In support to the national government’s Proclamation No. 277 s.1988 or designating March as Women’s Role in History month, the Iloilo Science and Technology University kicked off the celebration with a parade around La Paz campus. Wearing their purple shirts, students, faculty and non-teaching personnel joined the parade in full spirits. The opening program which was held at the grounds of Gender and Development Center focused on empowered women.

The ISAT U Martial Arts –Women’s Team presented an exhibition, breaking gender stereotypes and proved that women also have potentials in sports dominated by men. Purple ribbons with powerful description of women were also tied on the railings in front of the GAD Center. The Opening program ended with a community dance led by the Student Republic Officers.

The Gender and Development Center under Director Emily de la Cruz has lined up ample activities for the students, faculty and staff in the celebration of the Women’s Month.  A Women Empowerment Booth was put up for the Busking which will run for 3 days, from March 4 to March 6. A lecture on “Sound and Silence in Philippine History” will be conducted by Prof. Alvin Campomanes of UP Manila. Students from different Colleges as well as invited faculty members from different SUCs are expected to attend to this engagement. Medical Laboratory services, reflex services and optical services will also be conducted simultaneously on the same day. The non-teaching personnel and the faculty will have the chance to learn more about Wellness from Dr. Maynard Bueno in a four-hour lecture prepared for them on March 14.

As a community, the faculty and staff, and the ISAT U Administration have come as one and signified their support for women’s empowerment and gender equality and committed to the “Purple Friday” observation.