DFA Celebrates Women’s Month through the “Geronima T. Pecson Women’s Forum: Filipino Women as Culture Bearers” in Partnership with the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines

(Left to Right) Ms. Renee Talavera, Ms. Natasha Tanjutco, Ms. Berlyn Dayacap, and Ms. Marie Venus Tan discuss the roles of women in safeguarding cultural heritage and strengthening creative industries. (DFA-OPD photo by James Ryan Artiaga)

PASAY 02 April 2024 - In celebration of the National Women's Month 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Cultural Diplomacy, in partnership with the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, conducted the “Geronima T. Pecson Women’s Forum: Filipino Women as Culture Bearers” on 20 March 2024 at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini of the Department of Foreign Affairs, to shed light on the pivotal roles of women as culture bearers who have been ensuring the vitality and viability of cultural heritage in various communities in the Philippines. 

In her welcome message, Assistant Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria recognized the instrumental role of Senator Geronima T. Pecson, the first woman senator of the Philippines, the first Filipino and first woman to be elected as member of the UNESCO Executive Board, who also authored the law establishing UNACOM. Asst. Secretary Feria acknowledged the ability of women to creatively mobilize resources through their competent technical skills, diverse networks, and unique strategies that contribute to the development of local communities.

The forum served as a platform for the notable Filipino women to discuss their initiatives and advocacies in the field of cultural heritage and creative industries—Ms. Marie Venus Tan, Co-Chairperson of the Creative Baguio City Council; Ms. Renee Talavera, Head of the Institutional Programs and Projects Section of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; and Ms. Natasha Tanjutco, Creative Director and Co-Founder of TAYO House of Culture & Creativity. 

To widen the reach and impact of the forum’s objectives, students from universities in Metro Manila were invited as participants. This allowed the youth to gain a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage, and it also provided them with the opportunity to actively participate in discussions that shape the future of their nation’s culture. END

Asst. Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria of the Office of Cultural Diplomacy delivers her welcome message during the forum. (DFA-OPD photo by James Ryan Artiaga)

(Left to Right)  Ms. Berlyn Dayacap, Asst. Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria,  Ms. Natasha Tanjutco, Ms. Renee Talavera, Ms. Marie Venus Tan, and Acting Secretary-General Lindsay A. Barrientos during the awarding of certificates for the speakers. (DFA-OPD photo by James Ryan Artiaga)

 Acting Secretary-General Lindsay A. Barrientos delivers her closing remarks. (DFA-OPD photo by James Ryan Artiaga)

The DFA-Office of Cultural Diplomacy and the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines with the speakers of the forum. (DFA-OPD photo by James Ryan Artiaga)