14 women feted for achievements

Fourteen women were in the limelight on March 22, 2019 for their achievements, accomplishments and significant contributions in their respective fields of endeavor.

“We are very happy that we made something out of what was given to us and hopefully, we made our families and communities proud,” said Judge Meliza Joan P. Berano-Robite, Presiding Judge of Branch 2 of Municipal Trial Courts in Iloilo City, during the awarding rite, held at Robinsons Place, Iloilo City.

Robite delivered the response on behalf of the recipients of The Outstanding Women of Iloilo City (TOWIL) 2019 award.

“It does not stop here. We will continue to evolve as empowered women to serve our community better and hopefully to inspire our youth to become the best version of themselves and selflessly give up themselves to their families and community,” said Robite.

The awardees were honored with plaques and bouquets of flowers by Mayor Jose Espinosa III and City Councilors Liezl Zulueta-Salazar, Candice Magdalane Tupas, Lady Julie Grade Baronda, Eduardo Penaredondo and SK Federation President Leila Luntao.

Baronda, Vice-Chairperson of TOWIL 2019, said the award aims to open the doors and rooms for women empowerment.

“Today, we are celebrating the women who found their room and encourage others to do the same. What we are doing is a reminder that the rights and concerns of women should be inculcated in the government agenda. Our city is among the few who had heeded to this call, earlier than the rest of the LGUs in the country,” said Baronda.

Aside from Robite, other awardees are Dr. Hilda Montano for academe; Maridan Nava-Sollesta for business; Ma. Regine Amparo Espinosa for Culture and Arts; Lourdes Parrenas-Villa for Government Service; Engr. Chamaigne Luz de la Gente-Jamandre for Math, Science and Technology; and Dr. Marie Faith Barroquillo-Villaruz for Medical Service.

Also, joining the roster of awardees this year are Joyce Clavecillas for Media; Dr. Maria Amihan Tamayo-Panes for Professional Service; SJO2 Jovelyn Laserna-Valencia for Protective Service; Katchry Golbin for Persons with Disability; Atty. Alma Natividad for Religious Service and Cindy Abegail Monte for Sports and Former Judge Amelia Del Rosario-Benedicto for Volunteerism/Community Service.

In her message, TOWIL 2011 award recipient Donna Rose Ojeda-Ratilla lauded the awardees and encouraged them to continue what they have started and never stop helping others.

“Iloilo City is proud of you and you are an asset to this vibrant and developing city,” said Ratilla, President of the Iloilo City Council of Women and Vice-Chairperson of the Regional Development Council 6 and the event’s guest speaker. (PIA-Iloilo)