New brand of leadership–IRM

“Ang bagong liderato ay dapat nakikinig at nagkokunsulta na parang sa mga “millennial”—a more caring, nurturing, and consultative leadership,” asserted Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos in the culmination of the Provincial Women’s Month at the Mindanao Civic Center Hotel, Lanao del Norte last March 22.

The 2018 National Women’s Month Celebration with the theme “We Make Change Work for Women” is celebrated throughout the country during the month of March to forward the role and rights of women in the community.

In her talk, Governor Marcos posited that the nature of leadership today being referred to as “millennial leadership” has changed, saying that women are now equipped with skills and are ready to lead their own communities.

“Ang kababahihan ay bagay na bagay sa makabagong liderato ngayon. Kung dati, very commanding at nagbibigay lang ng order ang lider, ngayon kailangang hikayatin, kausapin, at pakinggan ang bawat isa. Lahat ay kailangan ng babae, ng isang nanay, ng isang anak, at isang asawa na makikinig at makiramdam,” she added.

Noting that ilocos Norte and Lanao del Norte are both agricultural provinces, she urged local government officials and employees to recognize the role and efforts of the “rural women” as “agriculturists” who “nourish” and “feed” the country and as workers that primarily provide for the needs of their families.

She also again lauded the audience for being peacekeepers in the war-torn communities of Mindanao, saying “Napakalaking regalo ang kapayapaan. Peace in all forms, peace as a blessing and grace that keeps us away from war, from violence, and war-torn families. Napaka swerte po natin dito sa Lanao del Norte na nabiyayaan tayo ng kapayapaan. Suportahan at kupkupin ang lahat ng mga nangangailangan.”

Governor Marcos recalled the efforts of her parents, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) and Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos, for advocating peace in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and his brother former Senator Bongbong Marcos for forwarding the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The culmination of the Provincial Women’s Month celebration in Lanao del Norte was highlighted by a community “zumba,” a Latin dance workout which was joined by Governor Marcos.

On the other hand, Ilocos Norte celebrated its Women’s Month through the “Kinni-kinni”(swaying hips) Parade for Women’s Rights, which featured 1,500 women parading the streets, wearing high heels and outrageous headdresses.