Baguio City recognizes 4 outstanding women leaders on Int’l Women’s Day

BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The City Government of Baguio recognized four outstanding women for their exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment for the betterment of the city and its people.
The awarding ceremony was held on March 10 during the city celebration of International Women’s Day. Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, the city councilors headed by Betty Lourdes Tabanda, the Committee on Social Services, Women and Urban Poor chairperson, led the event.
Awarded Plaque of Recognition as Outstanding Women Leaders (OWLs) are Attorney Cheryl Daytec -Yangot for Legal Services, Purificacion Suanding-Molintas for public service, Brenda Lee Atos- Villanueva Culture and the Arts and public health, and Purita Ordonia Pacial for community service.
Yangot has been the fearless voice of justice in Baguio, championing human rights, especially for women and indigenous people, IP communities and environmental protection.
At present, Yangot is Regional Director of the Department of Migrant Workers in the Cordillera.
Molintas, former Department of Tourism Regional Director for Cordillera and a tourism attache in different countries, has always been in the lead in promoting Baguio City and Cordillera destinations, culture and traditions that not only benefit the local tourism industry but also empowers local communities and other local tourism stakeholders.
Villanueva wears two hats for women excellence. A medical doctor who is always in the frontline of surgical mission, blood donation drives and free consultations for the underserved, she is also into promotion of culture and indigenous – inspired couture and fashion. She actively promotes not only Baguio, but Cordillera culture and artistry, through ECOture fashion shows, artisan empowerment and other promotional events and activities
Pacial is an embodiment of an empowered senior citizen. Through her various community advocacies, Baguio folks, young and old, benefitted from access to wellness, healthcare and other services.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Janet Armas, who was the guest of honor and speaker, congratulated the OWLs awardees and the city government of Baguio for giving recognition to achievements of women leaders and for being in the forefront of gender equality and development.
She called for a continuing whole – of – nation – approach in pushing for the Women Month’s theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society”
“Let us translate words into deeds, slogans into systems, and dreams into opportunities – for every girl, for every woman, for every family, for every community. Let us build a future where equality is not the exception but the rule, where inclusion is not the goal but the practice, and where every woman can live with dignity, safety and hope”, Armas said.
The annual search for OWLs is an institutionalized Women’s Month activity of the City Government, in partnership with the OWLs Inc., the association for all the OWLs awardees since 2006.**JDP/CCD-PIA CAR