CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga provincial government has lined up activities that would focus on the significant role women play in society.

The Provincial Population Office (PPO), in coordination with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), has earmarked specific programs of activities in observance of the Women’s Month.

Josephine Lorenzo of the PPO said that as a start of the month-long celebration, the PHO led the “Hataw” or exercises participated in by female employees of the provincial government at the Macario Arnedo Park in front of the capitol building to emphasize the importance of physical fitness in women’s health.

Last March 8, which was International Women’s Day, the formal launching of March as Women’s Month was done at the capitol grounds.

On two consecutive Fridays, March 12 and 19, the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), with PHO head Dr. Benjamin Arboleda, shall give free pap smear examination to women employees of the provincial government, on a first come, first served basis, at the provincial infirmary.

Susan Dimabuyu of the PSWDO also said that there will be an orientation on women’s rights for capitol women employees at the Benigno Aquino Jr. Memorial Hall on March 15.

The following day, March 16, Dimabuyu said that the municipal SWDOs, women representatives from the women and children’s desks of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the women’s organization Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipino (KALIPI) will conduct a forum on Women’s Rights or the Magna Carta for Women at the Katimawan Hall, Pampanga Provincial Police Office.

“March 29 is filled with activities relative to Women’s Month which would give a wonderful treat for women who do multiple tasks in their busy lives,” Lorenzo said.

On that same day, women shall be treated to massage therapy at the PHO which will be given free of charge, but voluntary tips for the therapists would be welcome, she said.

In addition, there will also be facials and foot spa services, with a recovery cost of P100 per service and free hair cut for capitol women employees at the lobby and conference hall of the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO).

Also on March 29, the Provincial Training Center (PTC) will provide skills training on hair dressing and cosmetology while the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) will conduct training on soap making at the PCEDO garden.

A program on Women’s Recognition Day will also be held at the Benigno Aquino Jr Hall where the Huwarang Manggagawang Kababaihan sa Pampanga will be recognized and the KALIPI set of officers shall take their oath of office.

This is an apt culminating activity for Women’s Month and a fitting tribute to women who have been contributing so much more of themselves than is being recognized, Lorenzo added.