The Municipality of Bauang, under the leadership of Municipal Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III, joined the celebration of the 29th Observance of the Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl-Child Week on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in connection with the Women’s Month. It had the theme, “Walang Puwang sa Lipunan ang Karahasan.”

Representatives of different offices marched from the Municipal Plaza to Bauang North Central School (BNCS) Sports Complex. Hon. Tanya Roberta A. De Guzman, Sangguniang Bayan Member (SBM) and Committee Chairperson on Women and Children; Mr. Wilson Samuel C. Caluza, Administrator for Operations, and Ms. Arlie R. Alonzo, Department Head for the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), graced the event.

The special guests were the Desk Officers of Violence Against Women (VAW) in each Barangay, Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and the Knights of Columbus.

Mayor De Guzman thanked everyone present and verbalized the strong commitment of the Municipality in supporting women and maintaining their protection programs.

Also present in the event was PMAJ Arcellie O. Pang-ag, Chief WCPD, La Union Police Provincial Office who discussed about Republic Act (RA) 11648: Act Providing for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse; and Pros. Rubie Lorraine S. Bogya-Lictao from the Public Prosecutors Office who discussed the RA 11862: Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.

In the afternoon, representatives from the Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA), led by Ms. Kris Tamayo, a passionate advocate for plant-based living and sustainability, trained the audience in soap-making, a possible source of livelihood and knowledge of sustainability in the home.

Every year, the Municipality, through the MSWDO, led by Ms. Alonzo, celebrates the Women’s Month in March and holds various activities for the women population of Bauang. This year had the theme, “Babae sa Lahat nang Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

Written by:
Korina Esteban-Ma (Municipal Information Office)
Photographed by:
Johnlee Buela Marquez (Office of Hon. Tanya Roberta A. De Guzman)
Cris Jaime A. Balbuena (Municipal Information Office)