Bell ringing ceremony marks start of National Women’s Month celebration at SHFC
Published on 03 March 2025
The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) formally opened its National Women’s Month celebration on March 3 with a ceremonial bell ringing at its head office in Makati City.
SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa, assisted by Senior Vice President for Accounts Management Cluster Josefina Banglagan, rang the bell, signaling the start of month-long activities aligned with the theme, “We for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” and the sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
In his message, President Laxa shared, “I am who I am today because of the amazing woman who raised me well.” He also drew inspiration from the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, quoting, “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” He further emphasized the power and importance of women, declaring, “Mabuhay ang ating mga kababaihan.”
Joining the celebration were Gender Focal Point System Head of the Executive Committee and Program Development and Enhancement Group (PDEG) Vice President Atty. Maria Rosalie Richa Taguian, Mega Manila Group Vice President Engr. Elsa Juliana Calimlim, Title Unitization and Assets Management Group Vice President Marissa Diestro, Corporate Planning and Communications Group Vice President Florencio Carandang, Jr., along with other senior officers of the corporation.
The highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of the SHFC 2025 Gender and Development (GAD) Champions Awards, which recognize 23 departments and regional branches for their significant contributions to the corporation’s gender mainstreaming efforts. This initiative reinforces SHFC’s commitment to fostering empowering, inclusive, and diverse workplace.
In her closing remarks, Atty. Taguian expressed appreciation for SHFC women employees for their dedication to making gender mainstreaming a key strategy in ensuring that the corporation’s programs and processes remain fair, inclusive, and equitable for all.
SHFC’s National Women’s Month celebration will run throughout March, with activities aimed at promoting gender equality and recognizing the contributions of women to SHFC’s programs and operations. On February 28, SHFC also joined other Key Shelter Agencies (KSA) in the Inter-KSA Walk, marking the start of the National Women’s Month celebration across the entire housing sector family.
