The provincial government of Iloilo, through the Provincial Gender and Development Council, conducted the second year of the women-led provincewide Limpyo Iloilo on March 8, 2023, this time with a focus on dengue and hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Vice Gov. Christine Garin, 5th District Board Member Carol V Espinosa-Diaz, Provincial Administrator Atty. Dennis Ventilacion and several department heads led the opening program at the Capitol lobby, marking the 2023 National Women’s Month kickoff with the theme, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society."
Provincial Health Officer I Dr Rodney Labis gave updates on the status of dengue and HFMD cases in the province.
Dr Labis also cited the significant roles of women in healthcare.
Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) senior environmental specialist Mitzi Peñaflorida said the activity is anchored on the objective of Limpyo Iloilo which is a clean province for health, tourism, and progress.
Peñaflorida said the celebration also coincides with Provincial Water Awareness Month.
Vice Governor Garin, also the chairperson of the Committee on Women and Family Affairs, appealed to the Ilonggos to do their best to fight for equality and advance women's rights.
Garin is the first woman governor of Iloilo.
Diaz who is the chairperson of the Committee on Social Welfare, Housing, Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability said the first legislation she passed as a board member was the Safe Spaces Ordinance in the Province of Iloilo which provides protection against gender-based harassment in public, workplace, and online, among others.
Diaz said she would also talk to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. about the possible revival of the drop-in child care centre at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol to provide assistance to women employees.
Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Atty. Dennis Ventilacion said the provincial government takes pride in having women department heads who comprise 50 percent of the executive branch.
Other activities for the month-long celebration include the #PurpleZumba every Wednesday at the Capitol lobby and the #PurpleYourOfficeContest wherein Capitol employees are encouraged to adorn their office with the colour purple to promote women's empowerment.
(LHC/Capitol news)