03/03/2026
๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐ข๐๐ ๐ช๐ข๐ ๐๐กโ๐ฆ ๐ ๐ข๐ก๐ง๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ฆ ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ฅ ๐Q๐จ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ ๐ช๐ข๐ ๐๐ก ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ข๐ช๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ก๐ง
The City Government of Iriga officially launched its 2026 National Womenโs Month Celebration during a vibrant flag-raising ceremony spearheaded by the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development (OCSWD), led by Ms. Maridel C. Verrosa, RSW. Adding a unique flair to the morning, city employees arrived in colorful ASEAN-inspired attire as the cityโs Monday dress code perfectly complemented the celebrationโs atmosphere of heritage and progress.
March is observed nationwide as National Womenโs Month with this yearโs theme, โWE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.โ Beyond this celebration, the city is also one with the nation in observing Fire Prevention Month, themed โSa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa,โ and Rabies Awareness Month, anchored on the theme โRabies-Free na Pusaโt A*o, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino.โ These simultaneous observances highlight Irigaโs holistic commitment to public welfareโbalancing women's empowerment with critical public safety and community health.
In his message, Vice Mayor Edsel S. Dimaiwat underscored the importance of gender equality and the continued fight against discrimination. He cited the story of Rosa Parks as a powerful reminder that one womanโs courage can spark transformative change. He emphasized that true empowerment begins when individuals stand firm in their rights and dignity, regardless of gender or background.
Councilor Nikki C. Lagrimas, Chairman on Women and Gender and Development (GAD), further inspired the crowd by encouraging women to "live like the babaylans of the Philippines." She recalled how pre-colonial Filipinas held positions of immense influence and spiritual leadership. She specifically highlighted the cultural significance of the A*ogโpre-colonial spiritual leaders who often transcended traditional gender rolesโreminding everyone that in our history, women and those embodying the feminine spirit were never subordinate, but were the very pillars of strength and healers of the community.
Mayor Rex C. Oliva, in a strong message of support, reaffirmed the city's dedication to creating a nurturing environment for women to thrive. He noted that the strength of a city is mirrored by the strength of its grassroots organizations. To back this vision with action, the Mayor proudly announced a significant boost in financial support for the city's womenโs groups. From an initial 16 organizations, the Local Council of Women (LCW) has grown to 28 accredited members.
Recognizing their growing impact, Mayor Rex announced that the previous โฑ30,000 allocation has been increased by an additional โฑ10,000 this year. This brings the total to โฑ40,000 for the 28 accredited womenโs organizations. This increased funding is specifically earmarked to fuel their respective projects and livelihood programs, ensuring empowerment reaches every corner of the city.
The ceremony served as more than just a kick-off; it was a celebration of progress and unity, reminding the community that when women are empowered, Iriga City grows stronger.
Mayor Wilfredo Rex Cuba Oliva - Iriga City
Rex Oliva
