By: Penn T. Larena
In celebration of the International Women’s History Month with the theme "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope", and to celebrate Philippine's National Women's Month with the theme “We Make Change Work for Women”;
The Negros Times would like to pay tribute to Filipino-Negrosanon women in service on their respective field of endeavors, a homage to caregivers and frontline workers' tireless efforts throughout this ongoing pandemic, as well as an acknowledgment of the hundreds of ways in which women of all background have brought both hope and healing throughout history.
During the wrath of Typhoon Odette in Negros Island; mothers, young girls, and women, in civic and charity leadership had a major contribution in helping those who are in dire need. These following women had also been an advocacy for women's rights and gender development in women.
Gemma Minda Laxina Iso is the Provincial Cultural Officer of Negros Oriental and has helped thousands of Negrosanons when they lost their jobs during the hit of the Coronavirus pandemic, thru her webinars and workshops on how to develop a business plan and improve entrepreneurial skills, she was able to help these individuals open up their own businesses. On her webinars for cultural and arts that were also conducted with the help of The National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), the rebirth of 'Buglas Reading Club' and 'Negros Oriental History and Heritage Society' sparked an insight that both organization can actually help hand-in-hand to uplift the culture and heritage of Negros province.
Prof. Phitz Jaculbe Enojo a chemistry teacher, and former church council chairman of Silliman University Church and coordinator of Silliman University Scouting Movement. Enojo is an active leader of the Girl/Boy Scouts of the Philippines and amidst the onslaught of Typhoon Odette she helped with relief operations in Northern parts of Negros Oriental and even contributed to lend her household generator to areas with no power so people could charge their electronic devices for temporary relief.
Razz P. Nocete the Council Scout Executive of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines continues to empower young girls even during the height of the pandemic. GSP Negros Oriental–Siquijor Council with her leadership were one of the first civic organizations to respond and deliver food, water, and relief items to the victims of typhoon Odette.
April Laine Ferraren Acas is a City Councilor and Public Servant she organized a group of young volunteers in the barangay areas hardly hit by the typhoon to distribute hot meals to the public specifically in Bais City, Negros Oriental.
Dr. Myrna Josefa Singco Aldeon a College and Graduate School Professor for more than 4 decades, she is also Religious Organization leader and a Public Servant that never fails to help street children and poor people in Dumaguete City, and the victims of Typhoon Odette in her hometown.
Maica Teves, Spark Philippines Executive Director, Champion of Women’s Rights and Welfare, a famed leader in South East Asia. She participated in #RespetoNaman a movement for a global campaign to end gender-based violence by breaking stereotypes and rejecting victim-blaming, particularly on rape and sexual harassment cases on women and young children. According to her, every woman has the right to feel safe, girls and women around the world are not only standing up for their own sole benefit, but to pave the way for the next generation to end discrimination against women in the workplace and in the community.
Indeed, these "women in service" has been a great manifestation of women empowerment and inspiration that we, in part of the new generation, should take a lesson from: to show up with courage, dignity, and the willingness to help for the betterment of our society and the nation.