In Filipino family culture, the women or mothers are referred to as the ilaw ng tahanan and the same holds true for entire communities. We now see more women in leadership positions–whether it be in the workforce or other sectors, making their voices heard and shedding light to their advocacies.
On July 29, eight Filipinas who have made a mark in their professional careers and uplifted various communities were recognized as Bravo Awardees by Zonta Club of Makati and Security Bank.
The Bravo Awards is a biennial event that started in 2015, as a partnership between Security Bank Corporation, Zonta Club of Makati, and Environs. A special award was also given Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino athlete to win a gold medal in the Olympics after 97 years, was also recognized for her excellence in weightlifting, a sport typically dominated by men.
During their speeches, the awardees also highlighted the challenges society faces.
“The biggest challenge is the establishment of child life services in partner hospitals. It’s really a struggle to place and institutionalize these programs in hospitals,” says Kythe Foundation Child Life Program Manager and Awardee for Social Services, Dr. Angelita Sievert-Fernandez.
Maria Carolina Rodriguez-Dawonlay, a cultural worker and the Awardee for Arts, Culture, & Heritage, shared how the COVID-19 pandemic has led some abuse victims into unsafe situations.
“Gender-based violence has been present in our society and is now increasing. Those who have the connection can adjust, but those who don’t have the means and the technology to connect with others and to free themselves from their situation–they are really not just left behind, they are locked down in harmful practices.”
Dr. Pauline Ferraris Convocar has made her mark as Surigao del Norte’s “Doctor to the Barrios”. During her speech, the emergency medicine clinician spoke about the various challenges in our country’s healthcare system.
“Ang hirap-hirap i-trust iyong healthcare workforce na parang adjusting to the surge [of COVID-19 cases], when in fact it has always been a problem even before kasi kulang talaga iyong space, kulang talaga ang staff,” she stated.
Despite the challenges they are facing, the Bravo Awardees still find inspiration to wake up and empower others.
“Itong mga bata na ito ang rason kung bakit ako gumigising sa umaga, and they are the reason why I want to better myself,” professional MMA fighter Geli Bulaong, the Awardee for Sports and a passionate advocate for helping the sexually abused, said.
“What definitely inspires me is the students, those who cannot afford to enroll in a private school. Sila lamang ay umaasa sa state university, sa libreng tuition ng ating gobyerno,” Dr. Emily Miralles-Arangote, the Awardee for Education and President of Aklan State University, said.
Michelle Ong-Kho, veteran ANC news anchor and the Awardee for Media & Public Affairs, talked about the importance of the industry she belongs to. “This pandemic is not just a health crisis; it is also an information crisis which is just as bad. For as long as there are people who spread knowingly or unknowingly wrong information, I think that’s why we do what we do,” she said.
The Bravo Awardees also conveyed the biggest lessons they have learned from the ongoing pandemic and their advice to the future group of Awardees.
“You need to have so much love and passion for work and dedication,” Yvette Marie Punzalan, a social entrepreneur who aims to reintegrate women into society and the Awardee for Business, shared.
“The pandemic has taught us that we are resilient, we go on and move on despite what is there. What is asked of us every day is to continue to trust, and the biggest example is to just do what you can,” Regina Aspiras, a chef and the Awardee for Culinary Arts, said.
