The Provincial Statistical Office of Pangasinan celebrated the 2023 National Women’s Month with various activities.

In the Philippines, March is widely recognized as Women's Month, a time to honor and appreciate the significant contributions made by women to society. The observance of Women's Month in the Philippines began in 1988 by virtue of Proclamation No. 224 proclaiming the first week of March as Women's Week, later expanded to the entire month to promote women empowerment and gender equality.

The 2023 National Women's Month Celebration is a significant milestone in the progress of women's rights, as it introduces a new recurring theme for the next six years, until 2028: WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society.

In line with the 2023 National Women’s Month Celebration (2023 NWMC) in support of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the following activities were undertaken by the Provincial Statistical Office of Pangasinan:

1. 2023 NWMC Banne
   PSO Pangasinan showed its stand for gender equality and inclusive society by displaying the NWMC banner at the office premises and official social media accounts.

2.National Anthem: All Women Cast
All national and local government agencies, including PSA Pangasinan, highlighted the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang Video in all Flag-Raising Ceremonies in March 2023. Said AVP was also used during preliminaries in other events of PSA Pangasinan for the month.

3. Values Formation Activity
   Values Formation Activity is an initiative of PSA Pangasinan to nourish the spiritual well-being of its personnel. The activity was conducted every Monday of the month, right after the Flag Raising Ceremony. All employees were enjoined to actively participate.

4. #PurpleWednesdays
   All personnel of PSA Pangasinan were encouraged to wear any attire with a shade of purple on all Wednesdays of March to signify support for 2023 National Women’s Month Celebration.

5. Orientation on Gender-Based Violence and RA 9262: Anti Violence on Women and their Children
   The Provincial Statistical Office of Pangasinan conducted an Orientation on Gender-Based Violence and RA 9262 (Anti-Violence against Women and their Children) last March 28, 2023, at the DSWD Haven for Women, Dagupan City, Pangasinan. Miss Hiyasmin Joy N. Rabelas, Social Work Officer III and Center Head, served as resource speaker for the said activity. Personnel and beneficiaries of the center, together with PSA personnel, participated in the said event.

In addition, a Social Responsibility Activity was undertaken to offer assistance for the beneficiaries of the said center. Haven for Women is a residential care facility catering to women survivors of abuse along with their dependents, eighteen (18) to fifty-nine (59) years old, who need temporary protective custody and other services that will promote healing and recovery. Assorted supplies were donated to the center, which include children’s clothings, bath soaps, face masks, alcohol, tissue rolls, microfiber cloths, cotton balls, etc.

6. Wellness Biyernes
   Physical health and wellness of all PSA Pangasinan personnel was also deemed important. Hence, the office initiated its Wellness Biyernes program conducted every last Friday of the month. This month, the Office conducted a Zumba dance session last March 31, 2023, to promote overall wellness of everyone and as a culminating activity of the National Women’s Month Celebration. Zumba instructors were invited to facilitate the session.

This month-long celebration aimed to raise awareness about women's struggles and triumph for gender equality and their rights.

SGD. EDGAR M. NORBERTE
Chief Statistical Specialist, PSO Pangasinan