WOMEN empowerment. Very obvious now in any given society. Anywhere in the world, sans for few countries like Russia and North Korea. We should applaud the women involvement. She is no longer the weaker sex. They can be on top of any situations.
The involvement of women in active politics in Pampanga can be an interesting case study. Two ladies already became governor of this province. Juanita Lumanlan Nepomuceno and Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda. There were several lady mayors who held the office with distinction. Annette Flores Balgan of Macabebe, Corazon Lacap of Masantol, Gloria Ninang Ronquillo of Sto. Tomas, Malou Lacson of Magalang, Mylyn and Esmer Pineda of Lubao, Yolly Pineda of Sta. Rita.
In more ways than one, they were able to inspire and motivate other women to lead. For sure, two women will be representing our province in congress. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Anna York Bondoc Sagum. Both are sure winners.
There were some women whom I know who attempted to lead their respective cities and towns yet unsuccessful in their first try but won’t buck down. One good example is Vilma Caluag of the City of San Fernando. She will be in her second husting, a second attempt after her loss to incumbent Mayor Edwin Santiago.
In Angeles City, current Vice Mayor Vicky Cabigting also made an unsuccessful try in 2013. In Mabalacat City, Marjorie Morales failed also in an attempt for a mayoral post. In the coming polls, more than any election years in the past, there will be more women in participation running for different positions. It is my estimate that one third of those running for membership in sanggunians are women. This is based on the posters I see along the highways.
This I remember. I spent 14 years on board rooms as director of several state owned corporations. CDC, CIAC, BCDA, BTPI, BMHI, PPMC, FBDC and few more. I got my third term as member of the Angeles City council in 2013. The Angeles City Council holds its sessions every Tuesday and it is scheduled at 2 in the afternoon. The sessions are the usual legislative works which are almost similar you may have witnessed in any august bodies. There are Tuesdays wherein not much to discuss, and there are Tuesdays where there are contentious issues that needed long deliberations and sometimes results to acrimonous debates.
I remember two lady colleagues, Danica Lacson and Maricel Morales, a former beauty queen who was Mutya ng Pilipinas in 1995. She was the majority floor leader, and as such she was responsible in the preparation of the items of discussions in the agenda. Morales aka Marang concluded her stint after completing three terms in the Angeles City Council in June, 30 2016, and apparently abandoned any political ambition this time. Maricel who was described by movie press as' elegant, ethereal in her beauty and the most promising young actress' placed on hold her movie career and dedicated herself to motherhood. And latest I heard from “Maritess” she is getting married or got married na.