For over a hundred years since 1908, the month of March is celebrated internationally as a recognition to the accomplishments and contribution of women in the society and as a call for the continuous fight for gender equality. In the Philippines, women’s important role was recognized way back March 1990 through Presidential Proclamation Nos. 224 and 227, and Republic Act No. 6949.
In support to this Act, the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) will be participating in the month long celebration with the theme, "We Make Change Work for Women - Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!".
JUANA LABAN SA PANDEMYA
It's been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic changed our way of life, not only the economy and the daily lives of the people but to all kinds of industry as well. Millions of Filipinos including women, lost their jobs and their journey towards development went off-track. However, women nowadays are becoming versatile and enjoys the opportunities that benefit only the men of the past. Women didn't stop working even on lockdowns. They continue to function in their own homes being their families' ilaw ng tahanan (light of the home) amidst the darkness caused by pandemic. They braved the way out to toil again not only for their families but as living proof that the opportunities given to them in the present are not in vain.
EXCELLENT EXTENSION SERVICES BEYOND BOUNDARIES
The pandemic didn't stop the institute’s aim to achieve its tag line, “Excellent Extension Services Beyond Boundaries” to show the value of women in their own endeavor through the initiatives in training and extension activities. Conducting trainings, producing success story of women in the agriculture industry, and interview with a successful woman in agriculture through the ATI-RTC 1 AgriBalitalakayan were included in these initiatives. Employees are also encouraged to wear purple shirt every Monday of the month to show the institute’s response to the celebration.
The institute will continue to value the observance, as its clienteles and even its employees are not limited to what the society thinks of women, but what they could contribute for the development of the agricultural sector.
