Blessed are our women...Honoring our women leaders

LET THE world know, in the eyes of God and men, how extraordinary women can face challenges, responsibilities and hardships in their lives. Through difficult and tough circumstance, women have survived the test of times.

Earlier in history, women were not entirely given the chance and privilege to show and express their capabilities. But as time passed, the fast crusade by concerned women resulted to granting women equal ventures in all fields of endeavor.

Luckily, today women are given an open window for growth, development and a special role in the progress of society. This opportunity directed women to gain recognition for their devotions and struggles, their civic-oriented works and unselfish involvement for the good of others. Women presently are positive contributors to the advancement of their country, family and the people surrounding them.

As such, I would like to say congratulations to the 8 chosen outstanding women leaders of Baguio who were feted in simple rites on March 8, International Women’s Day, at the Baguio Convention Center. This event was the major undertaking of the Kababaihan Festival launched recently with the theme: “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan.”

This was brought to us by the city government of Baguio in coordination with City Social Welfare and Development Office and the City Council Committee on Women, Children and Urban Poor.

This year’s outstanding women leaders are Zoraida Cruz Clavio (public health); Dr. Elma Dalog Donaal (secondary education); Catherine Quinones (livelihhod); Perlita De Vera Panganiban (welfare and development); Angelita Sabado (community health and nutrition); Mila Lingbawan Singson (women’s rights); Angelita Tomeldan (daycare work); and Rose Rosalin Wasan (KALIPI Leadership).

Donaal, principal of Baguio City National High School, said, “It’s an honor to be one of the outstanding women in Baguio. This gives me encouragement to continue working, give quality education to the young ones and continue serving as an inspiration for my family, contemporaries and co-workers.”

The awardees are symbols of wisdom and the epitome of woman empowerment. And they stand for all the ideals of womanhood and gender equality.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan greeted all the women organizations present during the ceremony. “We should always remember to respect women, fight against violence among women. We have to recognize that women are part of men. Women are symbols of our own existence. We should treat them with integrity and be proud of their accomplishments. We treat them as our partners in the progress and development of our city and country.”

An inspiring message was given by Atty Marilyn Taldo, regional director of the Civil Service Commission. Taldo stressed, “Women today are given leadership roles when before women were treated as second fiddles. But now women today have become a part of peace keeping bodies. They are at the frontlines and make headlines because of their achievements. This era is not anymore male dominated but both genders have equal opportunities. Let us all pay tribute to what women can do. Let’s recognize the role of women in good governance, their impact and significance in public service, their righteousness and uprightness. Their commendable performance should inspire us proving that women have the capability to excel, achieve and perform.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, co-chair Women’s Month celebration 2013, ended the program by asking all women to ride for righteousness. She said, even though the roads in Baguio are zigzagged, women should walk straight in the right path. “Let’s always be excellent, be achievers, be consensus builders, let us be role models and be an inspiration to everybody and maintain to follow the line where it leads us to success and greater life ahead.”

To all the organizers of the Kababaihan Festival, cheers for a job well done. To all the outstanding women leaders, I hope to bump into your path one day. Then let’s have a cup of coffee so I can get to know you and maybe get some helpful tips from you on how to be a leader, an achiever and how to deal with life’s enormous bustles.

To all women out there, let’s continue to aim high and always give our best in everything that we do. Happy Women’s Month.