NATATANGING BABAE 2019. Evelyn T. Lipana of San Ildefonso (third from right) receives her trophy and plaque of recognition from Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado for being chosen as Natatanging Babae 2019 during the Gawad Medalyang Ginto 2019 awarding ceremony held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan on Monday, March 11, 2019. Also in the photo are (from left) Vice Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Panlalawigang Komisyon para sa Kababaihan ng Bulacan Chairwoman Eva Fajardo. (Photo by Manny Balbin)
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Senator Cynthia Villar said there is a need to empower women to support the country’s development.
Villar, who was guest speaker at the 25th Gawad Medalyang Ginto 2019 held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here Monday, said she believes that women have a lot to contribute to nation-building if they would be given opportunities.
“When we empower women, we empower families and generations of people,” she pointed out.
Villar likewise underscored the evolution of women empowerment in the country.
“Fifty percent of our country’s population consists of women, and more than 50 percent of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are also women. More and more Filipino women are taking on influential and leadership roles, and as empowered women, there are no limitations to what we can do or achieve,” she said.
The senator also cited some of her programs, being a woman in governance, such as the livelihood projects of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG), rescuing repatriated OFWs under the Sagip-OFW program, skills training, and the Kabuhayan package.
She said there is no better way to use her influence than to empower women and their families.
Recognizing the importance of women, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, during the occasion, commended not only the winners of Medalyang Ginto but all Bulakenyas.
“Women's appearance seems to be inappropriate as ‘Ilaw ng Tahanan’, because at present, they are also able to adhere to the solid pillars of the community and the foundation of every peaceful city. This gold medal is a tribute not only to its recipients, but also recognition of all Bulakenya women and gratitude for our citizens,” Alvarado said.
Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, meanwhile, said he is hoping that gender discrimination would once and for all be eradicated so that women could reach their full potentials.
Alvarado, together with Villar and Fernando, awarded the outstanding women and group of women in Bulacan.
The awardees were Evelyn Lipana from San Ildefonso, who was recognized as "Natatanging Babae"; Rowena Gloriani Clemente from Calumpit, who was hailed as "Matagumpay na Ginang ng OFW"; Ma. Imelda Bundoc from Pulilan, "Matagumpay na Babaeng Makakalikasan"; Milagros Imson from the City of Meycauayan, "Matagumpay na Babaeng Mangangalakal"; engineer Relynne Miranda from Baliwag, "Huwarang Kabataang Babae sa Pamumuno";
Soroptimist International of Meycauayan headed by Anne Marie Mizuse, "Natatanging Samahang Pangkababaihan"; and Konsehong Pambayan para sa Kababaihan ng Calumpit headed by Rosalina Yanga as "Matagumpay na
Konsehong Pambayan para sa Kababaihan (KPK)".
The 25th Gawad Medalyang Ginto 2019 was held in line with the celebration of Women’s Month this March. (PNA)
