SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Aside from its mandate to promote economic growth, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has also been making headway in the area of community development by assisting various groups in capability-building and empowerment.
The latest project supported by the SBMA in this regard is the Women’s Summit held on November 26 and 27, which sought to promote the welfare and development of women and update them on the latest socioeconomic and political issues that have significant bearing on them.
Amethya Koval, manager of the SBMA Planning Development Office that oversaw the two-day summit, said the agency organized the event through its Gender and Development (GAD) Fund, an appropriation required under Executive Order 273, which approved the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development Program.
The order directs all government agencies like the SBMA to incorporate gender concerns in their respective annual operations plan, as well as medium- and long-term development programs.
“It’s a big plus for us that the SBMA administration, under Chairman Roberto Garcia, has been so supportive of the GAD program,” Koval said.
“Now women in the Subic free port, as well as the neighboring communities, have a venue for the promotion and strengthening of the rights, privileges and opportunities as women,” Koval added.
With the theme “Ang Bagong Pinay,” the first Women’s Summit drew female SBMA employees, workers from locator-companies in Subic, residents, and students from schools in Olongapo City and parts of Zambales and Bataan.
The summit featured known woman-personalities like Liberal Party Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo of Camarines Sur, who was guest of honor in the first day of the assembly. Robredo inspired the audience with her message focusing on “Women and their Careers on Being a Wife, Mother and Leader.”
Other speakers that fired up the summit with timely discussions on the first day were Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. Director for External Affairs Varinia Tinga, who spoke on “Women in the Corporate World”; Subic Bay Colleges Vice President for Academic Affairs Marilou Nicart, who tackled “Telecommuting for Women”; Sandiganbayan Third Division Executive Clerk of Court Dennis Pulma, who spoke on “Violence Against Women”; and SM elevator girl and YouTube sensation Cheridel Alejandrino, who urged womenfolk to “Be The Best That You Can Be”.
The second day of the summit saw messages from FQ Mom Rose Fausto, who talked about “Financial Liberation for Women”; and Philippine Commission on Women Executive Director Emmeline Verzosa, who lectured on “Magna Carta of Women”.
Representatives from community groups and government agencies, likewise, signed a pledge of commitment for gender equality, responsive governance and woman’s rights protection on the second day of the summit.
The signatories included Mayor Rolen Paulino of Olongapo City, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce President Rose Baldeo, key officials from the local offices of the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the National Police.
The summit, which was held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center as part of the weeklong celebration of SBMA’s 22nd founding anniversary, also drew women’s groups that presented women-oriented artworks and products.
Koval said the SBMA will again organize the women’s summit next year and make it an annual project.