Women should be celebrated every day and not just in one specific month, as their impact and influence on our lives span 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
This is how the children of Myrna Dala, 59, see their mother, who solely raised all 10 of them after becoming a widow in 2004.
"Hi nanay buotan, arisgado ngan mahigugma-on nga nanay," shared Shiela, Myrna's 6th child.
(My mother is a kind, hardworking, and loving mom)
"Han una po kasi gikurii talaga am kamutang since single mom hi nanay it nga pag waray nam bugas nga mahisusun-ad tas an iya pag pinakabuhi para la kami makapangiskuyla ta nakakapangutang po hiya," Sheryl added.
(Our life was very difficult before because my mother was our sole breadwinner, she often borrowed money just to buy us food and to send us all to school.)
Myrna received a token and certificate of recognition from the city government thru Atty. Celestino Cabato and Councilor Atty. Kathlyn Cainday. She is one of the nine empowered women honored by the city government in celebration of the National Women's Month. (Photo courtesy of Borongan City Information Office)
A former Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary from Barangay Maypangdan, Myrna, kept her family afloat by cleaning her neighbor's yard, copra farming, and selling homegrown vegetables.
Despite the challenges of single motherhood, Myrna was able to send her children to school and produced a graduate of agriculture, three teachers, an electrician working in Canada, a nun, and two registered social workers who graduated with honors. Her youngest child is now a 2nd year college student.
She currently serves as a volunteer for the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in her barangay.
Myrna Dala with 7 out of her 10 children and two grandsons. (Photo courtesy of Sheryl Dala)
Honoring women
Myrna Dala was one of the women recognized by the city government of Borongan City through a culminating activity in celebration of National Women’s Month honoring nine empowered women from various sectors in the city on March 26 at the Multi-Purpose Gym, Barangay Campesao.
These women are recognized for being exemplary in breaking barriers in life and advocating for women's rights while fulfilling responsibilities in family care and contributing to community development.
Borongan City Councilor Kathlyn Jane Cainday, chairperson of the Committee on Education, Women and Children, thanked the women's organizations in each barangay for their contributions to the community and acknowledged their efforts in spearheading various women-centered activities.
"Makusog adton mga babaye ilabi na hin magkakaurusa, nagbuburublig, nag-uurugop, ug nagpupursige agud umursa,” Cainday noted.
(Women are strong, especially when we are helping each other and working together towards a common goal.)
Cainday, who was celebrating her birthday, shared that she observes her birthdays by honoring her mother, who gave life to her.
She reminded the participants that the challenges they are facing right now are preparing them for a better, more bountiful life ahead.
Cainday hoped that the activity thatrecognized empowered women in society would be an inspiration to all individuals.
City Administrator Celestino Cabato noted that such activity promotes genuine gender equality and empowerment of women in society and that the city government of Borongan will continue to provide benefits and support to all women in the city.
This event was part of the celebration of National Women’s Month 2024 with the sub-theme "Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!" organized by the Borongan City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Other women recognized were: Zenaida Dalina from the business sector; Maria Paz Conag, WCPD, Borongan City Police Station, representing persons in uniform; Atty. Goldie Liza Cesista from the employee/professional sector; Ruth R. Abunda from the arts sector; Myrna Ana representing persons with disabilities; Teresita Afable from the vendor sector; Lovely Cindy Balmes from sports; and Clara Alido from the organization/sustainable livelihood program. (VTG, PIA Eastern Samar)
