^{PSA women personnel and participants pose for a photo opportunity during the lecture session for VAWC and Basic Self Defense.}

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Provincial Statistical Office (PSO) Siquijor has joined with the rest of the government agencies in observance of the National Women’s Month celebration and to support the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). The theme from year 2023 to year 2028: WE for gender equality and inclusive society, sparks a renewed commitment to the advocacy and banks on the gains achieved during the 2016-2022 theme, WE Make CHANGE Work for Women. This years sub-theme: Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!, calls for a Bagong Pilipinas where women are given equitable opportunities and not hindered by gender  biases and discriminatory stereotypes. PCW further elaborated that the sub-theme showcases and harness the full potentials of women and girls in actively engaging and reaping the benefits of national growth and development.

PSA Siquijor has conducted series of activities for the whole month of March in line with the celebration of the 2024 National Women’s Month. One of the main activities conducted is the lecture on Violence Against Women and their Children Act (VAWC) and Basic Self-Defense in partnership with the Philippine National Police as the lecturer. The activity was conducted at Barangay Can-asagan conference room, San Juan, Siquijor. Women from different groups of Barangay Can-asagan attended the said activity.

^{PSSg Revylee R. Caponpon in her lecture on Violence Against Women and their Children Act (VAWC)}

^{PCpl Karla Jabe S. Lumuag and PCpl Cris-Abriel A. Lingcong together with PSA Personnel John Claude Dag-uman during the lecture on Basic Self-Defense}

The GAD Corner was also updated showing the achievements and activities of women from the previous years, different statistics on women and related laws which focuses on the rights of women was displayed at the entrance of the office. It also displayed the sub-theme for the 2024 National Women’s Month celebration, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan! to create awareness among employees and clients on the importance of the celebration and to showcase the unwavering support of the PSA towards the fulfillment of the goal of gender equality and eliminate discrimination among women in the society.

A weekly trivia was also conducted to bring enthusiasm as well as create awareness among employees on the importance of Women’s Month and to test employees of their knowledge on the celebration.

^{Winners of the weekly trivia pose for a photo opportunity with their token/prizes received.}

A Re-echo training on Psychological Safety in the workplace was also conducted to all office-based personnel and on the job trainees (ojts). The activity was conducted at the activity area of PSA Siquijor. This activity aims to empower both women and men in their psychological wellness especially in the workplace. This also helps women and men of PSA Siquijor navigate the challenges faced in their daily lives especially matters on their psychological well-being. Senior Statistical Specialist Jill Bernadette C. Abing spearheaded the said activity and was mediated by Administrative Officer I (AOI) Jhon Lloyd Dagohoy.

To conclude the celebration of the National Women’s Month and in line with the lenten season, PSA Siquijor personnel conducted a Spiritual Wellness at Bandilaan Nature Park in Cantabon, Siquijor, Siquijor. This activity aims to strengthen the spiritual and physical well-being of employees and at the same time encourage camaraderie.

The celebration of the 2024 National Women’s Month paved the way for women and men to appreciate the remarkable achievements of women in history at the same time the achievements of modern women especially the women of PSA Siquijor. It also posed a challenge on the part of women to be more active and be seen as an important contributor in national development. Fighting for the rights of women have come a long way but the future is still yet to be conquered.

(SGD) JOSELITO C. MAGHANOY
(Supervising Statistical Specialist)/
Officer-in-Charge