Zonta Club of Isabela celebrates Women's Month
The Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, partnered with the Local Government Unit of Mallig and the Public Attorney’s Office Roxas Isabela District Office to host a lecture series focused on women’s rights and safety.
The initiative was supported by Mallig Municipal Mayor Jose Philip F. Calderon and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, led by Diodina S. Villanueva.
The session opened with remarks from Rufo A. Figarola, setting the tone for a day centered on advocacy and education.
The program emphasized the importance of empowering women through knowledge and legal awareness, highlighting that strengthening women’s rights contributes to safer and more equitable communities.
Legal experts delivered presentations on key legislation designed to protect women and children:
- Bernadette Andumang discussed Republic Act 11930, addressing online sexual abuse or exploitation of children and related materials.
- Cheryl P. Canapi-Malana provided insights on Republic Act 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act.
- Carol I. Donato examined Republic Act 9995, the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act, along with issues related to cyber libel.
The event brought together 60 participants, including barangay officials, Violence Against Women (VAW) desk officers, police personnel and local government employees, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a safer and more informed community.
In another initiative for Women's Month, the City of Ilagan District Jail hosted a yoga and mindfulness session in collaboration with the Zonta Club of Isabela.
The activity was held under the leadership of Robert P. Arguelles and welcomed female persons deprived of liberty, custodial personnel and criminology interns.
The session focused on promoting physical wellness, mental clarity and emotional balance, offering participants a supportive environment to reconnect and prioritize well-being.
Organizers noted that the partnership reflects a broader commitment to addressing the unique needs of women through holistic programs that support both rehabilitation and empowerment.