Breadwinner Myrna Lorenzana, 37, who has polio, works as a barista at a coffee shop called Saklay Café. From her small income, she supports her son, Artmyrn, 11, and husband, Arturo, 59, who are both Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) like her. - File photo from LIMUEL DAYRIT/ Contributor
MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to “commit to supporting women in uplifting the nation” on International Women’s Day this Saturday (March 8).
“As we mark this special occasion, let us recognize the significance of women as an unshakable force that nurtures, perseveres and redefines,” Marcos said in a statement.
“Let us commit to supporting them in their endeavors to uplift the nation and the rest of the world,” the president told the people.
In the Philippines, Proclamation No. 227 in 1988 declared March as the Women’s Role in History Month.
Additionally, Republic Act No. 6949 declared March 8 as National Women’s Day, a special working holiday.
“The Bagong Pilipinas we are building will always advocate for women’s rights and vigorously oppose anything threatening their progress,” Marcos said.
“We will never grow weary of retelling the stories of remarkable women so we can inspire a new generation of young girls to make their mark on society,” he emphasised.
This year’s Philippine celebration of the National Women’s Month is themed “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas (Women of All Sectors, The Future Will Rise in the New Philippines.)”
This year also commemorates the 50th founding anniversary of the Philippine Commission on Women.
The United Nations (UN) first marked International Women’s Day in 1975.
The UN’s theme for this year’s celebration is “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
