The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)- Caraga personnel headed by its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System chairperson, Chief Administrative Officer Elsalyn J. Evangelio, participated in the 2024 Women’s Summit in celebration of International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month on March 8, 2024 at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City. 

The 2024 International Day for Women has “Inspire Inclusion” as a theme, which seeks to encourage others to understand and value the inclusion of women to forge a better world and to inspire women themselves when they are included, which creates a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. 

The 2024 Philippine National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) was grounded on the objective of transforming culture toward a more equal and inclusive future, bearing the sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” It echoes the target outcomes of Chapter 15 in the Updated Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Plan 2019-2025 towards transforming gender norms and culture. 

Agusan del Norte Governor Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, in her message delivered by Provincial Administrator Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, emphasized the importance of amplifying equal opportunities for women in taking part to shine in their aspirations. 

She also inspired all women to have the courage to pursue their respective visions, as she believes all women are limitless. She further expressed her insight that every day is a commitment to how we can let every woman live with dignity, freedom, and purpose.

The celebration highlighted the recognition of some successful women in the Caraga region. There were also other inspirational messages on women's empowerment and gender equality delivered by some advocates of GAD in the region. 

Moreover, the participants enjoyed the services offered through the government services booths installed within the venue such as the Family Wellness Clinic of the Commission on Population and Development, Medical Services Booth of the Department of Health, Beauty Care and Massage Services of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Loyalty Plus Card Booth of PAG-IBIG, PhilSys Registration and CRVS Booth of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Advocacy Booth of the RIACAT-VAWC, Services booths of the Department of Science and Technology, PhilSci, Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and other government agencies services. There was also the Ukay-ukay and Trade Fair and raffle draws for the participants. 

The women’s summit has been a yearly activity of the Caraga Regional GAD Committee (RGADC)designed to inspire and encourage women to celebrate and embrace their relevance in society. ##