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 2024 National Women's Month Celebration is a significant milestone in the progress of women's rights, as it embraces the recurring theme until 2028: WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society. Anchored on the objective of transforming culture toward a more equal and inclusive future, the 2024 NWMC bears the sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!”
 

In line with the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration (2024 NWMC) in support of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the following activities were undertaken by the Provincial Statistical Office of Pangasinan:

1.  2024 NWMC Banner
PSA Pangasinan showed its stand for gender equality and inclusive society by displaying the NWMC banner on its 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 2024. The AVP was also used during preliminaries in other events of PSA Pangasinan for the month
 

3.  #PurpleFridays
All personnel were encouraged to wear clothes in color purple every Friday throughout March to symbolize support and solidarity for women’s empowerment and gender equality. This gesture serves not only as a celebration but also as a catalyst for conversations surrounding the NWMC. 
 

4.  Photo Booth
PSA Pangasinan set up a photo booth which showcased various graphical images about women as part of its 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration. The photo booth serves as an amusing way and interactive medium to capture memories. It gives all employees and guests of PSA Pangasinan the chance to take creative photos of themselves together with fellow employees.
 

5.  Social Responsibility Activity
PSA Pangasinan conducted a Social Responsibility Activity and Information Dissemination on 06 March 2024 at CRS Outlet Calasiao as part of the 2024 NWMC. PSA personnel offered free breakfast to the clients and provided advocacy materials related to Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) and Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). 
 

6.  Training on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM) cum Fitness Friday
In line with the 2024 NWM Celebration, PSA Pangasinan has invited personnel from Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (Pangasinan PDRRMO) to conduct Training on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM) on 22 March 2024.

Emergency Medical Technicians Argie B. Gattoc and Maricar D. Palang of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) – Pangasinan served as Resource Speakers during the training who imparted knowledge and awareness on disaster and emergency response and on basic first-aid treatment, respectively.
 

The tandem of Mr. Gattoc and Ms. Palang was commended by CSS Edgar M. Norberte and SvSS Ferdinand Q. Jocutan for the unconventional way of presenting a critical, sensitive, and a matter-of-life-and-death subject with a touch of wit and humor that made the participants laugh out loud.

The day was also devoted for a Fitness Friday in support of Health and Wellness activities of the agency. The activity promotes well-being and raise awareness on the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and commitment to a healthier and happier PSA.
 

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

FERDINAND Q. JOCUTAN
Supervising Statistical Specialist

For and in the absence of:

EDGAR M. NORBERTE
Chief Statistical Specialist

/AGPS