President Aquino declares March 18 as special
non-working day in Masbate in commemoration of 112th Foundation Day
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared
March 18, which falls on a Monday, as a special non-working day in the province
of Masbate in commemoration of its 112th Foundation Day.
The Chief Executive issued the declaration by
virtue of Proclamation No. 547 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa
Jr. on February 8, to give the people of Masbate the full opportunity to
celebrate and participate in the occasion.
On March 18, 1901, Masbate was organized as a
province under Act No. 105 of the Philippine Commission. PND (js)
Palace recognizes Filipino women’s contributions
to national development
Malacanang has recognized the contribution of
Filipino women to the government’s reform agenda and national progress as the
country celebrates this year’s National Women’s Month.
“My warmest greetings to all Filipino women as
we celebrate this year’s National Women’s Month,” Executive Secretary Paquito
Ochoa Jr. said in a message Friday.
“This year, the Philippines has adopted the
theme ‘Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan’ to recognize the crucial
role of Filipino women in the Aquino administration’s continuing pursuit of a
transparent, accountable, and inclusive government.”
Ochoa said President Aquino’s Social Contract
with the Filipino people highlights gender equality as one of the pillars of a
transformational leadership. The administration has pushed for equal gender
opportunities in all spheres of public policies and programs addressing the
disparities and shortfalls of the past, he said.
“These opportunities are being realized in
political participation and decision-making in governance, economic empowerment
in the labor force, protection against domestic violence, and women’s rights
advocacy,” Ochoa continued.
All these initiatives are aimed at keeping the
spirit of Republic Act No. 9710, also known as the Magna Carta of Women, as
well as the country’s commitments to the UN Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
“I congratulate the Philippine Commission on
Women, and their partners in civil society and the non-government organization
sector, for successfully spearheading this year’s celebration of National
Women’s Month,’ he said.
He also urged Filipino women to continue engendering
stronger support for one another in various affairs of the state and society
and to break whatever barriers that hinder them. PND (as)
