In Albay, Women’s Day protesters undeterred by small attendance
LEGAZPI CITY —The small number of attendees and unpredictable weather did little to hinder the International Women’s Day rally staged here on Saturday.
Nica Ombao, regional coordinator of Gabriela Partylist Bicol, said in an interview that they would continue to fight for equality and the rights of women despite decreasing number of attendees, which was also attributed to the extreme hot weather interspersed with sudden rain.
Only around 80 to 100 participants attended the brief rally at the Rizal Park here to celebrate the International Women’s Day, less than half of the 250 people expected to participate in the activity.
When asked if she was discouraged about the outcome of the activity, Ombao answered “no,” saying she understood the reasons behind the absence of many, which included the weather and confusion regarding the assembly area.
Self-defense
Besides, she said, they still have more activities lined up for the women’s month celebration this March, such as their barangay-level and regional educational discussions and the self-defense trainings against harassment that was requested by several organizations due to the rising threat of harassment faced by women.
“There is also news about kidnapping, right? It is really scary, that’s why we are willing to help,” she added.
A separate rally to commemorate the International Women’s Day was held in Naga City on Saturday.
The protest in Albay was led by Bicolana Gabriela, which was attended by regional members of Amihan, Kabataan Partylist, Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (Masipag), Tanggol Pasada Network, and women from nearby communities.
A march, which would supposedly start from a gasoline station near Centro Legazpi, was postponed due to a confusion over the assembly area. “So, instead, we proceeded with the program here in Rizal Park as the participants are already expecting for it,” said Ombao.
Representatives of participating groups, in their speeches, calling for food security, promotion of free and quality education, election of leaders that “are truly for the people,” and for upholding the free speech.
