The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) joined the annual "Walk for a Cause" as the kick-off program in celebration of Women's Month and International Women's Day last 8 March 2017.
Led by the UPOU Office of Gender Concerns (OGC), sixteen (16) faculty and staff members joined the walk. The parade started at 6 o'çlock in the morning from Olivarez Plaza Mall to Paciano Rizal Park in the Old Municipal Compound of Los Baños. Different barangays of Los Baños as well as government and non-government institutions also joined the parade. A short program followed after the parade.
Fundraising for cancer prevention in women
The "Walk for a Cause" is a fundraising activity for cancer prevention among women organized by the local municipality of Los Baños. Proceeds from the activity will be used for the health program of the Municipal Health Office primarily to provide financial support for diagnosis and treatment of cancer in women.
"UPOU joined the Los Baños Walk for a Cause because our academic community is an active part of the community at large. As the impact of UPOU's work continues to extend throughout the nation and in the global arena, we are still very much rooted in the local community. The Walk was for a great cause – prevention of cancer in women, and the provision of health and entrepreneurial assistance that benefited local women. It was an event that exemplified UPOU's own commitment to equality, well-being, and opportunities for all," said Asst. Prof. Rameses De Jesus, OGC OIC-Director.
After the walk, the participants were entitled to avail the Serbisyo para kay Juana where free medical services such as pap smear and breast screening, nutrition counselling, social welfare services, free legal assistance, and enterprise development coaching were provided in the covered court of the Old Municipal Compound.
Women's Month upcoming activities
Besides "Walk for a Cause", OGC has three more activities lined-up in celebration of Women's Month. "Let's Talk It Over: Kababaihan. Kalikasan. Komunidad.", a lecture series will be held on 21 March 2017. This will be followed by "Women in Art: Kulay, Galaw, Pinta", a painting exhibit to launch on 28 March 2017. Finally, "Hilot: Understanding and Experiencing a Traditional Method for Women's and Men's Reproductive Health" will be held on 30 March 2017. (Rica Mae Valencia)
