Mariquita named ambassador for Global Filipina Network

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuana philanthropist and businesswoman Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung has been officially named Cebu Ambassador for the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), a global organization advocating Filipina leadership and empowerment.

The announcement was made during the launch of the fifth installment of FWN’s DISRUPT Filipina Leadership book series in Cebu City, an event that gathered distinguished Filipina leaders from around the world.

In her acceptance speech, Salimbangon-Yeung emphasized her commitment to service.

“This ambassadorship is not the culmination of my journey, but rather a renewed call—to serve with even greater purpose, to give without expecting anything in return, with open hands, and to create ripples of the long-overdue and much-needed change that transforms lives—especially for our less fortunate brothers and sisters, one smile at a time,” Salimbangon-Yeung said.

She credited her father as her inspiration for a life dedicated to charity, recalling his words: “No one is ever too small or too poor to give something of himself.”

Salimbangon-Yeung founded the Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung Charitable Foundation in 1991 and has supported humanitarian initiatives, including Operation Smile Foundation, since 1997.

Founded in 2001 by Marily Mondejar, FWN is a San Francisco-based nonprofit that has expanded into a movement spanning 33 countries.

Mondejar reflected on the organization’s evolution.

“In the early days, searching the word ‘Filipina’ online mostly yielded degrading stereotypes,” Mondejar said. “Today, when you Google ‘Filipina,’ the Filipina Women’s Network appears prominently — a testament to how far we’ve come.”

The Cebu event featured readings from DISRUPT series contributors, including Cebu-based women leaders Jane Panganiban, Ma. Teresa Chan, Maria Corazon Akol, Marylou Ngo Ang, Melanie Ang, Paulette Liu, and Stella Bernabe.

Cebu Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro joined other prominent Cebuana leaders in celebrating the milestone.

FWN honorees are tasked with launching a two-year community impact project, reinforcing the organization’s mission to drive meaningful change globally.

With Salimbangon-Yeung now representing Cebu, FWN gains a passionate advocate for service and empowerment, ensuring that the Filipina voice continues to rise with strength and purpose. — (FREEMAN)