Naujan Celebrates International Women's Day

Around 3,000 flocked to Liwasang Bonifacio (Naujan Town Plaza) from NGOs and POs led by Naujan's Local Council of Women, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), employees and officials of the Municipal Government of Naujan and DSWD Region IV-B and private entities on March 8, 2011 to participate in the International Women's Day Celebration with a theme: Magna Carta of Women, The Philippine CEDAW In Support of the Millennium Development Goals."

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The occasion started with an assembly for parade at 7:30 in the morning. Just after the tail of the parade left the plaza, its head had already reached the destination, the nearby Mena G. Valencia (MGV) Gymnasium. This shows support not only from the women but to community of men as well.

The parade was followed by a short program held at the MGV Gym where advocacy speeches for women were delivered by selected Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) members headed by Vice Mayor Dein "Toti" Arago and the Local Chief Executive Mayor Maria Angeles Caranzo-Casubuan. A detailed lecture on the theme conducted by Mira Melinda O. Leuterio, Social Worker Officer II of DSWD Region IV-B giving particular emphasis on the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the corollary Philippine laws in support thereto.

Ms. Leuterio briefed the audience on RA 7877- Anti Sexual Harassment Act, RA 8353- Anti Rape Law, RA 8505-Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act, RA 9208-Anti-trafficking in Persons Act, RA 9262-Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, RA 8551- PNP Reform and Reorganization Act and other relative policies. Though the delivery was taxing to average listeners, it was very informative and helpful to policy makers and media reporters.