In observance of the 2016 National Women’s Month with the theme “An Karajawan ni Juana, Ilakip sa Adyenda!,” personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII celebrated Blue Day on March 8, 2016 at the Surigao City Boulevard.

Bringing with them festive blue balloons, representatives from various national line agencies participated in the said activity. The significance of the event is to promote the advocacy as it raises the level of public awareness of gender-related issues and appreciation for women’s contributions to society. The activity started with a fun walk from the City Hall compound down to the City Boulevard in front of the City Police Station where a short program was held.

Dr. Arlene T. Felizarta of the Surigao City Health Office delivered a short message about the story behind the activity and how Blue Day came to be. She also thanked the women who actively supported the Blue Day activity. She explained that the color blue symbolizes peace, truth and justice for women.

After the informative message, Ms. Diana C. Edera, LGU-GAD Focal Person, gave instructions that everyone must participate in forming the gender symbol of a female before releasing the balloons. At around 4:30 P.M., everyone started to release the blue balloons to symbolize the great hope that all forms of injustices and violence will vanish forever. The activity ended with group pictorials.

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