Coping with economic crisis: Women urged to gain financial independence

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT - In these times of economic crisis, there is more reason for women to aspire for economic stability and financial independence, community leaders asserted in a forum organized here by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in partnership with Mondriaan Aura College, the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) - Subic Chapter, Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWDFI) and women's groups in observance of the International Women's Month.

Representative Carissa Coscolluela of the Buhay partylist said women should seek financial independence if they really want to attain gender equality and empowerment.

According to SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, who was among the guests in the "Babae Po Ako" forum, the ongoing global economic crisis threatens to erode the gains women have made in the socio-political arena. "Women have long been identified with the hearth - or in a larger context, the role of providing food, sustenance and health for the whole family. And yes, when the family's economic production is affected, it is the women who worry more about what food to put on the table," observed Salonga. Noting that fully 33 percent of the active workforce in the Subic Bay Freeport is composed of women, Salonga said that women "have come a long way since (the fight for the right to) suffrage. But the question now is: will they have the strength to survive the economic crisis?" Salonga added.

In the same forum, Director Rosalinda Laxamana of the Technology Resource Center (TRC) advised women to start initiating their own businesses in order to become more financially stable.

Another guest, Ethelyn Balenton of Gawad Kalinga, meanwhile talked about worrying and advised the womenfolk that "worrying is irrelevant and can not solve anything." "Worrying will give you nothing but migraine, heartburn, hypertension, stomach disorder, and other discomforts," Balenton challenged everyone to turn to God "for He offers a worry-free life."

Rep. Mitos Magsaysay of the First District of Zambales, who had spoken in the previous celebrations of Babae Po Ako, expressed support to the ideals of the "Babae Po Ako 2009" through her Chief of Staff, Rowena Quejada.

The "Babae Po Ako" forum started in March 2006 as a brainchild of Salonga to recognize the women workers in and around the Subic Bay Freeport.

Since then, the forum has brought women together from the Freeport and the nearby communities, not only to celebrate the International Women's Month, but also to empower one another by discussing common concerns, sharing experiences, and initiating welfare projects.

Themed as "Diskarteng Babae sa Panahon ng Krisis," specifically focused on how women could survive the current financial crisis that has led to the downsizing, if not outright closure of many industries and the displacement of thousands of workers.

The forum was also highlighted by a raffle of prizes and a mini-bazaar called BK2 (Bagong Kabuhayan, Bagong Kakayahan) which featured products and services needed and enjoyed by women.

Commo. Feliciano Salonga with Dr. Edith Geniza,VP Mondriaan Aura College, Dir. Rosalinda Laxamana of the Technology Resource Center (TRC) and Ms. Ethelyn Balenton of Gawad Kalinga at the "Babae po Ako" forum.

Teatro Gat'aitab - Aura's theater group, performs at the "Babae po ako" forum.

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From top L-R: Ludivina Carballo, Elisa Menor, Leo Eusantos, Roma Salvador, Edith Geniza, Jocel Fajota, and Eirween Davis - Auristas supporting the "Babae Po Ako" forum.