‘Buntis’ Congress to mark Women’s Month celeb

A set of activities to celebrate Women’s Month this March is now being finalized by a multi-sectoral committee tasked by provincial officials of Ilocos Norte.

According to Gender and Development Officer Nelinda Erice, the activities include the 2nd year ‘Buntis Congress’, an activity that gathers pregnant women to attend seminars on women’s rights and “Dos and Don’ts in Pregnancies” where matters on pre-natal and maternal care will be tackled.

The Provincial Health office will also conduct a medical mission on free blood-typing and medicine distribution.

The ‘buntis’ congress, first launched during the same event last 2012, will enlist 115 ‘buntis’ or pregnant women (5 from each municipality) who will join the search for ‘Buntis Queen’, a highlight during ‘Rampang Ganda: Kinni-Kinni Parade’, a walk for a cause to take place along Rizal Street up to the Provincial Capitol grounds, Laoag City on March 8.

Different women groups and gender advocates, non-government organizations and other multi-sectoral group in Ilocos Norte will also grace the walk event  to underscore the important role of women in various aspects of development through a slogan competition themed, “Women’s Inspiring Innovation through Imagination”.

Three participants who shall display the ‘best walks’ will also be given special awards.

Women empowerment is among the priorities of Governor Imee R. Marcos as reflected by PGIN’s year-round support on various livelihoods by women-entrepreneurs.

A covenant was also signed by Gov. Marcos and the women’s groups last March 2012 to symbolize their dedication to promote equal protection of rights and gender equality for the advancement and empowerment of women.

March 8 is declared as International Women’s Day and Month of March as National Women’s Month by Virtue of Republic Act 6949 and Proclamation 227 series of 1988 respectively.—Grazielle Mae A. Sales, PGIN-CMO