by: Melhanie C. Agraam

In response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s first SONA, directing the first National Women’s Month Celebration under the new leadership to focus on partnership for change and full implementation of the Magna Carta for Women (Republic Act 9710), captured through the theme: WE Make Change Work for Women, Philippine Science High School–Cagayan Valley Campus held its month-long observance of the Women’s Month last March 2017.

The celebration kicked off with a simple launch during the March 6 flag rites, spearheaded by the Grade 10 Speech class. Selected students took on the roles of different women leaders. As challenging as it was for the male students, it served as a reawakening about the daily struggles women all over the world go through in order to advance their rights. At Speech class, 13 students served as ambassadors of good will as they became the voice of women empowerment in different settings across cultures and history. They simultaneously delivered their advocacy speeches at different stations around campus to talk of youth rights, women’s suffrage, women in politics and in war–torn areas, and women who have made a difference in their respective fields.

March also saw the installation of freedom boards promoting #BeBoldForChange, an interactive social media platform for Pisay CVC netizens to express their insights on actual steps we can take to pursue significant change.

The culminating activity for female personnel was made possible by the GAD Focal Point System, chaired by Director Salvador B. Romo with the assistance of FAD Chief Raymundo C. Manaligod and CID Chief Aimee Marie c. Gragasin, Ph D. Held on March 17, Para Kay Juana included a film viewing session at the AVR 1 featuring Mila, a Filipino movie about a woman in search of true love and happiness while also toiling to find meaning in her role as a teacher. Following it was a short forum on how each one is similarly coping with the challenges of being a woman. The day ended with #JuanaFit, a fun–filled wellness activity for all via a zumba session with Mr. Heide S. Albina.

The GAD Day for students was marked with a whole-day Career Day for Grades 9–11 featuring a distinguished panel of resource persons from different areas of specialization. The talk was held on March 24 in partnership with the Guidance Office. The panel consisted of guests representing the STEAM areas, including Batch 2005 alumnus Mark Jim G. Balido who spoke on Geology.

Capping Women’s Month is the Cervical Cancer Awareness symposium held on March 29–30 at the Multipurpose Hall. Serving as resource person was Dr. Mary Jane L. Publico, a public practitioner specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. The activity was an eye opener to all participants after having been given an overview of the danger signs of and prevention against diseases of the female reproductive system.

It was a productive and meaningful celebration indeed as we look forward to more worthwhile activities with GAD Chairperson, Director Romo, pledging his continued support for women’s cause and placing premium on employee health and welfare through a sustainable fitness program.