The Department of Public Works and Highways Ilocos Norte Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-INSDEO) through the efforts and initiatives of the Women’s Circle spearheaded by the Gender and Development (GAD) Spokespersons, Ms. Melanie B. Ramirez and Engineer Kristoffer John R. Esteban conducted a month-long celebration of the Women’s Month with the theme “We Make Change Work For Women.”
The Women’s Circle and the entire female workforce of DPWH-INSDEO celebrated the Women’s Month during the four Fridays of the Month of March, which was dubbed as “Purple Fridays”. The official launch of the month-long celebration commenced during the Flag-Raising Ceremony of the office last March 04, 2019. Signifying the start of the celebration is the display of the Philippine Commission on Women’s (PCW) official tarpaulin at the gate of the office.
Last March 8, the Opening Program for the celebration was held as and was graced and supported by District Engineer Mathias L. Malenab, Assistant District Engineer James P. Ferrer and the Chief of the Administrative Section, Ms. Rosaline A. Cacao who gave their inspirational messages to all the female participants. A Unity Walk followed as everyone walked within the compound of the District Office, waving their purple balloons. “Post Mo, Show Mo” was also launched wherein employees were encouraged to post their female empowerment quotes and messages in Post-Its at the Public Assistance and Information Office’s carousel. The Top 2 quotes were chosen and awarded as soon as the month-long celebration concluded.
Two Zumba sessions were also organized by the GAD Focal Persons for all the women of DPWH-INSDEO, hence, encouraging them to maintain a healthy lifestyle through various physical activities like Zumba. All of the participants came in their best Zumba attires and danced to the rhythms and beats of the old tunes and modern songs. Among all the participants, Ms. Cherry A. Galiguis (Accounting Unit) was awarded as having the Best Zumba Attire.
Aside from the Zumba Session, a photo booth was organized for the second Purple Friday where employees were encouraged to pose behind a magnificent violet backdrop with shimmering lights.
For the third week of the month, a forum regarding gender equality and women empowerment was held at the Conference Room of the District Engineering Office last March 22. The Assistant District Engineer, James P. Ferrer graced the event and gave his inspirational message before the forum started. Engineer Noel D. Ulep of the Planning and Design Section administered the forum and discussed the Statistic of Filipino Women and an overview on the DPWH Gender and Development Unit. A film viewing shortly followed as the participants were given the chance to watch the film, Hidden Figures which narrates the story of three women of color in pursuit of gaining respect and equality while working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
For the culminating activity of the month-long celebration, the women of DPWH-INSDEO went for a Team-Building at the JLP Resort, Paoay Ilocos Norte last March 29. The District Engineer attended the said activity, giving his support and message to the women of DPWH-INSDEO. The Team-Building comprised of various physical games like “Pass the Plate”, minds games that tested the participant’s critical thinking skills and strategy like “Brand Game”, “Guess What Song”, “Longest Line” and “Tsinismisan”.
One of the highlights of the activity was the “Build, Build, Build: Team Building” wherein all the female participants were tasked to build the tallest and most stable tower using materials like barbecue sticks, a pair of scissors, yarn and drinking straws. The challenge did not come easy as they were only allowed to use one hand per team member in constructing their own towers. Ending the day’s activity was the awarding of the cash prize for the “Best in Zumba Attire” and the over-all winners for the different games.
Last April 2, the winners for the “Post Mo, Show Mo” were also announced and awarded their prizes. The GAD Spokespersons expressed their gratitude for the support of the entire administration of the office to all the activities. The month-long celebration was launched after the last activity of GAD December, last year, which was the annual celebration of the Anti-Violence against Women and Children.