SIQUIJOR, Siquijor (PIA) -- To mark the Women’s Month celebration, six Siquijodnon women were recognized by the provincial government for their significant contributions to the social development of children and the community.
Launched in February by the office of Vice Gov. Mei Ling "Mimi" Quezon and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, the awards honored six women from each municipality in Siquijor.
The awardees include: Liliosa Suminguit, 52, from Enrique Villanueva; Glenda Cuaresma Chan, 63, from Siquijor; Arlinda Aguinid Maghinay, 52, from Maria; Lilia Anghag Tumala, 74, from San Juan; Gregoria Macali Cayongcong, 89, from Larena; and Gina Abella Omandam, 38, from Lazi.
Awardees
Chan is a mother of two who has worked as a municipal agricultural technologist for 31 years. She is actively involved in women’s associations and continues to give lectures to educate mothers on the social development of children.
Sumiguit is a barangay councilor who juggles public service with motherhood. She is also an active member and a parent-leader of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Enrique Villanueva.
Maghinay is a single parent who worked overseas for several years to sustain her three children. A cancer survivor, she is actively involved in her community being a member of the Olang Women’s Association, Olang Farmers’ and Fisherfolks Association, and the Maria Overseas Filipino Workers and Families Association.
Tumala is a mother of 11 children who are now all professionals as she firmly believes that education is the best legacy she can give to her children. Among her children, there are engineers, principals, teachers, a lawyer, an administrative officer, a policeman, and a nurse.
Cayongcong is a mother of four who worked as a midwife for several years. Her dedication to her field has earned her the award of Regional Outstanding Midwife in 1972 from the Department of Health.
Omandam, the youngest among the six awardees, is a mother of four who works as a scrap trader to provide for her family’s needs. She is an active 4Ps parent leader in Lazi.
‘Embrace your multifaceted identities’
Suminguit is thankful to 4Ps as it helped her become an awardee.
"Mapasalamaton ko sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipinong Program ug dako kaayo akong kalipay kay wala gyud ko magdahum nga mapili diay ko nga mamahimong Woman Awardee," she said.
(I am grateful to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and I am very happy because I never expected to be chosen as a Women Awardee.)
She encouraged mothers to do their best in supporting their children as their efforts will be rewarded.
During the awarding ceremony, Quezon urged all women to actively contribute to the nation's growth and invest in the progress of the community.
She said women have multifaceted identities which should be embraced.
"I really wish nga kitang tanan ato gyung ipabilin sa atong kasing- kasing ang atong pag-ila sa atong kaugalingon nga we are the beloved creation of God. Nga kitang kababayen-an pinangga ta sa Ginoo , nga naa tay hiyas ug abilidad nga ikatampo sa atong katilingban sa probinsya as kababayen-an,” said Quezon.
(I really wish that we all will always keep in our hearts our recognition of ourselves as the beloved creation of God. That we, women, are loved by the Lord, and that we indeed have treasures and abilities to contribute to our community in the province as women.) (CAG/PIA7 Siquijor)
