‘Don’t exclude women as
search, rescue volunteers’

ILOILO City –Women can be equal with men in determination and skills in traditionally male-dominated field of search and rescue operations, said Director Rosario Cabrera of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Region 6.

Cabrera urged Disaster Coordinating Councils in the region to involve women in several undertakings concerning rescue and disaster management.

“We have lots of women who are graduates of medicine, nursing courses and several other professionals whose skills and backgrounds may be useful in the search and rescue operations and in disaster risk management program,” Cabrera said.

She added: “Women’s educational background and skills are some of the qualifications we consider in the selection of those who will compose the search and rescue volunteer team.”

Cabrera issued the call in line with the celebration of Women’s Month. In Manila, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronnie Puno enjoined local government units (LGUs) nationwide to celebrate Women’s Month by conducting relevant activities in their respective localities, highlighting women’s competencies, role and contribution in nation-building.

In a memorandum circular to all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays, Puno urged local officials to support and participate in the month-long event by holding programs and activities relevant to this year’s theme celebration “Babae: Tagumpay Ka ng Bayan.”

This year’s theme highlights women’s achievement in paving the way for women’s advancement and empowerment amidst major challenges. It celebrates the success of women’s commitment to pursue equality that resulted in the enactment of the Magna Carta of Women, a comprehensive women’s human rights law which serves as the national translation of the UN CEDAW and the International Bill of Rights for Women, the DILG press report disclosed. (T.Villavert/PIA/PN)