CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines kicked off today the 2023 National Women’s Month celebration, at the same time the International Women’s Day, with the Chairperson of the AFP Gender and Development Focal Point System Executive Committee and Vice Chief of Staff, AFP, LtGen Arthur M Cordura PAF as the Guest of Honor and Speaker at the AFP General Headquarters.
With the 2023-2028 recurring theme: “WE for gender equality and inclusive society,” the commencement of the series of activities for the celebration was welcomed by The Chief, Dental Service, AFP, BGen Angelica DL Torres DC.
”The AFP remains resolute in promoting the overall well-being of its personnel and including efforts towards the holistic development of its female members through its Gender and Development Program,” stressed BGen Torres as she advocated for a stronger commitment towards women empowerment.
The VCSAFP encouraged the men and women of the AFP to nurture the culture of gender equality and inclusivity. “It is imperative that we, as individuals, become agents and advocates of positive change in our simple ways. I enjoin everyone to serve good examples by upholding respect and camaraderie for the women and children in our families, workplaces, and communities,” expressed VCSAFP.
Emphasizing a renewed commitment and harmonized network toward advocacy, a Women’s Day Forum titled “Empowering Women in an Inclusive Society” was conducted. The virtual forum aims to highlight the role of women as they continue to pave the way and inspire others to call and act for an inclusive society.
Female military personnel shared their empowering stories as members of the organization. The resource speakers, Naval Aviator, Lt. Jacqueline B. Litana PN, Navy Captain Venus Gualdaquever PN(GSC), and Retired Air Force Officer, BGen Sharon G. Gernale PAF talked about different types of leadership and their various roles in the Armed Forces. They highlighted making a difference by embracing their strengths and seeking out mentorship and support as women working in the so-called “Men’s World.”
“The AFP is taking strides to make its organization an inclusive one, where men and women are working harmoniously, side by side,” shared BGen Gernale as she encouraged AFP personnel to “inspire to do what is right, good, and proper.”
The online forum concluded with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, J1, MGen Jose Maria R Cuerpo II PA thanking the guests and resource speakers saying, “I look forward to seeing you blaze your trails to inspire the next generation.”
In partnership with the Philippine Women’s Commission, a DigitALL Online Forum Series will also be conducted on March 15, 22, and 29, 2023 respectively.
The activities for the month-long celebration are expected to inspire AFP personnel to work together to foster stronger family and community relations, advocate individual growth to contribute to a genuinely peaceful and progressive Philippines, and motivate everyone that #WEcanbeEquALL.
