BAGUIO CITY — Gone are the days when we look at women as the victim. Women have taken the challenge with big leaps from their traditional roles, dismissing the old concept that women are the weaker sex.
Retired Judge Delilah Muñoz said so during the “Kababaihan Festival”, the city’s celebration of the International Women’s Day on Thursday (March 8).
“The roles women do now in society are achievable and possible because of the overwhelming support of the government, their families, society, and the men in their lives,” Muñoz said during the awarding of Baguio outstanding women leaders, the highlight of the event.
“Today is the day to recognize the achievement of women and the role they are playing in the development, especially in politics and economic arenas,” Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan said.
Domogan said support for activities empowering women is called for.
Five women residents of the city were awarded Outstanding Women Leaders (OWL’s).
Dr. Phillian Louise Weygan-Allan was feted for her Spiritual and Socio-Cultural Leadership. City administrators call her “the voice of the indigenous peoples”.
Flora Dolor Balaba was recognized for highlighting the rights of senior citizens. She authored city resolution 54-2008, when she served as senior citizen councilor of the day, designating blue pedestrian lanes for senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women in the city.
Elizabeth Nattong Mamanglo was awarded for the upliftment of women and family through Cooperativism. She co-founded the Mothers and Family Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MOFAMCO).
Jocelyn Ladizabal Mariano was awarded for cooperativism. She pushed for the increase in salaries and benefits of enterprise employees. As manager of the Baguio-based Printing and Publishing Multi-Purpose Cooperative, she had encouraged women to take on printing and publishing jobs, which used to be dominated by men. As its resident manager, she successfully enlarged its assets from PHP5 million to PHP16 million in just three years.
Sonia Gonzales Mina was awarded for organizational management. She pushed for the construction of adequate waiting areas for senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women in pharmacies operating in Baguio.
“We salute you, women, that you push yourselves beyond your comfort zones, that you go out to boost the self-esteem and actively manifest your inner power in others. Today we are truly proud to present you in our city, in our country, and to the world,” said Imelda Bisnar, Outstanding Women Leaders president. (Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA)
