Local Councils of Women elects new officers

The Philippine Federation of Local Councils of Women, (PFLCW) Inc. recently chose their new officers and board members, with Rosalind Wee getting reelected as president.

Other elected PFLCW officers were Mayor Irene Libunao of Municipality of San Fabian, Pangasinan, as vice-president for Luzon; Councilor Agnes Ramirez of Municipality of Taysan, Batangas, as vice-president for National Capital Region; Dr. Sharifa Pearlsia Ali-Dans and Milagros Fernandez, vice-presidents for Mindanao; Rosario Villar, treasurer; Nancy Tang, assistant treasurer; Lucita Sanchez, secretary; Elsie de Veyra, assistant secretary; Catalina Macaurog, auditor; and Eufrocina Marcos, public relations officer.

Elected members of the board of directors were Atty. Evelyn Dunuan, Deanna Gregorio, Cecile Mayo, Dr. Amelou Benitez-Reyes, and Virginia Clavel .

Meanwhile, Mayor Sophia Palacio of Municipality of Calatagan, Batangas, Edna Madrigal and Dr. Ramona Rañeses, were appointed as national coordinators.

PFLCW is composed of women organizations showing capability and commitment to implement women's agenda at the local level. It is the national coordinating body of all the local councils of women in mainstreaming gender and development.

“We hope to solidify our efforts to help the marginalized women and strengthen partnership with the local government units in the years to come,” said Myrna Yao, founding chairperson.

The new elected officers and board members will serve for a period of three years (2011 – 2013).

DTI Signs MOA with Local Councils of Women

The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Regional Operations and Development Group (DTI-RODG) signed recently a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Federation of Local Councils of Women (PFLCW), Inc. to provide technical and business development services to micro, small and medium womenterpreneurs.

The MOA signing held at the DTI Office in Makati City is expected to promote and assist barter-trade, sales, and market-matching of all products of micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs through theePinayStore.

PFLCW, Inc., a national coor¬dinating body of all the local councils of women in mainstreaming gender and development, conceptualized ePinayStore to be an online micro business tool for entrepreneurs who do not have access to capital for expansion and marketing their products.

“There are two ways to increase profitability and product demand using the ePinayStore: sell products to targeted consumers and trade items of comparable value or barter,” explained Myrna Yao, founding chairperson of the PFLCW.

“ePinayStore is unique because of its bartering features. It will help local micro and small entrepreneurs expand their market,” said DTI Undersecretary Merly Cruz prior to MOA signing.

With the expertise of DTI and wide-reach of Local Councils of Women, this partnership will also help develop the entrepreneurial skills of women in the rural areas through training.

“As housewives, we have to help our spouses in giving better future for our kids. As mothers, it is also our burden to give our children quality education, shelter, clothing, and food on the table. Let’s go into business and make use of the internet to market our products,” said Rosalind Wee, president of PFLCW.

Also present at the MOA signing were Rosario Villar, treasurer of PFLCW and Ruby Aguas, technical staff of Bureau of Domestic Trade - DTI.

PFLCW invites you to join the 8th General Assembly

PFLCW is inviting all LCWs nationwide for its 8th PFLCW General Assembly to be held on November 10-12, 2010 at the Provincial Capitol Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan.

 With the theme, “Women Economic Empowerment: Challenges and Opportunities at the Local Level,” PFLCW aims to determine the various opportunities encountered by the implementers of women empowerment programs and projects at the local level; know the socio-economic and political challenges commonly experienced by the local councils of women; and discuss and gather learning experiences from the opportunities and challenges of different stakeholders. It will be a three-day seminar and workshop series.

 The following persons are invited to join the General Assembly:

• GO representative from the LGU-GAD structure and/or committee on Women;
• NGO member from your local councils of women;
• Officers/representatives of an established local council of women in your province/city/municipality;
• Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare Development Officer;
• Local Government Operations Officer,
• Provincial/City/Municipal Administrator; and
• GAD Focal Point Person.