Zonta Club of Cebu 1 strengthened its advocacy and service projects for Covid-19 and Typhoon Odette survivors, through the collaborative efforts with the various barangays, specifically, the Budlaan survivors, sponsors, linkages and constituents.

The history of community involvement of these tireless, empowered Zontians, traces back to the ‘80s, first at the Capitol and Ermita centers, extending further to other barangays and sites of calamities.

The thrust, according to current president Gina Atienza, is to empower the target communities to help themselves. Thus, the theme of “Restore, Rebuild and Rehabilitate” must have sustainable multiplier effects. The Zontians, focusing this time in its adopted Budlaan communities, are succeeding in their advocacy to serve.

Kudos to the functional delivery system adopted by the Zonta Club of Cebu 1, applying part of S.W.O.T (converting Weaknesses to Strengths and Threats to Opportunities), through compassionate and transformative leadership. Big words, you might think, but these initiatives are bearing fruit.

This “women empowerment initiative” is not solely Zontian, because there are many women clubs in Cebu involved in the same mission to uplift the quality of life. The families in many underprivileged communities have translated their ”bayanihan values” to sustainable programs. The proverbial “Juan Tamad” has been converted to have initiative to work. Remember the famous lines of comedienne Dely Atay-Atayan, “Magsumikap ka!”

Across the globe, from Zonta International, to its districts, areas and clubs, the Zontians serve with wisdom and advocacy, uplifting the quality of life.

Thus, president Gina articulated, “Restore! Rebuild! Rehabilitate!”

The community heard and improvised.