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The National Housing Authority (NHA) joined the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and all other government agencies in the celebration of the 2022 National Women’s Month with the theme “We Make Change Work for Women” on March 1, 2022.

This year’s celebration is part of the NHA’s commitment to Gender and Development (GAD), recognizing women’s valuable role in society. The GAD Advocacy, Networking, and Public Communications Committee (ANPCC), under the overall direction and guidance of GAD Chairperson Atty. Maria Magdalena D. Siacon kicked off the iconic “purple campaign.”

More than 100 officials and employees wearing GAD purple shirts while waving purple balloons and pompoms gathered in front of the NHA main office lobby to show their support and appreciation for all women in the Authority, and in the world. This was done simultaneously with the video greetings by key officials being played in the lobby screens.

The activity started off with a simple opening ceremony featuring an all-women version of the Lupang Hinirang and the Musika ng Kababaihan. After that, Engr. Jovita G. Panopio, GAD Policy, Planning, and Development Committee Head and Regional Manager of the NCR-North Sector, delivered her message.

Engr. Panopio emphasized that this month-long celebration is an opportunity to honor each and every Wonder Juana. They showed strength and fulfilled heroic roles in the country, especially done so in their own families. Wonder Juanas excel and make their mark in different professional fields and distinct vocations. 

Engr. Panopio continued, “As we give tribute to women, let us not forget the challenges [brought upon by] this pandemic [as we celebrate] this important occasion [to] help resolve concerns that women are experiencing during these difficult times and come up with a solution towards gender equality. Let’s face the challenges imposed on us women, rise, and show them that Wonder Juanas are resilient and should be treated with equality and dignity.”

For her part, GAD ANPCC Head and Information Chief A Maricris G. Maninit announced the activities to be participated by the NHA for March 2022, as follows:

• Display of campaign banner in front of NHA offices across regions;
• Uploading of the NWMC banner at NHA’s official website and social media accounts;
• Wearing of anything purple on all Tuesdays of March to signify support for women empowerment and gender equality;
• Decoration of NHA offices in purple;
• Sharing of women’s advocacy by playing MusikJuana in office premises every Tuesday of March; and
• Posting or sharing posts about the NWMC campaigns.

The NHA officials who attended the ceremony were Officer-in-Charge and Assistant General Manager Engr. Victor C. Balba, GAD Project Monitoring and Evaluation Committee Head and OCS Manager Atty. Sergio D. Domasian, GAD Capacity Development Committee – Client Focused Head and SEDD Manager Lolita L. Mediavillo, GAD CDC Organization Focused Head and HRMD Division Manager Marlo Plucena, GAD Policy and Programs Development Committee Vice Head and CIED Division Manager Nerissa A. Subido, CRSD Division Manager Evangeline A. Javier, Information Division Manager Krsnadasi C. De Leon, OGM Division Manager, and CBAC Head Secretariat Eduardo M. Doria, and GAD Head Secretariat Dianne Luzell F. Masangkay

Meanwhile, the conduct of the National Women’s Month celebration is under Proclamation No. 224 and 227 series of 1998. This year’s NWM recognizes women’s role and contribution in nation-building and as agents of national development. This celebration also coincides with the worldwide observance of International Women’s Day.