Oustanding women feted in March

Members of the Association of Lady Legislators (ALL) proved, at a recent Bulong Pulungan sa Sofitel forum, that women lawmakers cannot be trifled with, they having brains, sense and guts. ALL president Gina de Venecia said the association is composed of all the women representatives in Congress. “This group doesn’t look at political parties and affiliations, and specifically works for the advancement of the women’s agenda.” The group, organized by former Congresswoman Cynthia Villar during the 12th Congress, passed landmark laws such as the Magna Carta of Women (2009), the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

There are 64 women out of 248 legislators — a small percentage, but the largest of women representation in Congress. Two of the members are former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

Representative Gina of the 4th district of Pangasinan, said in this 14th Congress, she will be sponsoring an anti-corporal bill to protect children from physical punishment at home, and a bill that addresses the issue of suicide, particularly among students.

The legislators that Gina brought to Bulong Pulungan were bright, smart and good-looking, answering questions without batting an eyelash. On the issue of how their family names helped win them congressional seats, the common answer was, yes, they helped, but there were other reasons too.

Josie Joson of the 1st District of Nueva Ecija, has a former mayor for father-in-law, a former mayor in her husband, a vice-mayor in a brother-in law, a governor in a brother-in-law, and another mayor and vice-governor in another brother-in-law. Elected to Congress four times, Josie said she has gained the electorate’s respect and trust in her own credibility.

The articulate Aliah Dimaporo of the 2nd district of Lanao del Sur is the granddaughter of the well-known Ali Dimaporo, and daughter of a former congresswoman and governor. Her family’s influence helped, but she won votes for her being articulate and her serious undertakings.

Quite outspoken Mitos Magsaysay of the 1st district of Zambales, said “I enhance the Magsaysay family name.” On her own side, she is related to the well-respected Diokno family. She won her third term in Congress on the strength of her own performance.

The Cavitena Lani Mercado-Revilla’s husband is Sen. Bong Revilla, and her father-in-law is the former Sen.Ramon Revilla, whose legacy, Lani said, she is continuing.

 A -Teacher Party List representative Juliet Cortuna of Cavite, said Mrs. Marcos “is good,” and Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo? “She’s okay naman. She still moves about as if she’s still president.”

On whether they’re supporting the reproductive Health bill pending in Congress, the sentiments expressed varied. Rachel Arenas, 3rd district, Pagasinan said she is not for people depending on government to provide them contraceptive medicines.

Bernadette Herrera-Dy, of the Bagong Henerasyon Party List, who is becoming known for her stance on lowering water rates, said on the RH bill, she is for informed choice, but not for penalizing people who violate provisions.

Nancy Catamco, 2nd district of North Cotabato, said on whether Congress will impeach Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, “We will vote according to our conscience.”

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The Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region (A Foundation) Inc. recently awarded the 2011 Unsung Women Heroes. These are “nameless but extraordinary women chosen from among the many selfless volunteers working at the grassroots level and the disadvantaged sector,” said Mayor Lorna Silverio, SIPR president. “The project seeks to promote the works of these ordinary women to trigger a ripple effect of social awareness and goodwill, and in the process, enlarge the scope and impact of their heroic acts in the local communities.”

Here are facts about these awardees.

Magdalena D. Bacalando of Malabon overcame the hardships of being poor and became a health care provider responding to the needs of disadvantaged women in her area. 

Mercelita D. De Jesus helped people improve their lives by teaching them skills like making artificial flowers and other décor.

Felicita L. Francisco. Inheriting the problems of her husband’s poor family, life has been very hard for her. But she became an outstanding volunteer day-care teacher and a Christian Living teacher at Barangay Maguinao, San Rafael, Bulacan. 

Daisy V. Guerrero became the most trusted Christian adult in the area when she started teaching Christian and Muslim out-of-school youths at the Kidapawan market. She mobilized educated and indigenous Muslim mothers to parenting sessions in Day Care services and she mentors parents to become Early Childhood Care Development Facilitators within their homes and neighbors in far-flung areas.

Teodora S. Hernandez, after 39 years of teaching, is still trying to make a difference in other people’s lives. She spearheaded organizations to do charity works and scholarship programs. 

Lourdes T. Levera’s passion and dedication are to be of service to others.

 Celerina M. Navarro gave up a big space in the family’s property to put up a charity school and a center for empowerment. 

Maria Amor A. Pascua became a breadwinner at age 15. Being good in counseling, she was able to encourage many out of school youths to go back to formal education. 

Julieta S. Sagala is tagged “Woman for Others,” an accountant by profession who became a fulltime house wife when she got married. She is actively involved in speaking about children’s and women’s rights.  

Dr. Lois Nell Joy T. Tica is a doctor with a big heart. After 120 medical and dental missions around the country, she is just happy to be of service to less fortunate ones.

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A superb evening was had by guests invited by Consul Lito Aseniero to dinner at the Cuisine Francaise at Salcedo Village, Makati, with his brother, the internationally-famous Frankie Aseniero, as guest performer. The cozy fine-dining restaurant owned by Jean d’Orival and wife/chef Michelle who made a special menu of lamb and fish dishes and lots of red wine, usually has a pianist and singers performing Friday nights, but last Friday’s was extra special. Frankie sang numbers from “Carmen,” and French, Italian, and Philippine songs.

Since graduation from the UP where he studied voice under Prof. Aurelio Estanislao, and earned a bachelor’s in economics and a master of business administration, he has travelled extensively, his concerts well received in New York, Chicago, the People’s Republic of China, Paris, Sweden, the Netherlands, among many places where people love going to concerts and the opera.

An additional treat was the unexpected performance of Ivy Violan. Ivy and Frankie teamed up to sing “The Prayer,” and Ivy did a good many songs, from “La Vie En Rose,” “Imagine,” and “What the World Needs Love.” The evening wound up with the guests taking to the dance floor for uninhibited dancing.

Jean is an investment banker, and Michelle, a former flight stewardess, studied at the Cordon Bleau in France. Two years  ago, they put up the Cuisine Francais, which is one just three high-end French restaurants who have survived the hard times.

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