MANILA, Philippines — For their extraordinary achievements, 12 “ordinary” Filipino women were given the Unsung Women Heroes Awards by the Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region (SIPR).
During rites at the University of the Philippines in Diliman last Friday, the SIPR said the 12 awardees were chosen for “working with people from the grassroots and disadvantaged sector who, despite scarcity of resources and challenging conditions, worked wholeheartedly to improve the lives and well being of other women and girls.”
Awarded were:
• Belinda G. Adora, an undefeated National Dancesports Champion and Gold Medalist at the 23rd Southeast Asian Games.. Belinda teaches dancing to 50 street children in Antipolo so they may experience the excitement of dance while working their way out of poverty.
• Mary Joy E. Barcelona, a survivor of sexual trafficking who was hounded by the “Japayuki” stigma, endeavored to get a college education. Now, she coordinates an Alternative Livelihood Program and helps women with similar experiences to overcome their difficulties.
• Alma G. Bulawan, a survivor from trafficking, changed her life and now helps women in prostitution in the Olongapo-Subic area change theirs. Alma advocates a different future for these women through education, and social and livelihood alternatives that liberate them from sexual and economic exploitation.
• Filipinas A. Buenarte, the eldest daughter of a farmer, pursued her dreams and achieved more. Filipinas now has a doctorate in philosophy and is president of her own computer school. To share her blessings, she provides scholarship grants to poor and deserving beneficiaries and assists various communities in Pampanga.
• Desiree B. Duran, a former fishball vendor-turned-“Seedlings Queen,” shared her knowledge with other farmers, thereby raising the incomes and employment levels of people in her community in San Ildefonso, Bulacan. She is often invited as speaker and seed endorser in different parts of Luzon.
• Another awardee is a childbirth educator volunteer, Jo Ann G. de Larrazabal, of Nazareth Home, which shelters and cares for pregnant single women. In 2006, Jo Ann initiated the establishment of the Nazareth Home Birthing Room so that these women may have a positive birthing experience leading to their eventual physical and spiritual healing.
• Lucila A. Lopez, despite poverty and harsh experiences, continues to enrich the lives of those around her. Lucila has not only become the voice of women in her community through her radio program, but she is also a staunch advocate of women’s rights. She supervises the Tala Day Care Center’s Asakapabata Program.
• Herminia C. Mañez, a retired educator, mentored countless officials, professionals, and business persons, helping them rise to their current positions in the town of Binangonan, Rizal. She continues doing what she says is the will of God through livelihood projects that empower disadvantaged women.
• Norma D. Pereyras is considered an “ultimate” when it comes to volunteer service. A Girl Scout leader, trainer and advocate for women, Norma’s work is particularly evident in the awareness and advocacy activities involving 24,900 women members of Tagum cooperatives that enhance their relationships with male counterparts both at home and in the workplace.
• Ma. Veronica G. San Juan left a flourishing career in banking to help start up a home for the street children of Manila. Today, she is a full time volunteer at Tuloy sa Don Bosco Streetchildren Village, providing a glimmer of hope and a second chance to many young girls to improve their lives and become useful members of society.
• Editha C. Santiago’s advocacy of a clean and green environment led to a profitable livelihood project, transforming 500 barangay women into committed workers with a steady income, providing food for their families and enabling them to send their children to school. The products made out of recyclable materials are exported to 15 countries worldwide.
• Cecilia G. Seckler runs Haven’s Home, a refuge for 26 children who have been abandoned, abused, malnourished or living in the streets. Cecilia wants to break the cycle of pain for these children. She showers them with love and care and nurtures them to become smiling, happy and robust individuals.
A volunteer service organization of business and professional women committed to work for the improvement of the lives of women and children, the SIPR seeks to promote the work of the awardees to inspire others and encourage them to pursue similar paths of leadership, commitment and creativity.
Bulacan Rep. Lorna C. Silverio, chairwoman of the Awards Committee said, “the launching of the Awards seek to recognize the nameless yet extraordinary women who, in their personal capacities, worked for the improvement of the lives of other women in their communities.”
“While it is impossible for us to award all the heroines, SIPR aims to single out a few to be able to inspire others to pursue similar paths of public service,” she said.
SIPR Governor Carmen A. Flor expressed admiration for the heroism of the awardees.
“In these days of economic gloom, it is our hope that the life and work of these awardees will serve as an inspiration for women to realize the power of their dreams,” she said. “Starting this year, we will continue to find the gem of a woman in every community and honor her with the awards, we hope this simple act will trigger the ripple effect of inspiring more women,” Flor added. – GMANews.TV
