GenSan's first lady face of Women's Day Celebration

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (12 March 2014)  – With her undeniable grace, charm and warm smile, General Santos City’s very own first lady Jane Gollon-Rivera led the city government in the celebration of the International Women's Day.

She is also chairperson of the GenSan Tourism Council which spearheaded the Paskuhan sa Gensan 2013, Tuna Festival 2013, the recent Kalilangan 2014 and many more.

In her speech on March 8, she highlighted the value of addressing timely issues regarding women's empowerment and the roles they should take as equal members of the society.

Ma’am Jane or Ms Jane as she is affectionately called also condemned the ill cases of women's abuse, women's trafficking, and the conventional perception of women as "only second to men."

She also encouraged the participating women from different sectors, organizations and barangays in the city to take a stand against issues concerning women’s rights since it is only through the collective effort of every woman that these concerns are solved.

"As a woman, we have to do more. And there is nothing wrong with it. It is natural for us to do these, because together, we can do it,” Gollon - Rivera stressed.

The theme for this year's celebration of women's day is "Inspiring Change" to encourage advocacy for women's advancement and to address the challenge of inspiring positive change to the status quo of women's equality and vigilance.

During the event, Ms Jane, City Councilor Shandee Llido Pestano and City Population and Management Office acting head Erline Grafilo recognized outstanding women who are doing traditional men's job.

One of them is Hilda Tianchon, 49 years old and a resident of barangay Baluan, who currently works as a forklift and steamroller or pison driver.

"I entered in the job simply because I want to fend for my two children and I am proud that I can do what men can do. I am not ashamed of it," Tianchon said.

Women also celebrated the International Women's Day in the city with free haircut services, family counseling and free health services (i.e. diabetes screening, pap smear, ultrasound) which are generally exclusive for women only. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare)