TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, March 27 (PIA) – The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) honored another set of exemplary women in Cagayan Valley who have made significant contributions to poverty alleviation, community development, and women empowerment.
This year’s awardees and their respective categories were: Sr. Minerva T. Caampued (Public Service), Nora T. Garcia (Science and Technology), Pinky T. Jimenez (Communications Service), Jesusa N. Leal (Humanitarian Service), Alma B. Manera (Education Sector), Dolly Rose C. Minas (Indigenous Peoples Sector), Ma. Sofia G. Narag (Economic Development), Plormelinda P. Olet (Peace and Security Service), Febe Marl G. Paat (Research and Development), and Tina N. Ramilloza (Health and Nutrition).
PIA Director-General Katherine Chloe S. De Castro, graced the recognition rites emphasizing the importance of recognizing women’s empowerment and inclusivity.
De Castro lauded the impact of the 130 IDDU honorees recognized since the program’s inception, including this year’s awardees, in transforming the lives of women and other vulnerable sectors of society.
“Let us not forget that when women are empowered, societies become more stable, economies grow stronger, and everyone benefits,” De Castro said.
She also called for continued support for initiatives like the IDDU Awards to amplify women’s voices and create inclusive spaces where women can thrive and lead.
PIA Regional Head Angely L. Mercado said the IDDU Honor Roles Award for Women, which began in March 2012, aims to recognize women whose exceptional performance and achievements continue to inspire and serve as role models in their respective fields.
“Iddu, an Ibanag term meaning ‘loved,’ underscores the award’s roots in the Premier Ibanag City of the North—Tuguegarao,” Mercado said, emphasizing that the IDDU Award is not a competition nor based on a points system, but rather a recognition of the honorees’ inspiring efforts and the impact of their roles in society.
Mercado noted that nominees must have unblemished reputations, free from protests or negative feedback before the awarding ceremony. The selection process also includes interviews with nominees and individuals who can attest to their exemplary work and character.
In addition to PIA’s Provincial Center Managers, the selection committee also included previous IDDU awardees and members of the Informers’ Club, a Cagayan-based media organization that has closely worked with the nominees and witnessed their contributions.
Despite limited resources, Mercado reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the IDDU Awards as a platform to honor the region’s extraordinary women who selflessly serve communities, often without expectation of recognition or reward.(OTB/JPT/PIA Region 2)
