By Stewart C. Ocampo

Continuing its commitment to promoting women empowerment and gender equality, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has officially kicked-off its month-long Women’s Month celebration today, March 3.

Joined by all university personnel, the formal declaration of its opening was led by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, Dr. Prima Fe Franco, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Oscar Agpaoa, vice president for administration, finance, and business; and Engr. Ami Ruth Cocson, vice president for planning and development, who serves as the executive director of the University Gender and Development Focal Point System.

“MMSU supports gender equality and aggressively marches toward an inclusive society. Regardless of gender, we are one MMSU community,” Dr. Agrupis emphasized in her message.

Coinciding with the university’s action-packed sports festival dubbed 'Watwat 6.0,' the celebration was opened through a thanksgiving service officiated by Pastor Marcial Gabriel of the Christ the Chief Cornerstone Christian Church.

Pastor Gabriel stressed, “If there is equality, there is no distinction. We are all equally one in Christ and that is the most important gender equality that we can experience.”

Various activities are set to be conducted throughout the month, including a series of gender podcasts, Kumustahan with MMSU student mothers, community outreach programs, gender conferences, a photo exhibit, Ilokano Food Innovation and Cookfest Competition, and Inabel fashion contest titled ‘Rubuat ken Aruat.'

This year’s theme, ‘WE for gender equality and inclusive society,' was launched by the Philippine Commission on Women as the new recurring theme of the women’s month celebration in the country until 2028. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)