By Crisdeniele Clemente

Fortifying its agenda to empower women's rights, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) conducted its first-ever purple parade today, March 8, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

With the theme "Sustaining Gender Mainstreaming for an Equitable and Inclusive MMSU Community," the parade featured a sea of purple-clad participants, including MMSU employees and students.

In the opening program, participants engaged in lively chants and carried banners advocating for gender equality and women's rights. Furthermore, the Physical Education Department led a zumba session through a series of lively dance routines, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

Representing President Shirley C. Agrupis, Dr. Oscar Agpao,  Vice President for Administration, Finance, and Business, emphasized the importance of fostering a gender-inclusive environment within the university. “This initiative showcases our dedication and commitment to address the changing societal concerns towards equitable and inclusive communities fostering dialogue, understanding, and action,” he said.

“Let us continue to challenge stereotypes, dismantle discriminatory practices, and uphold the rights of all individuals,” he added.
The purple parade was jointly organized by the MMSU Gender and Development Focal Point System, headed by Ms. Nataliza Llapitan, the Center for Human Movement Studies, led by Prof. Ryan Dean Sucgang, and the Office of the Student Affairs and Services, led by Prof. Emil James Tanagon. 

A variety of events are scheduled for this year’s celebration of women's month which include a forum on anti-sexual harassment and safe space, Ilokano food innovation and cook fest competition, gender conferences, and much-anticipated ‘Rubuat ken Aruat’ fashion contest.