From medical services to transportation, here are some perks, free services women can enjoy this Women's month
Happy Women’s Month!
It's the time of year to pay tribute to the extraordinary women in our lives, and as part of this month's commemoration, Filipinas have the chance to enjoy some perks. From free rides to free entrances to museums, PhilSTAR L!fe has compiled some of the perks every woman could enjoy this March.
Transportation
Some officials have arranged for women to enjoy free transportation services in some areas of the country. These include free rides from the town proper to the Infanta Quezon Water District in Barangay Comon and back again from March 8 to 31.
In addition, Juanas can enjoy a free bus ride from PITX to Cubao and vice versa on March 6, 13, and 20.
Similarly, train services such as Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) also joined the hype. Women commuters can enjoy rides without needing to pay the fare on Friday, March 8, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Government office services
For this month, women in Barangay Santol in Tanza, Cavite, can enjoy free barangay clearance, barangay certification, and a surprise treat in the Admin Building of their barangay hall every Friday of March.
Moreover, women can also savor a waived processing fee for all hazard assessment reports from March 1-31 at DOST-PHILVOCS, located at Diliman, Quezon City, near the University of the Philippines (UP).
Meanwhile, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) announced that an online book of RA 9710, or Magna Carta of Women Implementing Rules and Regulations, is now publicly available online.
The book contains the implementing rules and regulations of the Magna Carta of Women, a comprehensive human rights law for women that aims to eliminate discrimination by recognizing, defending, upholding, and advancing the rights of Filipino women.
Likewise, the free copy aims to enhance women's knowledge of Gender and Development in their lives.
On the other hand, for those who need a faster transaction with Sandiganbayan, the agency is offering a courtesy lane service to all women, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities, provided that those who avail themselves of the services bring the complete application requirements. The said courtesy lane is only available for single transactions and walk-in applications.
This will run from March 1 to 27.
Medical services
Women's Month is for every transgender woman as well. Trans Health Philippines is offering a free hormone management assessment and counseling for pre-gender-affirming surgery (GAS) for Trans Health starting March 10, uplifting their mission for safer and healthy transitioning.
Interested participants can register here.
On the other hand, ManilaMed will launch a Women's Health Fair called "Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patunayan!" which will offer discussions about common health concerns among women, including Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, well-women check-ups, prenatal care, and the importance of ultrasound, among others.
Various hospitals also offer medical packages for women. For instance, ManilaMed has a woman's package that costs P12,100. Among the services included in the package are complete blood count, urinalysis, fecalysis, stool for occult blood, Pap smear and histopath, bilateral mammography and sonomammography, and more.
Correspondingly, De Los Santos Medical Center also offers medical packages such as breast ultrasound and mammography packages, breast and bone screening packages, and perimenopausal packages for P2900, P5000, and P6500, respectively.
Leisure services
On International Women's Day, women will have free access to notable places in Intramuros such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila Museum, Baluerte de San Diego, and Museo de Intramuros.
In addition, the Intramuros Administration and the Philippine Commission on Women will hold other activities throughout the month.
This includes a mini-weaving workshop led by fashion designer Lira Cardona. The workshop will give participants hands-on experience using mini looms and teach them the basics of weaving and textiles.
Those who wish to attend the workshop on March 16 and 17 can sign up online and pay a fee of P999 per participant.
Meanwhile, the National Museum of the Philippines will dedicate a special lane for women from different walks of life each week on March 13, 20 and 27.
For those who wish for a serene environmental retreat, try the agritourism spot in Tarlac City, the Nesh V-Farm, which houses a picturesque field of fresh flowers. To honor women, the flower farm has a free entrance and sunflowers for female guests until March 4-8.