VIGAN GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT CODE

Women’s rights and human dignity are essential in a civilized society. The enactment of the Vigan Gender and Development (GAD) Code is a step towards institutionalizing the protection of these rights and the promotion of total human development. As a World Heritage Site aspiring to be globally competitive, Vigan’s heritage conservation must go hand- in- hand with human rights protection.

This code aims to deter sexual harassment and discrimination against women, change the mindset of a macho society that women are regarded as sex objects and treated as commodities. It also wants to rectify the traditional role of women which is confined to household chores or domestic concerns. The Vigan Gender and Development Code recognizes the significant role of women in community development. It acknowledges women’s contribution in our history as a nation particularly the heroism of revolutionary Gabriela Silang, and the influence of poetess/satirist Leona Florentino among others. As we celebrate women’s month this March, let us give tribute to the women in general for making the world a better place to live in.

WEARING BLUE ON VALENTINE'S DAY

February 14 is a special day for lovers. I have started advocating that it should be declared a special holiday since last year because of its historical, religious and sentimental significance. Valentine's day is a day for lovers. Its a time to show one's affection. Its a time to manifest one's love.

Sometimes, Valentine's day becomes blue if its signifcance is taken for granted. It is as if wearing blue when everybody else is wearing red. It becomes blue if lovers quarrel on such day. It becomes really blue if one is dating another.

Nowadays, Valentine's day is highly commercialized. Its celebration becomes more of a business rather than nurturing its true meaning. Well, in whatever form, let's simply celebrate Valentine's day --- even if you're alone.

LIBERAL PARTY PRESIDENT MAR ROXAS VISITS VIGAN

Liberal Party President, Senator Mar Roxas is warmly greeted during his visit to Vigan during the Longganiza Festival (January 22, 2009).
. Mar Roxas together with Vice Governor Jerry Singson, Councilor Ever Molina, and Vice Mayor Franz Ranches amusely look at one direction.

Sen. Mar Roxas in an elegant barong filipino walks from his hotel to a nearby restaurant to join the local offiicials of Vigan for a dinner.

Undersecretary Luis "Chavit" Singson plays host to Sen. Mar Roxas, Congressman Manny Mamba of Tuao, Cagayan, Vice Mayor Franz Ranches, Vice Gov. Jerry Singson and Councilor Ever Molina.