(Photo from Mayor Ruffy Biazon’s Facebook page)
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — To celebrate mothers’ resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to their families and the community, the Muntinlupa City government proudly announced the winners of the 2024 Gawad Ulirang Ina, a prestigious award recognizing outstanding mothers in the community. The awards ceremony happened on May 22 at South Park Center in Alabang.
Among the awardees, Mrs. Maricar dela Cruz Sumaoang of Barangay Sucat was hailed as the “Natatanging Ulirang Ina.”
Maricar’s journey through hardships is deeply inspirational. Despite enduring severe challenges, including parenting an 8-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy and global developmental delay, she was driven to help other families in similar situations. She worked diligently to form a team in her neighborhood to help children with disabilities.
Maricar said, “Naniniwala ako na hindi mo kailangang maging mayaman para makatulong at maging mabuting tao sa ating kapwa at sa lipunan.”
(I believe that you don’t need to be wealthy to help and be a good person to others.)
Her story shows the resilience and dedication of mothers who overcome challenges in caring for their families.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon emphasized the importance of acknowledging women’s contributions in society,
“Kinikilala natin ang kanilang tapang sa pagharap sa challenges ng buhay mula sa pagtaguyod sa pamilya hanggang sa kanilang kontribusyon sa kani-kanilang komunidad. I hope, magsilbi silang inspirasyon sa lahat ng Muntinlupeño para mas maipakita pa ang ating sipag, tiyaga, at pagmamahal,” he said.
(We recognize their courage in overcoming life’s challenges, from supporting their families to contributing to their communities. I hope they will serve as an inspiration to all Muntinlupeños to show our hard work, perseverance, and love.)
The Gawad Ulirang Ina ng Muntinlupa initiative began in 2014.
Mr. Reggie Salonga, head of the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, explained that the Gawad Ulirang Ina is a way for the City Government of Muntinlupa to acknowledge outstanding mothers in the city.
“Ilan sa mga pamantayan ng pagpili ay kung paano ipinakita ng isang ina ang positibong pananaw at katatagan sa pagharap sa pagsubok ng kanilang pamilya, paano nila itinaguyod ang pamilya sa gitna ng kakulangan ng materyal at pinansyal na kakayanan, paano inalagaan at dinisiplina ang mga anak upang maging maayos ang kanilang buhay, at higit sa lahat, ang naging kontribusyon sa kanilang komunidad o barangay kung saan sila naninirahan.”
(Some of the selection criteria include how a mother demonstrates a positive outlook and resilience in facing her family’s challenges, how she sustains her family despite material and financial limitations, how she nurtures and disciplines her children to lead a good life, and above all, her contribution to her community or barangay where they reside.)
Each finalist received P40,000 and a trophy, with Maricar receiving an extra P20,000 as the overall winner.
Mrs. Petronila Villanueva (Brgy. Tunasan), Mrs. Lolita Almonte (Brgy. Poblacion), Mrs. Maria Clara Cuevas (Brgy. Putatan), Mrs. Zenaida Fabian (Brgy. Bayanan), Mrs. Norma Bagasino (Brgy. Alabang), Mrs. Susan Atendido (Brgy. Cupang), and Mrs. Leticia Serrano (Brgy. Buli) are other exceptional women who have made significant contributions to their communities and were awarded during the event. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
