With the theme, “We Make Change Work for Women”, the Biodiversity Management Bureau joined the nation in celebrating Women’s Month. During this year’s month long celebration, there were activities organized and spearheaded by the BMB Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) that promoted the equality of rights and opportunities for women, gender equality, and empowering women as active contributors to development.

The BMB kicks off the celebration last March 11, 2019 at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center with an inspirational message from the BMB Director, Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez in which she said that women have long been included in the agenda, with the women in the agency making up more than half of its workforce. She emphasized too the importance of equality and lack of discrimination with regard to women, men, indigenous peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and the physically challenged.  Dir. Rodriguez also thanked the men for their continuous support to women and fostering an environment that enables women to pursue their passion and be able to meaningfully engage in whatever endeavor they hope to achieve. 

The BMB division chiefs were also warmly honored with bouquet of flowers for their significant contributions in their respective fields of endeavor.

After the flag raising ceremony, a congregation of purple-dressed men and women BMB employees gathered for a dance physical fitness session followed by the annual Fun Walk. The activity aimed at raising awareness on the importance of exercise and good health, particularly among women who are preoccupied with their daily work routine to embrace a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

As the employees were having their snacks after a tedious physical workout, the male BMB employees gave purple rose to each female employees as a sign of appreciation and recognition for their achievements while continually striving for gender equity and parity.
A lecture focusing on common cancers in women was discussed by Dr. Flordeliza Ramirez, FPCP, DPCOM. Breast cancer emerged as the number one disease having new cases among women in the Philippines compared to other common cancer diseases. Dr. Ramirez recommends women to conduct Breast Self-Examination monthly to detect abnormal growth in the breasts so that the cancer be treated during its early stages.

The BMB launched the “We Juana Know” Photo Contest which aims to celebrate the achievements of girls and women in various fields by recognizing their contributions in conserving the environment.

The theme of the photo contest is the essential roles of Juanas in biodiversity conservation.