Int'l group wants Cebu conference

CEBU, Philippines -  The head of an international women’s organization yesterday sought the help of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to convince delegates to hold their annual conference here in Cebu.

Doctor Ma. Paloma Papa, governor of the Soroptomist International of the Philippines Region, said they want to hold the conference here because they see Cebu not just as a dynamic province but also as a center of development.

“Not only in tourism, but I also think, economically, so I decided to come to Cebu for the conference,” Papa said.

It is hoped, she said, that they will go back to Manila and decide with finality to hold the conference here.

Yesterday, they asked Garcia to help them gather all the data in Cebu that would help convince their delegates to come here and experience the hospitality of the Cebuanos and the handicrafts, among others, she said.

“I’m impressed with her hospitality and also impressed in talking about what she has to offer. I think, basically, it’s an instinct of the women, mas malawak siya at charming. And I think she’s a very strong force for the province to really make people come and see what she has to offer,” Papa said, referring to Garcia.

The organization is planning to have the conference on May next year, which has been the month of their conferences.

Papa said they expect a minimum of 500 delegates from all over the country.

Their organization, Papa said, consists of professionals and businesswomen, and aims to help and uplift the lives of women and their children who are considered as the most vulnerable sector of the society.

She said they have clubs which are focused in the barangay level wherein they do impact projects like giving them opportunities to go to college by funding their tuition fees and sending their children back to school.

“Usahay wala na silang hope. They are battered, nothing to lean on. So we uplift their lives. We bring back dignity to the poor women,” Papa said.

“We do not do things do for them. We inspire and help them to do things so that they can uplift their lives,” Papa further said.

Papa said they are also trying to build a club here in Cebu. Currently, they have one in Bacolod and another in Western Visayas.

Soror in the word soroptomist means sister, and optima meaning best, or the best of women.

Papa said they belong to the Soroptomist International of the America, one of the four federations of the international organization. The three other federations are Europe, Great Britain in Ireland, and Asia-Pacific. — (FREEMAN)