SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL ILOILO HOSTS MID-BIENNIAL CONFERENCE

By: Atty. Perla Garganera-Gauzon

Starting at 8 a.m. today, May 24. 2019, Soroptimist International Philippines Region (SIPR) will converge at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel for its Mid-Biennial Conference.

Elizabeth Di Geronimo, President, Soroptimist International of the Americas will be joined by SIPR Governor Lydia Co and SI Japans delegate Mikiko Suzuki.

According to Ms. Gudelia V. Coo, Soroptimist International Iloilo (SII) president, approximately 500 delegates nationwide will attend the gathering.

Plans are underway to achieve productive, successful and memorable activities while experiencing the inimitable Ilonggo hospitality.

In SIPR Governor Cos message, she emphasized the oneness of Soroptimist as a family that will come together to bring out the best amongst us great ideas, programs, activities, plans and strategies that will propel our Region to soar high for the years to come.

The SIPR Mid-Biennial Conference has adopted the theme Nourishing the Minds of Women and Girls Through Education.

What better way to highlight it than through the affirmation of Ms. Rhea Bernardez of Antipolo, 37, SIPRs awardee for the Live Your Dream Education and Training Awardee.

Her goals are: (1) to put up a school for kids who cannot afford to go to a regular school; and (2) a half-way shelter where street children can stay and/or read books, develop their talents and skills, dream and get resources to be college graduates and become productive citizens.

Today, a Call to Order will start the Conference, followed by Welcome Remarks then the discussion of issues until 12 noon for lunch break.

The afternoon sessions will continue until 6 p.m. when dinner will be served. At 7 p.m., SI Western Visayas will present disco musical numbers.

On Saturday, the agenda for May 24 will be followed except for a 4:30 p.m. anticipated Mass that will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ramon Mendez, Angelicum School rector.

A fashion show during dinner will highlight the nights activities. Donors and Benefactors of the Mid-Biennial Conference will be recognized.

SII wants to thank Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, Department of Tourism-6 director, for providing native leis and garlands as well as the group of the Dinagyang tribe whose drumbeats will effect just the right ambience in welcoming the Delegates as they alight from the plane.