PAGADIAN CITY – “Women have equal rights and
opportunities with men.”
Speaking before a crowd of 2,500 women
from different groups of the Local Council for Women, Co said that “we have to
show respect, gratitude and appreciation towards women and at the same time
acknowledge their economic, political, and social contribution to our society.”
He emphasized that respect of women’s
rights is clearly imbedded in Republic Act 6949 declaring March 8 of every year as working
special holiday to be known as National Women’s Day”, where all heads of
government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and
controlled corporations as well as local government units are mandated to
observe and celebrate women’s day.
The city government celebrated women’s
month by showcasing the dancing and
singing skills of participants making it an enjoyable and entertaining occasion.
Co said women who were victims of
discrimination, violence and oppression and other abusive acts are now
emancipated.
With the advent of that law, he said many women today are accomplished. “In fact, we have already two lady
presidents, the then Corazon Aquino and Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo, we also have lady generals in the AFP, commercial pilots, and
a representative of the 2nd district, Aurora Enerio Cerilles,” Co
announced.
Meanwhile, singer-actress Sheryl Cruz,
who represented her cousin Grace Poe-LLamanzares , a senatorial bet of Team
Pnoy was happy for the warm welcome given by the LCW.
Cruz informed the LCW members that Poe has a great concern for women by citing her personal advocacy on television dubbed “One billion women and children against violence”. Her advocacy aims to show full respect on the rights of women and children. (PIA9)