NAVAL, Biliran – “Babae, Tagumpay ka ng Bayan” is the theme of the forthcoming 16th Women’s Congress on this island province where it will be attended by some 3,790 participants province-wide in celebration of March as Women’s Month.

The Women’s Month activities is encouraged and sponsored by the provincial government through the stewardship of Biliran Gov. Rogelio J. Espina, in coordination with the Provincial Council for Women’s Welfare Inc., and the Women for Rural Development Kalipunan ng Liping Filipina (WORD KALIPI).

Of the participants 2,130 are women, and 665 are men – invited to support the advocacy networks. They will encamp, like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, at the Capitol ground in Calumpang, Naval, to spend two nights and three days of fun and serious work from March 17 to 19.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) officer Flor Trani said the first night will be an all-women activity of contests and to be capped with a coronation. The second night is purely socials where the group “Pork Chop” has been invited to entertain the delegates.

The fun but educational activities include the “Larong Pinoy” contests. Larong Pinoy is composed of games with insights on building cooperation, coordination and teamwork.

For men, topics are highlighting the roles of father like: Becoming Your Wife’s Best Friend; Raising Children on Gender Sensitive Ways; Fathers as Child Caregivers; Responding to Child’s Rights and Responsibilities; Fathers as Advocates in the Prevention of Family Violence; Fathers as Advocates of Drug-Free Society; Raising Children with High Spiritual Values; and Fathers as Advocates in the Prevention of HIV.

There will also be skills training in manicure and pedicure; hair cutting, styling and hair dressing; empanada making and packaging; buko pie preparation and packaging; rubber slippers; flower arrangement; hair coloring and hair spa; massage; and make-up.

While sports tournament on badminton, volleyball, basketball will also be conducted.

Among the main highlights include a trade fair, and also a contest among the eight towns of the island province.