BONTOC, Mountain Province – Mountain Province joined the whole nation in giving honour to women with the celebration of National Women’s Month on March 7, 2025, in place of March 8, 2025.
The celebration brought together the active involvement of not just women but also men, coming from the different government agencies and non-government organizations in Mountain Province. A civic parade kickstarted the celebration. This was immediately followed by the program proper held at the Governor Leonard G. Mayen Sports Center.
During the program, the importance of women’s participation and involvement in leadership, governance, and society was highlighted by the various speakers.
Guest of Honor and Speaker and Provincial Director of Mountain Province Police Provincial Office, Police Colonel Ferdinand N. Oydoc, underscored the significant progress which the society has achieved when it comes to women’s involvement in the Philippine National Police (PNP). He explained that at present, out of the 9,337 police officers in the whole region of Cordillera, 1,875, or about 20%, are women. At the PNP-CAR Regional Office, Police Colonel Oydoc said that about 30% of the officers are women.
Moreover, Oydoc put into highlight Police Brigadier General Jean Salvador Fajardo, who made history by being the first female regional director of the PNP.
“Haan nga adayo nga one day, pati ditoy regional office ti PRO -Cordillera ket babae tun ti agbalin nga regional director,” Oydoc said.
Meanwhile, Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., in his message, also put into the spotlight two women leaders in Mountain Province who showed exemplary leadership. Among those he mentioned were Petra Macli-ing, who was one of the many leaders who led the opposition against the construction of the Chico River Dam, and Carolyn Castañeda, who led the Bontoc Women’s Brigade in patrolling the streets of the capital town of Bontoc during night time.
“Their efforts have largely contributed to keeping the peace and safeguarding our youth. Many times, they have been given national awards for their exemplary service,” Lacwasan said.
With this year’s Women’s Day and Month theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. explained that this theme aims to promote a culture in which all women have equal rights, power, and opportunities.
In addition, Dalog said that the slogan, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas,” in the theme conveys a feeling of hope and optimism for a time when women’s lives will genuinely improve.
Meanwhile, other highlights of the celebration include the turnover of the proceeds of the Women’s Month walk-for-a-cause for dialysis patients, amounting to PhP140,855 to the Provincial Health Office and the wellness activity, which is in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. By MP-PIO
