THE Iloilo City Government recognized 14 awardees of the search for The Outstanding Women of Iloilo City (Towil) at Robinsons Place on March 27.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III said the City Government is recognizing women who have shown exemplary contributions to the community.
“It is with pride and honor that we recognize the work and dedication of excellent women. We truly appreciate your efforts in helping other people and being role models to others,” Espinosa said.
The awardees are:
Helen Romero for professional category
Dr. Mary Barby Badayos-Jover for academe
Rhea Inocencio-Peñaflorida for business
Liberty Porras for culture and arts
Dr. Marlyn Convocar for government service
Rysty Ann Espinosa-Borja for judicial
Ma. Ramelia Vasquez for media
Dr. Ellen Dumayas-Abelita for medical
Ivy Gurrea for non-government organization (NGO) or civic organization; Senior Police Officer 3 Ruth Laudato for protective service
Emma Victoria for religious
Floramie Navales for sports
Stella Muzones for persons with disability
Japhet Grace Moleta for volunteerism.
Romero, a pioneer graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications at St. Paul College of Iloilo, talks about “Gender, Sex and Sexuality” for students so they could be aware of the threats and dangers of engaging in unprotected and promiscuous sex.
Badayos-Jover is the director of the University of the Philippines Visayas’ Gender and Development Program and coordinator of Ugsad Regional Gender Resource Center.
She is also the vice president of the National Network on Women in Fisheries in the Philippines, Inc., and member of Philippine Commission on Women’s GAD Resource Pool.
Peñaflorida, who finished her Basic Management Program at the Asian Institute of Management in August 2017, is a top executive of home-grown souvenir shirts business with 30 outlets around the country.
She is the co-founder and head administrator of Sikat Academy Summer workshop, a special summer program for kids and teens since 2008.
Porras, an artistic director, choreographer and adviser of Irong Irong Dance Company of College of Pescar, West Visayas State University, is an accomplished choreographer considered by her students as “a living legend in the world of dance.”
Convocar, regional director of Department of Health-6, has initiated innovative activities in various programs such as Adolescent Health and Development Program, Maternal Health, New Born Screening Program, Nutrition Program, Women and Children Protective Program, Sexually Transmitted Infections/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention and Control Program, and Health Facility Enhancement Program.
Borja was appointed as Presiding Judge at the age of 38. She became a lawyer at 25 and tried private practice for a while, then later on joined the Iloilo City Prosecution Office as Associate Prosecution Attorney in 2006.
Vasquez, known as “Sexy Baybz,” started as a DJ in a commonly “men’s world,” to become a station manager of FM radio, inspiring many women to seek a career in media.
Dr. Abelita, a practicing Obstetrician and Gynecologist since 1987, is actively involved with community outreach activities through IEC advocacies and free medical services to the grassroots.
As regional director of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, she has initiated series of livelihood training programs for the poor.
Gurrea is the Chief Executive Officer of the Feast Group, Inc. and at the same time President of the Zonta Club Iloilo City II, helping women beneficiaries with various programs.
Laudato, chief clerk and investigator of Women and Children's Protection Desk, has been conducting advocacy campaigns in schools, barangays, NGOs and media for public awareness of laws that protect women and children. She is one of the formulators of Project B.O.N.G. (Bringing Order to the Nemesis of Gang) that addresses gang cases.
Victoria has been serving God’s words and deeds for 29 years and counting by being a role model and an exemplary woman in her field of profession. She has the passion and commitment for social interest and welfare, women’s and children’s rights.
Navales, 25, coach and instructor, has consistently given pride to Iloilo City for her achievements in taekwondo by wining local, national and international competitions. She is also a member of the Philippine Taekwondo Association as National Referee and R6B Poomsae Council Chairman.
Muzones, despite being diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis with lower back pains caused by scoliosis, is an active member of STAC-PWD (Stimulation, Therapeutic Activity Center), an association helping to improve rehabilitation services and assisting PWDs to avail financial assistance from various government offices.
She was one of the beneficiaries of Persons with Disability Affairs Office Livelihood Assistance Program and the first PWD to avail the assistance of Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office and the Department of Science and Technology to develop her product logo design.
Moleta, 32, is an advocacy coordinator of Chameleon Association, Inc., an NGO that helps abused children in Western Visayas; President, Rotary Club of Jaro, Iloilo City; and volunteer of Kabataang Diyuna Comprehensive Youth Organization, an NGO that gives rehabilitation assistance to juvenile delinquents and out of school youth.
She is also the current adviser of the Voice of Chameleon’s Children that advocates Children’s Rights in schools and communities, which won as one of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations of the Philippines. (PR)