Press Release:
PR-029-2017

Philippine Embassy Celebrates
National Women’s Month with the
Theme, “We Make Change Work for Women”

First Secretary and Consul and GAD Focal Point Mary Jennifer D. Dingal (standing, 9th from right) together with the female personnel of the Philippine Embassy and the female spouses of Embassy male personnel.

(Riyadh, 5 March 2017) -  In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh held a program on Sunday, 5 March 2017 at the Liwasang Bonifacio Grounds with the theme, “We Make Change Work for Women”.

First Secretary and Consul Mary Jennifer D. Dingal, who is also the Embassy’s GAD Focal Point, led the celebration together with the officers and staff of the Embassy and the female

First Secretary and Consul and GAD Focal Point Mary Jennifer D. Dingal delivering the Opening Remarks

In her Opening Remarks, Consul Mary Jennifer Dingal underscored the contribution of women in the global stage in how it strengthened the pursuit of gender equality and women empowerment in the society. She also echoed the thrust of the Philippine Government that women should not be left behind in the development efforts but must be seen as active drivers in bringing about positive changes through meaningful engagements thru the full implementation of the Magna Carta for Women or the Republic Act 9710.

As part of the celebration, the attendees performed the One Billion Rising dance to raise awareness on Violence Against Women (VAW).

Female personnel and spouses dancing the One Billion Rising dance led by
Attaché Margarita P. Manigo, Alternate GAD Focal Point.

A short film entitled “The Story of Women Around the World” was also shown during the program and was followed by a dance presentation by the members of the ASEAN Women’s Circle-Philippines led by Mrs. Bernadette L. Aro, spouse of First Secretary and Consul Christopher Patrcik T. Aro.

Ms. Bernadette L. Aro and other female spouses dancing to “Respect”

Female personnel at the Consular Section and Assistance to National Section at work.

As part of the celebration, lady clients were also given chocolates at the Overseas Voting Registration area.

OV personnel giving chocolates to female clients

In her closing remarks, Social Services Attache Maricel Deloria expressed her appreciation to all Embassy personnel in upholding the role of women in the society especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

(END)