The Philippine Statistics Authority - Southern Leyte Provincial Statistical Office actively supports and promotes the rights of women towards a more inclusive society in the nationwide 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) this March. The 2024 NWMC carries the sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” which highlights the need to showcase and harness the full potentials of women and girls in actively engaging in and reaping the benefits of national growth and development.

Advocacy streamers were displayed in the façade of the Office, including in the Civil Registry System (CRS) Outlet and in the Fixed Registration Center (FRC), as an information drive to bring awareness to the public on the extraordinary roles and contributions of women in society. Moreover, PSA personnel were encouraged to observe the #PurpleFriday, which is one of the suggested activities of the Philippine Commission on Women, to signify support for women’s empowerment and gender equality. In addition, on March 08, 2024, PSA Southern Leyte conducted series of lectures inviting valuable resource speakers from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to discuss the salient points on women-related laws. Republic Act No. 6725 or Strengthening the Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women with Respect to Terms and Conditions of Employment which was discussed by Atty. Don V. Sala and Atty. Dael Churchill Gerong, and Republic Act No. 11648 or An Act Providing for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape, Amending for the Purpose Act No. 3815 as Amended, Otherwise Known As “The Revised Penal Code,” Republic Act No. 8353, Also Known as “The Anti-Rape Law of 1997,” And Republic Act No. 7610, as Amended, Otherwise Known As the “Special Protection of Children

Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act which was discussed by Atty. Francis Paul P, Aguilar. Furthermore, Ms. Wencess Gay M. Diano and Ms. Yvonne M. Novillo, RSW tackled the Republic Act No. 11861 or The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act by and Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 respectively. It was attended by all PSA staff, including COSWs and OJTs, and the local civil registrars of Southern Leyte.

Presidential Proclamation No. 224 Series of 1988 declares the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day; Proclamation No. 227 Series of 1988 declares the observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month; and Republic Act No. 6949 Series of 1990 declares March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day. These three issuances serve as the legal bases for the annual celebration of National Women’s Month in the country. For inquiries and more information, please contact our office with this number (053) 862-0105 and email address southernleyte@psa.gov.ph.

SGD. EUTEMIO A. LLEVADO, JR.
Chief Statistical Specialist