Palace bats for gender equality

In observance of International Women’s Day, an aide to President Aquino promised Saturday that his administration would strengthen measures to combat violence against women and provide more opportunities for gender equality and empowerment.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said it was everyone’s obligation to seek an end to violence, discrimination and other forms of gender bias.

Saying that women hold “half the sky,” Coloma said that the nation “recognizes women who have become catalysts for change and displayed extraordinary courage, strength, care and love for their families in the midst of the storm and tragedy that devastated our country last year.”

In a statement, President Aquino recognized the contributions of Filipino women to the country’s rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of calamities.

In his message for the celebration of International Women’s Day last Friday, the President said his administration joined other nations in recognizing the importance and contributions of women to society.

Mr. Aquino noted that the nation was able to withstand back-to-back calamities last year such as the earthquake in Bohol and Cebu, the siege in Zamboanga City and Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in Eastern Visayas.

He praised the women who “stoke the flames of hope” amid difficult circumstances by tirelessly caring for their families and taking part in recovery efforts.

He said that in the aftermath of these disasters, it became clear that every nation had an obligation to make their people safe and maintain a high state of readiness against those challenges.

Malacañang noted that International Women’s Day has turned into a day of recognition and celebration of women in developed and developing countries.

The theme for this year’s observance of National Women’s Month is “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong.”