Monday, March 10, 2008 Valdez, Sigue lead women's celeb rites By Gil Alfredo B. Severino
TWO local women politicians figured prominently in the celebration of the United Nation's International Women's Day last March 8, Saturday.
In two separate occasions, Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and former Mayor Joy Valdez spoke before the women's groups citing exemplary women's lives to inspire the groups.
Sigue led the launching of the Bacolod Gender and Development Council held at the Gaisano City while Valdez delivered the inspirational message before the Bacolod Soroptomist International at the Bacolod Sea Breeze Hotel.
In her message, Sigue quoted the message of St. Therese' little ways saying, "Women are always assigned task labeled of little significance."
"Housekeeping, cooking, tending children, washing, among others. Reflecting, however, St. Therese words, that we could be the best in these little ways. What we may be doing is of little significance but done with our best, we can make a difference in society," Sigue told the crowds gathered at the Gaisano City.
Sigue further reflected on the life of St. Therese, quoting a passage from notes, " She aspires to be nothing more than a poor little child who looks to her Father for everything and obtains everything from Him because of this same poverty.
"We could be like St. Therese, by simply doing our best in everything we do," she added.
Meanwhile, former Mayor Joy Valdez exemplified President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her speech before the Soroptomists International.
Valdez inspired her audience by presenting what a real woman is with no pretensions of being better.
"Gloria Arroyo is such a leadership material. As presented, she is a survivor, strong willed, hardworking and very religious. Today, however, she plunged the country into a sensitive situation in search for truth about corruption," Valdez said.
