8 March 2013- is the declared International Women’s Day pursuant to RA 6949. CALABARZON region joins the entire world in this celebration through the conduct of several activities in line with the 2013 theme - Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan. The theme accentuates the need to accelerate women’s participation in governance and enhance gender perspective in upholding good governance. It also highlights the importance of strengthening the mechanisms and institutions that support women and to widen the arena for their participation. (Philippine Commission on Women)
NNC CALABARZON led by RNPC Carina Z. Santiago took part in the celebration during a Special Meeting of the Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) on Nutrition held at the 3rd Floor Conference Room, Center Health Development IV-A Bldg., Quirino Memorial Medical Center Compound, Project 4, Quezon City. RNPC Santiago recognized and honored the women of the RTWG/RNET on their role and contribution in society especially in the field of nutrition. The RTWG members were given a plaque of recognition which stated an affirmation of them being a woman soldier of good nutrition.
On the same day, another activity in line with Women’s Month celebration was conducted by the local nutrition committee of Calamba City spearheaded by CNAO Aleli Catalina Y. Jimenez together with the local GAD Council. The activity, dubbed as “Search for Gandang Buntis” was held at the Activity Center of SM Calamba City. The objective of the activity was to honor the women of Calamba specially the pregnant women and to empower them by making them the Ambassadress of Breastfeeding.
Participants in the said contest includes pregnant women who are in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy, who are 21-35 years old and has a record showing her complete pre-natal check-up. The finalists were given an orientation prior to the contest on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding of infants for the first 6 months, and appropriate provision of complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding until 2 years of age. Winners in the said contest were given plaques, sash, cash prizes, free Hepa-B screening and free New Born Screening for their upcoming babies.
The DOH- Center for Health Development IV-A also conducted a health and nutrition forum for the CHD staff on 18 March 2013 as part of the Women’s Month celebration. The 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos was presented by NO IV Jennifer M. Tañag of CHD IV-A and consecutively the women employees were given free papsmear.
