PAGADIAN CITY – Some 1,500 member of the Rural Improvement Club – Women Empowerment
(RIC-WEM) in the municipality of Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur gathered on Friday, March 15, 2013 at the
town’s gymnasium to commemorate Women’s Month.
Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles
in his welcome message said, “this is another opportunity for us to celebrate a
day intended for women, an event where we give recognition to their contribution
and role in the community.”
“This is also the day that
we give them honor for their exceptional strength and boundless efforts in
performing their responsibilities as parents to their children and as a wife,”
the young mayor added.
“With this year’s theme ‘Kababaihan Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid
na Daan,’ I will say this is true, Cerilles said. Women give light to our path,
give us the courage and determination to move forward. Women also display a vital
role in governance, show responsibility and accountability.”
“With the present scenario,
women’s participation therefore, is very significant not only in building a
family but building a nation as a whole,” Cerilles noted.
Meanwhile, 2nd
District Congresswoman Aurora E. Cerilles, who was the guest of honor and
speaker said that women now have equal rights with men. She challenged the
women to involve themselves in the community where they live. “You should
participate in assemblies and share what you have in your mind that will
contribute to the development of your community.”
She also urged all women
present during the gathering to exercise their rights, and not just remain in
their traditional role as a wife or as a mother. (PIA9)