SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region- I (DENR- I) celebrated the observance of the National Women’s Month 2021 with a kick- off program and observance of the minimum health standards at the DENR- I Office Lobby, Government Center, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union on March8, 2021. DENR field offices in the region likewise, virtually attended the event via zoom. This year’s theme,” We make Change work for Women,” and the DENR theme is, “Juana Laban sa Krisis sa Klima at Pandemya: Kaya!”

Key officials of DENR- I led by Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo delivered their inspiring messages during the kick- off program. As tribute to the men and women of DENR- I, RED Barcelo mentioned some national figure Filipina women who’s achievements influenced our country. Likewise, he acknowledged all the women frontliners. Environmental Management Bureau, Region- I (EMB- I) Regional Director Maria Dorica Naz- Hipe. Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Region- I (MGB- I) Regional Director Carlos Tayag, ARD for Special Concerns Engr. Socrates Gaerlan and ARD for Management Services and also DENR- I GAD Focal Point System Chairperson Leduina S. Co also delivered their respective messages in support to the National Women’s Month 2021.The DENR Ilocos Region key officials likewise led the cutting of the ribbon in the entrance of DENR- I Office where a Gender and Development (GAD) Corner/ Booth is displayed and adorned with various GAD accomplishments in art forms and women’s rights slogans.

The theme, “Juana Laban sa Krisis sa Klima at Pandemya: Kaya!,”depicts a Filipino woman in the pandemic and lives with the consequences of the society’s failures. “She is at the front lines of where we need to heal the most. She knows what is like to care for everyone first and herself last. She knows all too well the painful places where we must begin the work truly recover from the pandemic.”

International Women’s Day is celebrated every 8th of March which aims to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s quality, gender equality, forging of women empowerment, and increase visibility of women creativeness. (𝐑𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐆)