By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine
Information Agency (PIA) here and the Zamboanga Press Club, Incorporated (ZCPI) on Friday (March 13) held a forum for
women-media practitioners.
Dr. Grace Rebollos, the guest speaker opened up an array
of discussions on issues confronting women. The participants themselves shared
their experiences while working in the mass media.
“The Philippines is a pioneer in women’s rights
advancements,” declared Rebollos, a civic leader and a peace advocate. However,
she emphasized, “There is still a long way to go to fully empower women in
society.”
According to Rebollos, who was the former president of the
Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), “gender and development has
overwhelming support (from the government), but society is still
male-oriented.”
Rebollos cited that this issue is best illustrated in
employment. “Many employers prefer men over women,” she said.
Given the fact that the country has had already two women
presidents and now two women leading the peace process, still “across the
landscape, men still dominate.”
“Women will have to keep talking for a long time, to keep
on drumbeating for women’s rights. When will the day come when we will stop
advocating? Maybe it will never come, but we have to keep on doing it,”
Rebollos explained.
Rebollos meanwhile cited the women in media for their
outstanding contributions to society. “By yourselves, you can wage peace or war
by the stroke of your pens,” Rebollos told the participants. She exhorted the
women in media by “showing what they were made of especially during the
Zamboanga siege,” and encouraged them to do more, contribute to society and be
recognized as women of caliber.
Dave Malcampo, PIA Zamboanga Infocenter Manager said that
March, as women’s month has to be celebrated with women’s triumphs and
achievements “to encourage more women to achieve.”
On the other hand, Press Club President Jayvee Francisco
recognized the women-media practitioners’ contributions to having a free,
objective and fair media in the city. “Your role in media not only provides the
people with information, but inspires more women to take up this challenging
task in journalism,” he said.