PASIG CITY, March 22, 2017 – “Women should be active drivers in bringing about positive changes and that they should also reap from development efforts.”

This was the statement of Education Secretary Leonor Briones in an issued Memorandum No. 52 s. 2017 in line with the celebration of March as Women’s Month this year.

With the theme, “We Make Change Work for Women,” the month-long celebration aims to empower women and encourage them to engage in developmental activities, particularly in the implementation of Magna Carta for Women as one of the directives of the President during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).  Magna Carta or the Republic Act (RA) 9710 underscores the provisions for the benefits, welfare and rights of the Filipino women.

Briones added, “This is the first Women’s Month celebration under President Duterte and the theme is aligned with the commitment, ‘Malasakit at Pagbabago’ or True Compassion and Real Change.”

To highlight the celebration, the Secretary encouraged the central, regional and division offices and schools to hang the 2017 official streamer, produce flyers or other information materials on gender development, upload advocacy video in social media and participate in online campaign, and other similar activities that will emphasize the role of women in developmental efforts.

They can also organize Women’s Forum to celebrate the accomplishments of women by sharing inspiring stories.

This will also serve as a venue for women to inspire and appreciate each other and create an environment supportive for each other.

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), which is the lead agency of the celebration, has conducted several activities in coordination with different government agencies.

The concepts on gender and development are integrated in the new curriculum and tackled in Social Studies, Values Education, Health and Science subjects.

In support of this advocacy, the DepEd has also allotted funds for the Gender and Development (GAD) related activities in DepEd offices and public schools.

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