The members of the Philippine Federation of Local Councils of Women (PFLCW) convened at SMX Convention Center, Davao City for the council’s 16th General Assembly on Nov. 7 – 9, 2018.
Hosted by the Provincial Women Development Council of Compostela Valley Province, this year’s gathering bears the theme, “Strengthening Women Leadership in the Locality.” It aims to support the development of women leaders at the local level and attain common visions of various women’s group in the country.
“Dapat meron tayong strong women na nandoon talaga sa grassroots because they are the one who’s there and we will be the one to help address the issues existing in their locality,” said Ms. Lim.
Ms. Sholai Lim, the PWDC chair of Comval and PFLCW Vice-President for Mindanao emphasized the importance of strengthening the women leaders in the grassroots level. This way, identifying and addressing the issues that exist in their own localities would be much easier.
“That is why we are bringing this event here in Davao city, together with our leaders from all over the country, more than the friendship more than the links that we can actually get from attending seminar or assembly like these, what we really want here is for our women to learn,” she added.
The PFLCW is the biggest network of women’s organization with a total membership of about 500 groups compose of more than 50,000 women from government organizations, non-government organizations, people’s organizations and private sectors. It is the national coordinating body of all the local councils of women in mainstreaming gender and development (GAD) in pursuit of women empowerment, gender equality, social justice, lasting peace, fulfillment and protection of human rights and sustainable development.
“Nong itinayo natin ang PFLCW, ang atin pong hinahangad ay ma empowered ang mga kababaihan especially sa economics,” said Ms. Myrna Yao, the founding chairperson of PFLCW.
The assembly focused on the topics on Women in Climate Change, The Role of LGUs in Peace Building, Introduction of Information and Technology, Utilization of Social Media and Technological Advancement, Digitalization of Government Departments Processes, Growing MSME through Technology, Women’s Human Rights and Strengthening Women Leadership in the Locality.
Sen. Cynthia Villar, Atty. Harry Roque, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla were among those who graced the event.
The Fellowship Night, hosted by the City Tourism of Davao and the Governors Unity Night hosted by the provincial government of Comval showcases the city’s and province’s rich culture and tourism.
To add, the council unveiled the new PFLCW logo and launched the PFLCW application. The PFLCW app is an innovative mobile app that geared towards women development.
Its features include the inspiring stories of Filipino women who made it at the top of their chosen fields. Women Helpline, a directory of Provincial Police Offices' Women and Children Protection Desk contact numbers are also available in the app. WCPDs are open 24/7 to accept calls for assistance on any committed abuses concerning women and children.
On the last day, the delegates went on into an eco-educational tour at different sites in Davao City and Comval. (Sheldane Mahinay // ID ComVal)
