Woman on top

CEBU, Philippines - It is not easy being a woman in a world that is dominated by men. And the expectations go higher when a woman takes a position that was used to be handled by a man! This is the weight on the shoulders of Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Cebu Province Chapter President Carmen Remedios Durano Meca.

The petite Danao City Councilor, who is fondly called Ivy, eats and breaths politics, being the daughter of former mayor and now Vice Mayor Ramonito “Nito” Durano. However, despite her exposure to politics because of her family, and her experience as barangay captain and city councilor, and being the former vice president of PCL, Ivy did not expect to be on top of the organization.

“I never expected to be elected in this position. In fact, I felt the pressure when I ran for the position, considering that the previous presidents were males. But when I did get elected, I felt that the other councilors expected a lot from me. They trusted me and it is time that I show them they were not wrong in doing so,” shared Councilor Ivy.

She then put to good use her experiences as a member of the organization now that she is at its helm. “The first thing that came to mind was bringing the PCL closer to the people. Aside from strengthening the camaraderie among councilors in the province, it is also very important to make the organization known to our constituents. I want a PCL that is not only focused on its members but also on our constituents in the province,” she said.

One of the policies that Ivy implemented as the new president is the holding of the PCL board meetings in different areas around the province. Instead of the members coming to Cebu City to attend the board meetings, Ivy brought these meetings to the different areas of the province so other councilors, especially those from far flung areas, can attend.

Being the first woman president of the PCL Cebu Chapter, Ivy is overwhelmed but at the same time challenged. “Being new to the position, I live on a day to day basis and address issues a day at a time, considering that I play different roles” she said. Ivy, aside from being the PCL - Cebu prexy, is also a Danao City councilor, a wife, a mother, a daughter and a sister.

Ivy shared that she entered politics in 2001 and got married in 2005 so her being an elected official is nothing new to her husband. However, she added that her husband, Jay Raymund P. Meca, is a bit apprehensive about her being the PCL president and her being the chairman of the provincial anti-drug committee. But still, Ivy makes sure that she spends quality time with her family, especially her daughter, Sofia Elora.

“When I go home, I make sure that I do not bring work with me,” she said. “Weekends are for my daughter. Time management is really important if you live a life like mine. I am able to do my work well and spend time with my family, too because I delegate. You can delegate if you trust your people,” she added.

As family bonding, the Meca family loves outdoor activities and doing arts and crafts. “We usually just stay in the house during weekends. We enjoy fish feeding and doing arts and crafts activities as a family,” Ivy said.

Although she already finds the PCL position overwhelming, Ivy looks forward to more years serving her constituents. “I really enjoy public service. The love to serve truly runs in the family and I always make sure that I can carry the job,” she concludes.  (FREEMAN)