Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson underscored the role of women in the battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as the province joined the observance of International Women’s Day on Monday.

“2020 was a massive year for everyone, especially the women. I am just grateful that the women of the provincial government of Negros Occidental, who coincidentally outnumber the number of men in our present workforce, rose to the challenge,” Lacson said in his message during the Capitol Women’s Day held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

“In our fight against Covid-19, the women also took the crucial role of manning the frontlines. The majority of our provincial health workers are women,” he added.

Lacson said he is glad to have more women in the provincial government, who braved the pandemic and remained consistent in providing the services needed by Negrenses despite the threats brought by Covid-19.

He commended the “women of the Capitol” for being an inspiration to many, as well-educated, intelligent, and capable of effecting positive change, both in the household and in the community.

“More than just acknowledging your worth and compelling role in society and the workplace, we have devised Gender and Development (GAD) Priority Programs to further assist and enhance the potential of every woman here in the provincial government,” Lacson said.

During the program, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer; Karen Dinsay, head of the Scholarship Program Division; and lawyer Julie Ann Bedrio, chair of Committee of Decorum and Investigation, shared these programs and services for the Capitol employees.

To cap the event, Lacson gave out symbolic gifts of fruit-bearing trees and health essentials to the women.

In a briefing, Ma. Cristina Orbecido, administrator of the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center, said the fruit-bearing trees are symbols of the governor’s affirmative call to action for sustainable development through empowerment of “every Juana”.

The health essentials serve as a weapon of “every Juana” in the continued fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, she added.

The Capitol Women’s Day was organized by the team of Marie June Castro, action officer for the Provincial GAD Focal Point System. (PNA)