Over 300 women converged earlier Tuesday in Baler, Aurora to kick off the annual celebration of Women’s Month through a walk for a cause event intended to benefit children with special needs or Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) or better known as Special Education Program (SPED).

By Jason de Asis

BALER, Aurora-The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion joins the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration highlighting the dynamic contributions of the Aurora province women leaders and employees on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 held at the capitol compound, Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that this year’s celebration centered on the theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” with sub-theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” in efforts to showcase women’s full potential in actively engaging and contributing to national growth and development.

“Today, as we celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women around the world, it is the time to honor the strength, resilience and indomitable spirit of women who have shaped history and continue to shape our future. Moreover, women’s month serves as a reminder of the progress we have made in achieving gender equality but also highlights the work that still needs to be done. It is a time to reflect on the barriers that women’s face and to advocate for a world where every woman can thrive and fulfill her potential,” Recto said.

The walk for a cause, Recto said was participated in by all female Officers and Enlisted Personnel of 91st IB led by 2nd Lieutenant Jessa N. Naman, Gender and Development (GAD) Officer, together with PNP, BFP, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baler, LGU Maria, LGU Dipaculao, LGU San Luis and other different civilian agencies in Aurora.

“We uplift and respect our women, we love and support them, and fight for them,” Recto said, stressing that women should always strengthen through this advocacy to greater heights with equitable opportunities to actively contribute to national development.

He added that the activity was officiated by Abigaiel F. Paulino, head of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO)-Aurora. On the other hand, Paulino expressed her sincerest thanks to everyone who participated in the celebration acknowledging the pivotal role of women as trailblazers in society.

“It’s high time to recognize the roles and efforts of every woman and the role of everyone in the pursuit of gender equality and inclusivity. Let us continue to Strengthen our commitment towards promoting inclusivity and equal rights for everyone.

We have beneficiaries highlighting the importance of women in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as part of our support in the improvement of overall wellness, learning for self enhancement, values formation, health of the family among others for Pantawid beneficiaries.

This walk for a cause will capacitate them to address their needs towards building strong families,” she said.

She added that the amount allocated for the project will be allocated for the assessment fee of children with special needs or Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) or better known as SPED, in contact with the Department of Education.

The long walk was started at the Capitol Compound in Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora going to Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO), Camp Ravina, Barangay Sabang, Baler, Aurora.

A short program was held at the APPO Covered Court highlighting the turn-over of the proceeds that will be donated to the Special Education Program (SPED) benefiting the special children. The activity ended with a Zumba Dance.