26 March 2024: ZAMBOANGA CITY. The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office (PSA-RSSO) IX joined the PAKIGDUYOG Women’s Summit 2024 in celebration of the 2024 National Women’s Month, which has its roots in the recognition of International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8th with its theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababihan, Patunayan!” anchored on the 6-year theme “We for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” which started in 2023. The event was spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women-North Mindanao Field Office in partnership with the City Government of Zamboanga and held at Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University.

The summit was attended by the National Government Offices, Local Government Units, Philippine Red Cross, Philippine National Police, and academia. Agencies and offices had a one-stop shop for the services they offered and prepared a lecture series on various topics for the 500 women beneficiaries, consisting of solo parents, indigenous people, Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI), persons with disabilities, senior citizens, urban poor, and women associations.

The summit rationale was shared by Mr. Gregory Magbanua, GAD Specialist, PCW-NMFO, Atty. Khay Ann C. Magundayao-Bolando, Officer-in-Charge of the of the Philippine Commission on Women, formally opened the summit with her opening message. A message of support was given by Hon. John M. Dalipe, City Mayor, City Government of Zamboanga, Hon. Josephin Pareja, City Vice Mayor, City Government of Zamboanga, Dr. Nelson P. Cabral, University President, ZPPSU, Hon. Al-Jihan Edding, City Councilor, and a keynote message by Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senate of the Philippines.

Atty. Kristine Kay M. Lazarito-Calingin, Chief GAD Specialist, PCW-NMFO, presided over the pledge of commitment on behalf of the VIPs and guests from different agencies and offices who vowed to advocate, stand up for, and promote the rights of every woman, support their very potential, promote equal opportunity, promote gender equality, create an inclusive society, and empower women.
The PAKIGDUYOG Women’s Summit 2024 by the Philippine Commission on Women-North Mindanao Field Office aims to equip and hone the skills to empower women. This will help the women in society face gender equality issues, concerns, and challenges.
The PAKIGDUYOG Women’s Summit 2024 was concluded by the closing message of Mr. Raymond Domingo, Chairperson, Regional Gender and Development Committee IX.

CONRAD E. SONTILLANO
(Officer-In-Charge)
OIC CRASD Chief

YSG/RRM/AEM