MANILA (PIA) — In line with the celebration of National Women’s Month this March, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) advocates for women’s mental health and overall well-being, anchored on the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.”
During the Impormasyon at Aksyon weekly teleradio program presented by the Philippine Information Agency, PCW Social Marketing Section Head Jescel Aquino highlighted the role of mental health in ensuring the well-being of women across various spaces, at home, in school, in the workplace, and even in the digital space.
“Mahalaga po ang papel ng mental health sa wellbeing ng isang kababaihan sa pamamagitan po siguro ng mga pag-set nga ng boundaries sa sarili niya, or alamin niya nga lang din po kung ano yung mga karapatan na meron po siya,” Aquino added.
She emphasized that women can empower themselves by giving time and value to their own needs, whether by resting or pursuing activities they enjoy. However, Aquino pointed out that many women continue to bear the heavier burden of unpaid care work.
Aquino noted that PCW continues to push for policies promoting equal sharing of care responsibilities to ensure women have space to maintain their mental, physical, and psychological health. She also called on men and other household members to actively support women at home.
“So tayo po mga kalalakihan or tayo pong may mga kasama sa bahay na mga babae, dapat po tulungan din po natin sila para magkaroon po sila ng espasyo para mas mapanatili po nila yung pagiging healthy nila mentally, physically, and even psychologically,” she added.
As part of the celebration, PCW will hold a kickoff ceremony on March 6, expected to gather around 6,000 women from government agencies and the public and private sectors. The event will be attended by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos for the State of the Filipino Women Address.
The celebration will also feature exhibit booths showcasing women entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of government programs, including products made by persons deprived of liberty.
Cultural performances are likewise lined up, along with free rides at selected hours in Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and Manila Metro Rail Transit System Line 3 (MRT-3) stations on March 8.
The month-long celebration highlights key observances: Women’s Week every first week of March; International Women’s Day on March 8; Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week on the fourth week; and Women with Disabilities Day on the last Monday of March.
Aquino also underscored that gender equality must begin at home.
“Mahalaga po na sa bahay pa lang po, pinaparanas na natin sa kanila ano po yung gender equality o ano yung gusto natin isulong dito sa community na meron po tayo, especially dito sa bansa po natin, dapat po mahalaga na pinapakinggan po natin ang boses ng mga kababaihan sa loob ng bahay natin,” she said.
She also encouraged women to embrace their innate leadership qualities.
“Ang mga kababaihan po ay ‘wag tayong matakot tulad po ng ating mga babaylans, ang ating mga ninuno, tayo po ay may mga leadership skills na nakahibla na po sa ating pagkatao at kasaysayan,” she said.
Aquino said the National Women’s Month is not only for women but for everyone who believes in equality and inclusivity. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
