Pesquera to women: Be financially independent

CEBU, Philippines — During the Cebu City government’s showcase regarding women in public service in line with the celebration of Women’s Month, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera told women to take full control of their lives by being financially independent, adding that with this they can do whatever they want.

“I would encourage all the women take control of their lives. Make themselves, number one, financially-independent, because being financially-independent, they can do anything they want, either with their family, in their work, they can really survive,” said Pesquera.

“And also those mothers, make sure that you also teach your children well that they, again, especially the girls, that they will be financially independent and take control of their lives,” she added.

Last Monday morning, City Hall opened an exhibit that showcased women in public service and their contributions. Among those featured were Pesquera, majority floor leader and chairwoman of the City Council’s Committee on Women, Children, Family Affairs, LGBTQ, and the Committee on Health.

A symposium on the effects of teen pregnancy was also held at the SPF Theater last Monday afternoon and various schools participated in the event.

“We wanted the kids, the teenagers to understand what are the effects of teenage pregnancy, it’s not only na mo-ingon ta og physical but it has also effect psychologically and financially so mao g’yud na importante,” she said.

Regarding the current situation of teenage pregnancy in Cebu City, Pesquera said they have observed a rise in the number of teenage pregnancies. This was why they want to encourage young women to take control over the direction of their lives.

“Because no matter what they will really look into their future... then it will be better to stay away from those activities,” said Pesquera.

Despite the rise in teenage pregnancies in the city, Pesquera assured that the situation is still “manageable”.

Highlighting on the Women’s Month celebration, Pesquera, as a public servant herself, said that service does not need to be based on any gender.

“However there is also a characteristic in women that can also be important, a good (attribution) in handling the government... women generally are nurturing, just like any mother, it is an instinct of women to nurture,” she said.

Another good attribute women have is being detailed-oriented, which is good when it comes to handling programs and projects, she said. — (FREEMAN)