BACOLOD City — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bacolod City marked National Women’s Month through a series of community outreach and advocacy activities promoting inclusivity, intergenerational respect, and gender equality.
The local office joined the observance of Grandparents Week and Purple Wednesday—initiatives that highlight respect for the elderly while reinforcing the call for women’s empowerment.
City Election Officer Atty. Kathrina Trinio-Caña said the dual observance reflects the agency’s commitment to recognizing the role of grandparents in shaping families and the contributions of women to nation-building.
As part of its Women’s Month activities, the Office of the Election Officer in Bacolod City participated in a One-Stop Shop event on March 16 at the Bacolod City Government Center.
The outreach aimed to bring essential election-related services closer to the public, particularly women, senior citizens, and other underserved sectors.
Beyond service delivery, local officials also used the occasion to call for stronger action against gender-based violence.
Councilor Celia Matea Flor, vice chairperson of the city’s Gender and Development Council, urged the public to adopt a zero-tolerance stance against abuse and misogyny.
Flor stressed the importance of reporting cases of violence against women and children (VAWC), noting that stigma and fear often prevent victims from seeking help.
She emphasized that responsibility should never fall on victims and called on communities to create safe environments where survivors feel supported and empowered to come forward.
The Comelec Bacolod office said it remains committed to advancing gender equality and strengthening civic engagement in line with the goals of Women’s Month.
“Honoring our elders and uplifting women go hand in hand in building a more inclusive society,” the office added./PN
