Go ahead, greet your mom with a hug and a simple “thank you” or whatever words you may want to say to her to make her happy.
No, it’s not Mother’s Day. Today is National Women’s Day in the Philippines! In fact, the whole month of March has been proclaimed National Women’s Month.
The theme for the celebration is: Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!
* * *
Today, let’s spend some of our time recognizing the role and contributions of women in our country. Better yet, let’s say a little prayer for all the women we know.
Just some important information about women that not many people know about:
• We have six (6) women senators out of 24 for the term 2013-2016.
• We have 79 women legislators (congresswomen) out of 289 seats for the same term.
• Our Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is a woman and so is our Ombudsman.
• Many other important positions in government are occupied by women.
• And of course, let us not forget, we have had two women presidents: Corazon C. Aquino and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
* * *
So, are there any activities to mark this important month?
Among others, many of our newspapers and magazines will feature stories and experiences of women leaders. There will also be a photo contest featuring women so that the public may be aware of women’s roles in various areas of politics.
The Philippine celebration of the International Women’s Day will have a fun an exciting activity: a nationwide street dance! If there is one in your neighborhood, I encourage you to join it!
* * *
Let’s re-visit three of the most famous women in our history, whom you might have already studied in school:
1) Melchora Aquino or Tandang Sora. She is known as the “Grand Woman of the Revolution.” When the revolution against the Spanish rule broke out, she was already 84 years old; that was why she was called Tandang Sora.
2) Marcela Agoncillo. She was the principal seamstress of our first and official Philippine flag. That’s why she is also called “Mother of the Philippine Flag.”
3) Gabriela Silang, the wife of revolutionary leader Diego Silang. When her husband died, she took over his role and led the insurgency against Spain for four months before she was captured and executed.
* * *
In Bible times, three names always come to my mind when we speak of women.
1) Mary, the mother of Jesus. As a teenager, she was obedient to the Lord and accepted her role and responsibility heartily to give birth to and nurture our Savior.
2) Eve, the first woman created by God in the Garden of Eden. She is the mother of all women and men in the world.
3) Sarah, the wife of Abraham (called the “Father of all nations,” he obeyed God by leaving his homeland and settling in a foreign land, Canaan.)
* * *
Try adding to my list of famous and admirable women. I am sure you now many—including your mom. Email me at gdchong@gmail.com or leave a comment at www. leavesofgrace.blogspot.com.