CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A community service group and Catholic Women's League leader was hailed as this year's “Natatanging Fernandina” by the city government and the Local Council for Women.
Encarnacion Pamintuan, 71, was recognized for her contributions in uplifting the life of the poor and her leadership in the church for lay women.
The Quebiawan native is also known for her support and involvement in different groups which promote equality among women and men.
Pamintuan told Sun.Star Pampanga that said she is proud to be recognized as an outstanding Fernandina. She thanked the barangay chairman for nominating her in the prestigious event.
"Dine-dedicate ko ito sa mga kababaihan who continue to push our fight for equality," she said, adding that the award serves as a challenge for her to do more on what she has started.
Meanwhile, Violeta Mendoza and Filipinas dela Cruz were also awarded second and third best from among the eight finalists from the city’s 35 barangays.
Mendoza, 70, a resident of Sta. Teresita, was recognized for her 47 years of service as a volunteer for the poor while Dela Cruz, 52, from San Pedro, is a leader of the Nagkakaisang Kababaihan ng Barangay who feeds malnourished children and introduced rag making as livelihood source for women.
This year's awardees received cash prizes worth P10,000 for the first place, P5,000 for the second place and P3,000 for the third place and trophies from the city government.
The event was inspired by the life of local heroine Nicolasa Dayrit-Panlilio. The heirs of Dayrit-Panlilio graced the ceremonies and gave additional prizes to the winners and finalists.
City Mayor Edwin Santiago, who led the distribution of awards, cited the compassion of women to their family. He said that every Fernandina has a valuable role in the community.
Councilor Angie Hizon also congratulated the five other nominees, namely Daisy Flores, Erlinda Garcia, Teresita Mella, Celia Mendoza and Dolores Timbang.
She said that “not winning does not make them less Fernandina and encouraged them to continue serving the community.”