by Amor Ledon Bajarla

MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City (March 10) – In recognition of the crucial role of women in nation-building, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10 (BFAR-10) participated in thIs year’s celebration of the National Women’s Month. With the theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas”, BFAR-10 kicked-off the month-long celebration with an opening program, health awareness campaign, and a Market Day at the BFAR 10 compound on March 10. The celebration highlights the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women across various sectors.

During the program, BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward Yasay welcomed everyone and expressed his optimism, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the vital role of women and their responsibilities in both government and community development.

“For a long time, women were considered part of the marginalized sector, but today, we emphasize inclusivity—not just in government activities but in the overall development of our nation. It is essential to highlight and acknowledge the contributions of women in all sectors of society,” Yasay said.

Meanwhile, BFAR-10 Gender and Development (GAD) focal person Princess Mae Cena stated that this year’s theme focuses on continuing support for the administration’s vision of good governance and leadership, aligning with its call for an inclusive plan for economic and social transformation.

“We affirm and reaffirm our commitment to building a Bagong Pilipinas—a nation where women have equitable opportunities, free from gender biases and discriminatory stereotypes,” she said.

Further, Cena emphasized ‘WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society’ in observance of the National Women’s Month Campaign (NWMC).

“‘WE’ stands for Women and Everyone. It emphasizes that the advocacy for gender equality is not limited to women alone—it involves everyone. Achieving gender equality is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of all sectors, individuals, agencies, institutions, private partners, and duty-bearers at both the national and local levels,” she reiterated.

Another key highlight of the event was the lecture on health awareness, which focused on the importance of holistic well-being, prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, and overall wellness.

Mr. Alexis Talja, a guest speaker and health advocate, delivered an insightful discussion on metabolic syndrome and lifestyle-related diseases, emphasizing the significance of early prevention, active living, and proper health management.

“Many Filipinos rely solely on medication, thinking it is the only solution for managing their health. But in reality, the key to long-term well-being is a combination of medication, a healthy lifestyle, and proper prevention,” Talja explained.

As part of the celebration, two contests, the “Flavor Her Story: Lutong Nanay, Lutong Pinay” cooking contest and the “Pinay sa Lente” photo contest were launched. These contests are organized to promote empowered women of their economic independence, safety, and well-being and showcase their sectoral roles towards a better society.

Women’s Month serves as a crucial platform to not only honor past struggles but also to push for policies that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. With growing awareness and collective efforts, advocates hope this celebration will pave the way for a more gender-equal future.