Mayor Neil Lizares with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, headed by Dionela Madrona lead the monthlong Women's Month Celebration and the launching of the new recurring theme: "WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society" with this year's celebration marks a period in advancing and promoting women's rights and acknowledgment of their contributions in society.

Atty. Weng Lizares representing the Angels' Wings Hernan Lopez Foundation and the private sector delivers her message of support. "WE" short for Women Empowerment according to her, means Business. In her message, Atty. Weng emphasizes the role of women and why there is a need for women's position in the society to be elevated. She reiterated that the answer to gender equality and for an inclusive society is the empowerment of women, that if women are given more opportunities in society, society will gain more positive changes. That women must be given equal chances, room for growth, equal privileges and promote women advocacies, hence, closing her speech, asking women to support, help and empower her fellow women, to aspire, to dream and be an instrument of positive change.

Coalition Against Trafficking-Asia Pacific, Executive Director, Jean Enriquez is this year's kick off program keynote speaker.

SP Member and SP Chairman for the Committee on Women and Children, Honorable RJ Tuvilla explained the rationale of this month's celebration, while GAD Focal Officer, EA Farah Jayme welcomed everyone who are present. City Vice Mayor Nicolai Jalandoni, Talisay CPS OIC Chief LTCOL Cenon Vargas and City Administrator, Atty. Jonathan Ealdama also gave their messages of support to Women.

A special gift and Award of Merits were awarded to Talisay City Hall Women Department Heads and to Talisay City Women Barangay Captains.

Kudos to Talisay City CSWDO for the successful opening salvo of the monthlong Women's Month Celebration in the city.