By
Gideon C. Corgue
DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur – Mayor Ace
William Cerilles has joined the nation in recognizing the women’s contribution
to the society.
In his message during the National Women’s Month
Celebration at Dumalinao Sports Complex on Friday, Cerilles said his
administration recognizes the Filipino women who have become the catalysts for
change displayed exceptional courage, strength,
care and love for their families, adding “ our respect for
women is embedded in our culture.”
Our mothers are women who nurtured us and
gave us their absolute love and support throughout our lives,” Cerilles said
“Ang atong inahan sila ang iwag
sa atong panimalay. Sila ang naghatag kanato ug inspirasyon aron nga kita ang mahimo nga maayong tawo,”
Cerilles proudly said.
(Our mother is the light of our home. They are the persons
who inspired us to become good citizens.)
“Traditionally women were not equal with men in law and
that men were the heads of the households as well as in politics,” stressed
Mayor Cerilles.
Cerilles said with the advent of Republic Act No. 9710
otherwise known as the “Magna Carta of Women,” they are now empowered, as the
law is giving themequal opportunities with men includingaccess to resources.
“Tungod sa maong mahinungdanong balaod aduna kita’y ubay-ubay nga mga babaye nga nagpakita
sa ilang kusog ug liderato.
Gani ang uban kanila napili pagka-Presidente sa nasud, Senador,
Kongresista ug uban pa,”Cerilles opined.
(Because of this landmark legislation, we now have many
women leaders. In fact, some of them were elected as President of the country,
senators, congresswomen, and others).
The mayor’s mother, Aurora, was then elected provincial governor
and now the representative of the province’s second district.
Cerilles said the Philippines is now looking at more opportunities for gender equality and
empowerment and for broadening advocacy for the promotion and protection of
women’s rights.
