Women members of urban poor and homeowners associations in the city were treated to a pamper day dubbed ‘Pagpupugay sa mga Hoarang Kababaihan sa Kabahayan: A Pampering Day for all Hoans and Hoanas’, at the Red Cross Training Center, Friday, March 15 in line with the celebration of National Women’s Month.

Organized by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) through its Homeowners Association and Community Development Division, the City Government’s Housing and Land Management Division (HLMD), Social Housing and Finance Corporation (SHFC), Philippine Commission for Urban Poor (PCUP) and the Confederation of Zamboanga City Homeowners Association, Inc., the pamper day event was aimed to recognize and celebrate the contributions and resilience of women in the context of housing and community development.

The women were treated to free pedicure/manicure, foot spa, hair trimming and hair dyeing and medical checkup with free medicines provided by the City Health Office. The event also featured ukay-ukay vending; seedling dstribution; Kadiwa or sale of fresh fruits and vegetables by La Paz Farmers; and selling of products from HOA skills training like bags & slippers, vinegar, peanut butter, and dishwashing liquids, among others.

The activity was highlighted by the signing of the Pledge of Commitment to ensure strengthened partnerships between and among concerned agencies in supporting the homeowners associations in sustaining community development initiatives.

Mayor John Dalipe, represented by City Administrator Atty. Wendell Sotto hailed the event organizers, as he reiterated his commitment to women empowerment and recognition as well as his commitment to community development programs and projects.

The event formed part of the 2024 National Women’s Month celebration and sought “to create a supportive and empowering environment for all women, emphasizing equity, diversity and inclusion.”

Present during the activity were Councilor Frederic Atilano, DHSUD OIC-Regional Director Rolando Eta and staff, officials and representatives from the SHFC, PCUP, National Housing Authority (NHA), HLMD AND other organizing agencies, and HOA Confederation officials. (Sheila Covarrubias)