MANY Filipina scientists have, through research and development, contributed in the campaign against the coronavirus disease.

This prompted the Department of Science and Technology to celebrate Women’s Month with the theme “Sina Juana, Juan at ang Siyensya Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!”

It paid tribute to the many contributions of women scientists, researchers, engineers, teachers and those in other professions in different sectors.

“The Women’s Month Celebration is an opportune time to share with every Filipino that men and women can work together in providing timely and appropriate solutions to fight against the challenges brought about by the pandemic. We all know that women are resilient and creative enough to be part of bigger plans in attaining our goals as a nation,” DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said.

De la Peña urged everyone to fight gender inequality to ensure that women will not be left behind as countries fight the pandemic.

Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, Assistant Secretary for Human Resources Management and Special Concerns and the officer-in-charge of DOST’s GAD Regional and Support Service, lauded women for their excellent skills and abilities. She believes that providing them support will result in more empowered women who would be able to participate in the planning and decision-making processes in various levels.

“Yes, we can make change work for women as we provide them opportunities to articulate their needs and allow them to participate in creating concrete, sustainable, and inclusive actions towards gender equality,” Ignacio said.

The virtual celebration of Women’s Month was filled with lectures and presentations that mirrored the valuable contributions of several Filipina scientists in different fields.

Dr. Nathalie Lourdes Africa-Verceles talked about the challenges confronting women with her presentation titled, “Gender and the Covid19 Pandemic; Rising to the Challenges,” while National Scientist, Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz highlighted the important role of women scientists in the country’s fight against Covid19.

Dr. Gloria Luz M. Nelson talked about the stark reality of unplanned pregnancies in her presentation titled, “The Stories of Filipino Pregnant Teenage Mothers During the Covid19 Pandemic Crisis.”

Lastly, two Philippine Science High School students, one a graduate and the other a Grade 11 student, shared their perspectives about distant learning.

These two young men are Michael A. Casas, a Special Science Teacher IV at PSHS-Southern Mindanao campus, and Janri M. Llamoso from the PSHS-SOCCSKSARGEN campus.

Part of the virtual celebration was a tribute to the late Undersecretary for Regional Operations Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano who dedicated her life to serving the country with her knowledge, expertise, and wisdom.

Another highlight of the virtual celebration was the presentation of winners of the #MyWonderJuana and #MySuperJuan Video Making Contest that was spearheaded by the DOST-Industry and Technological Development Institute.

In the category of #MySuperJuan, the video entry of Bonifacio Tamparong from the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines won the top prize. It was followed by the entries from Wilcel James Bernardo and Gian Carlo Pait from the Technology Application and Promotion Institute who got the second and third places, respectively. This category required the participants to create a video that will feature a man who does his share of doing unpaid domestic work.

On the other hand, the # MyWonderJuana category required participants to focus on featuring inspiring women who hurdled the challenges of the pandemic.

The video of Danica Faith Lagman from the Technology Application and Promotion Institute bagged the top spot.

Rounding up the winners were the two videos submitted by Robby Salvador of DOST Region XI.