SLSU, DSWD IV-A, LGU Lucban celebrates Women’s Month with advocacy campaign

Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IV-A (DSWD IV-A) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lucban, successfully held the fourth installment of their annual advocacy campaign in celebration of Women’s Month on March 11 at the Lucban Gymnasium. The event, themed “Nanay, Araw Mo Ito! – Celebrating the Strength, Resilience, and Empowerment of Women in Building Stronger Families and Communities,” aimed to inspire and empower the 4Ps women of Lucban.

Dr. Marissa C. Esperal, Vice President for Research, Extension, Development, and Innovation, delivered an insightful opening remark, emphasizing the importance of the event in promoting the roles of women in society. “Nawa ang activity na ito ay maging kapakinabangan hindi lamang ng bawat babae, kundi ng bawat isa na naririto ngayon, upang i-promote ang pagpapahalaga sa role na ginagampanan ng mga kababaihan sa ating lipunan,” she said, setting the tone for the day’s activities.

Dr. Frederick T. Villa, SLSU President, also shared a heartfelt message of solidarity, addressing the women in attendance. “Sa mga kababaihan, ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagiging matatag, matalino, at mapagmahal. Itaas natin ang isa’t isa, bigyang lakas ang ating kapwa, at ipagmalaki ang inyong kontribusyon sa ating bagong henerasyon,” he urged. Dr. Villa reiterated SLSU’s unwavering support for programs that empower women and strengthen communities in Lucban.

The campaign featured empowered women who shared their journeys of empowerment and success. Among the key resource speakers was Dr. Mari Jane Lee A. Lee, Dean of the SLSU Graduate School. She spoke about how empowerment begins with oneself and one’s family, drawing from her own experiences of growing up on a remote island and overcoming challenges. “Kapag napag-aralan, na-adjust, natanggap, at napagtagumpayan ang isang bagay, that is empowerment,” she emphasized, encouraging the women in attendance to face their struggles with courage and to build their self-esteem.

The event was attended by Hon. Mayor Augustin M. Villaverde of Lucban, along with Hon. Liezl Villaverde, Vice-Chairperson of the Lucban Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS). Also present were Ms. Mutya M. Rada, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer, and Ms. Roselyn Aductante and Ms. Ivory Pearl Cabuyao, Municipal Links from DSWD FO IV-A.