DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — The Negros Oriental Provincial Commission on Women (PCW) honored four outstanding women individuals and groups who have voluntarily worked and nurtured a community to advance gender equality and women empowerment.
The search for “Babayeng Garbo and Grupong Garbo sa Katilingban” caps the celebration of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12.
In this year’s search, the provincial government provided a total of P450,000 in cash prizes and plaques to women individuals and women organizations who have achieved and successfully met the criterion set by PCW.
The winners for “Grupong Garbo sa Katilingban” awards or outstanding women’s organizations went to Unified Women Organization from barangays Mabigo, Canlaon City, and Budegas De Tambo SLPA from Tambo, Ayungon each received a plaque and cash prizes of P150,000 and P130,000, respectively.
Melinda Mamac from Valencia town and Erlinda Garlet of Barangay Awa-an, Ayungon also received cash prizes of P100,00 and P70,000, respectively, plus a plaque of appreciation each for women individuals or “Babayeng Garbo sa Katilingban.”
With over 150 women members, the Unified Women’s Organization was recognized for leading the way in advancing gender equality and women empowerment in the locality through various livelihood projects.
Arlene Avanceña Besario, federation president of Unified Women’s Organization, said her group is engaged from rug making to tricycle operation for economic sustenance, participated in government advocacies and activities that seek to eliminate discrimination against women, and promote their health and well-being.
“Mapasalamaton kaayo mi sa pasidungog labi na sa Mabigo kay bukid baya mi sa Canlaon but gitagaan mig chance pag-apil kay tungod ani nakita ang amoang kaaktibo, sakripisyo, bilang mga babaye kay na boost among confidence sa pagka babayeng na empowered,” said Besario.
(We are grateful for this recognition especially for Mabigo, located in a mountainous area of Canlaon, that we are given a chance to join because with this, our works and sacrifices have been appreciated. As a woman, our confidence is boosted and we are empowered.)
For her part, Melinda Mamac, president of Valencia Paunay Farmers’ Association, stood firm in her conviction that life would change for the better.
For her leadership, passion and dedication in improving the lives of women and men farmers and vendors in her locality by linking with the local government unit in providing a safer and more conspicuous area for vending which later on became a tourist attraction as a victim of domestic violence.
Mamac collaborated with the government and private sectors in securing various pieces of vending equipment, establish a communal farm for members without tillable land, promoted the use of reusable eco-bags, organized clean-up activities, and provided hospitalization mortuary and emergency loans to members and their families.
“Nagpasalamat ko sa Provincial Commission on Women naghatag og pasidungog sa mga babaye na adunay kahibalo kon unsaon pagbarog sa ilang katungod og kamaong mohatag silbing insperasyon sa ubang kababaihan na wala pa gyud nahigmata paano sila makabarog sa ilang kaugalingon, salamat sab provincial government,” said Mamac.
(I would like to thank the Provincial Commission on Women for recognizing the women who knows how to stand up for their rights and knows how to give inspiration to other women who don’t know yet how to stand up for themselves. Thank you also to the provincial government.)
Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, keynote speaker during the Women’s Summit and Garbo Awards 2024, inspired the women to strive more to change the patriarchal norms that have been dictating how things are for women.
The mayor also motivated the women that there is still room for change, such as empowerment for women and equality between men and women.
“In our town, we have allocated more funds for our women. We are very supportive to different livelihood associations wherein our own municipal treasury has been supporting the seed capital for women. Nag encourage mi sa mga kababayen-an bisan pa man sa daghang kakulangon sa ilahang respective lives pero dunay government na nagpadayon pag support kanila,” said Degamo.
(We encourage the women even if they lack the resources, there is still a government that will support them).
The PCW panel of judges who assessed the nominees were Prof. Phoebe Tan, PCW vice-chair; Maria Jenifer Tilos of the Philippine Information Agency; Josie Columna, former Gender and Development focal; social worker Inday Abrio, and PLt. Helen Grace Aldirete of the Philippine National Police. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)
