Illustrious Batangueñas honored

As the world celebrated International Women’s Day March 8, the Philippines joined in the celebration with the theme Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan. Nationwide, each province, town and barangay mounted its own celebration and we joined them in Batangas with a recognition of their own special heroines with a tribute to outstanding Batangueñas.

The world has, indeed, changed when, historically, women were considered the lesser sex, walking behind her man, with no voice in politics and whose primary function was providing children.

Today, however, the woman in less-privileged countries like the Philippines has shifted responsibilities with the male, acting as the main earner in foreign countries as OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers), an estimated 12.5 million workers or 11 percent of our population. They work as domestic helpers, physical therapists, nurses and caregivers. A smaller number of men serve as seamen in cargo and cruise ships, and as construction workers in the Middle East.

In 2012, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported a remittance of over $20B, and the OFWs responsible to keep the country afloat. But with this disruption of the family came new problems including rape and violence.

The first International Women’s Day was on March 19, 1911, later moved to March 8 in 1913. The UN drew global attention to women’s concerns in proclaiming March 8 as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace in 1977. The day aimed to help nations worldwide eliminate discrimination against women, and help them gain full and equal participation in global development. Locally, the focus is one’s accomplishments and not predicaments.

It was a first for Batangas this year, that rather than dwell on problems, the city decided to honor its illustrious women leaders. Mila Española, Registered Social Worker (RSW) as well as City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO), dreamed up this concept that also had participants from the government sector contributing their own numbers in song and dance.

They paid tribute to the woman as wife, mother, sibling, teacher, OFW, leader, police woman, nun, health worker and caretaker of the environment. The numbers showed the Filipino’s innate leaning towards music and dance, as well as their seriousness at perfecting their chosen piece. The near professional group Dangal ng Lungsod Batangan Chorale did a number under the training of a Madrigal Singer. We were told that the choral was invited to perform in Germany but for lack of time in the preparation of papers needed for the journey, they decided to postpone the trip for next year.

Another group that impressed us was the Batangas City Police Station dancers who proved they were equally adept on their feet dancing as they were with the rifle.

The group PASAMBA, which is in charge of migrant workers, sang the medley of Babalik Ka Rin/One Way Ticket to the Blues to great audience applause.

Then came the main event of nine honorees presented with trophies from Batangas City Mayor Vilma Dimacuha and other distinguished officials. Honored were Jovita Araceli Villena Mendoza for Arts & Culture; Remedios Contreras Plata for Education; Felie Ong Go for Entrepreneur Leadership; Teresita Borbon Ababao for Industry; lawyer Amelia Perez Panganiban for Legal Service; Dr. Gloria Avangelista Alvarez for Medical Service; Belen Villena Perez for Public Service; Arminda Cena Sastrillo for Social Service; and Sonia Velasquez Mayo for Socio Civic Organization.

Musical breaks were provided by Madrid-based Filipino flamenco guitarist and luthier Adolfo Timuat whose reputation is worldwide. Emcee is Evelyn Periña.

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