Ex-La Union mayor wins UST outstanding women award

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines – A former mayor of this city has been awarded the 1st Sonia R. Lorenzo Award by the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) and Kaya Natin! Movement, a non-government organization promoting good governance and ethical leadership.

The award seeks to recognize women who have excelled in the field of leadership and good governance.

Former mayor Mary Jane Ortega was chosen by the panel of judges from among five finalists for her barangay development strategy program, which aligned the villages’ goals with the vision of this city.

“I was overwhelmed when the judges picked me as the winner after our interview,” Ortega said on Saturday. She received received a plaque and P50,000 cash.

The judges described Ortega as an epitome of women empowerment, citing her participation in various organizations promoting women’s rights.

The four other finalists were Councilors Betty Lourdes Tabanda of Baguio City and Arlene Jane Alvarez-Reyes of Santiago City, and Mayors Janet de Leon-Mercado of Taytay, Rizal and Evelyn Tang-Uy of Dipolog City.

Tabanda was recognized for her advocacy on transformative leadership, Reyes for treating the civil society as partners in governance, Mercado for the “I Love Taytay” employment project and Tang-Uy for her servant leadership program.

Ortega, who served as mayor from 1998 to 2007, is seeking to regain the post in next year’s elections.