“It all started with the initiative of Hon. Trinidad F. Legarda. A group of women executives and professionals were invited to organize the Baguio Club.
“With the guidance of Zonta International Organization and Extension Committee Chairperson (ZIOECC) Dorothy Thompson from the Ontario, Canada Zonta Club, Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma, and Fely Tanco (ZIOECC from Zonta Club Manila), 15 charter members were appropriately oriented, and selected among themselves their club officers.
“The Zonta Club Baguio was organized in Jan. 9, 1969 with Dr. Purificacion Claridad as the Charter Pres. The Club was officially listed on Feb. 3, 1969 in Zonta International’s club roster as Club number 621.
“Marian de Forest founded Zonta International on November 8, 1919 in Buffalo, New York. This was 2 years ahead of the law allowing women to vote in the USA.
“That was how empowered Zonta’s founder was even during those times. The earlier mission of Zonta was to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.
“In the recent years, its mission has evolved to Empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Zonta International in partnership with the United Nations Group have the ff. programs such as Let us Learn Madagascar, an education program creating opportunities for adolescent girls to be able to go to school; Eid Bi Eid (Hand in Hand), a program to improve the resilience and empowerment of certain refugees and vulnerable women; and Ending Child Marriage, a program to accelerate global action to end child marriage.
“Locally, the Zonta Club of Baguio actively holds talks especially among elementary and high school students to grow awareness to stop violence against women and girls; a campaign to prevent teenage pregnancies; and talks on vigilance and rights to avoid becoming victims of violence. The Zonta Club of Baguio also gives services for Baguio women such as holding medical missions and livelihood projects.”
“Cheers to Zonta Baguio and looking forward to Zonta International’s 100th year anniversary this Nov. 8.
“Master of ceremonies PIA Director Zn. Helen Tibaldo. Info from Area Director Lorna Mandapat and Pres. Jennifer Tiong. Documentation by Osharé and Alecs Pinzon / Lorenzo Gallardo.
(drbrendaleeavillanueva@ymail.com)