DASURECO successfully hosted an activity in celebration of the 2025 Women’s Month on March 18, 2025, at the DASURECO Center for EC MCOs. The event, dubbed “Empowered Women, Empower Women,” gathered DASURECO member-consumer-owner women leaders and advocates of the DASURECO MCO Association (DAMA) to promote awareness on legal rights and entrepreneurship opportunities for women.
In his welcome message, General Manager Engr. Jerry D. Morastil, PEE, thanked the attendees for their presence and emphasized the vital role of women in community development, highlighting legal awareness, workplace protection, and entrepreneurship as key to empowerment.
“Kini nga panahon usa ka higayon sa pag-ila ug pagbarog alang sa inyong katungod nga madungog, apil sa paghimo og desisyon ug patas nga kauban sa kalambuan. Magpakabana kita,” he said.
He also reaffirmed DASURECO’s dedication to standing alongside women, not just as members but as true partners in progress, saying, “Ang DASURECO nagpadayon sa iyang paglahutay nga makig-uban kaninyo, dili lang ingon nga myembro, kundili isip tinuod nga kauban sa kalambuan.”
Board President Atty. Glenn F. Solana, CPA, in his inspirational message, shared personal stories about his parents’ role in their family business. He noted that while his father handled the nitty-gritty details of operations, it was his mother who guided major decisions. “My father is good when it comes to the nitty and gritty details of the business operations. But when it comes to the pressures and where the business should be heading, or what properties should be purchased, my father usually refers to my mother’s wisdom,” he shared, emphasizing the vital role of women in leadership and strategic decision-making.
Dean of the Law School of Cor Jesu College, Atty. Genevieve Marie Dolores Brandares-Paulino, LL.M., discussed the Safe Spaces Act and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, highlighting their role in protecting women from harassment in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. She stressed the importance of awareness and accountability in fostering a safer environment for all.
Aside from legal rights and protection, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided insights on economic empowerment and business opportunities for women. Ms. Gladys Joy R. Liño of DTI’s Consumer Protection Division discussed Sustainable Consumption, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices that support ethical and environmentally responsible products. Meanwhile, Ms. Julienne A. Campaner, Trade and Industry Specialist of DTI, tackled entrepreneurial mindsetting, encouraging participants to explore business opportunities and develop a growth-oriented mindset.
After the discussions, the women sector representatives of the DAMA Davao del Sur Federation elected a new set of officers, with Marlita T. Englis of Digos North as the new President, Charry A. Godoy of Sta. Cruz as Vice President, Raquel O. Fortunado of Digos South as Secretary, Marnela P. Velez of Hagonoy as Treasurer, Rosalie L. Leyran of Malalag and Perla G. Mejares of Sulop as PIOs, Larramie Alquiza of Bansalan and Remedios T. Cadiongan of Magsaysay as Auditors, and Liezel S. Dela Cruz of Padada and Charlotte Villafuerte of Matanao as Business Managers. With a newly elected leadership in place, DAMA’s Women Sector is set to further strengthen its advocacy for women’s empowerment within the Cooperative and the community.
