held a seminar on “Diseases and Conditions Affecting the Health of Women Throughout their Lifespan: Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Awareness” with Cervical Cancer Screening using VIA conducted by the Navotas City Health Office.
Furthermore, the PFDA-LFPC represented the agency during the NWMC 2025 kick-off ceremony of the City Government of Lucena, while representatives from the PFDA-BFPC and PFDA-CFP attended the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 5 (RFO 5) Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD FPS) first-quarter mobile meeting on February 25, 2025.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez - Public Information Division with reports from PFDA Regional Fish Ports GFPS)