Indigenous women from this male-centered authority province will converge on March 25 to participate in a Women’s Wellness Forum to be held at the Kalinga-Apayao State College (KASC) Library. This all-woman gathering is in celebration of Women’s Month this March.

According to organizer Natividad Sugguiyao, Provincial Officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Kalinga Provincial Office, the activity is sponsored by the Philippine Sports For All Association (PSFAS) in cooperation with KASC, NCIP, and the Rotary Club of Tabuk.

She said the wellness forum will cover areas on women’s health concerns and free medical services for women such as pap smear, bone calcium examination and other medical needs to maintain women’s good health.

“We are expecting 300 women participants from all over the province,” Sugguiyao said adding that the forum will ride on a separate theme “I am fit for the 21st century”. She said the program will start with a fun run in the morning from Bulanao proper to Capitol Hills where the forum will be held.

Professor Ma. Josefina Bauzon, President of PSFAS, International will introduce the resource speakers and members of the medical team and orient the group on the mechanics of the forum.

Governor Floydelia Diasen will be the Guest of Honor. The topic on Nutrition and Exercise for a Healthy Lifestyle will be presented by Professor Susan Mercado; Women Cancer Prevention and Cure by the Philippine Cancer Society; Minerals for Health by Johnny Khonghung; Advance Care Directives by Dr. Cyrin Valencia; Smoking and Lung Cancer by Alex Asuncion; First Aid: “When there is no Doctor” by the Philippine National Red Cross.

Meanwhile, members of the City Federation of Women’s Organization, particularly Kalipunan ng Lahing Pilipino (Kalipi) groups from the different barangays of this city attended the KALIPI-Kalinga Livelihood Congress held last March 17 at the Man-uugudan Hall of the Tabuk Pastoral Center.

Grace Addamag of the City Social Welfare and Development Office disclosed that other accredited women’s organizations also participated on the dance competition, cookfest on snack (Squash-based) and parlor games held on separate dates.

She said the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women was the theme banner shortened to “CEDAW Ng Bayan, Yaman Ng Kababaihan”.

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