Anything but ordinary

MANILA, Philippines – The Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region (SIPR), a volunteer service organiza-tion of business and professional women committed to the improvement of the lives of women and children, recently honored a diverse group of women who did not let poverty or any other form of dif-ficulty keep them from helping and enriching others.

An undefeated dancesports cham-pion, educators, environmentalist, volunteers, survi-vors, and a former fishball vendor were among the recipients of the first Unsung Women Heroes Awards who were recognized for their exceptional work and for serving as inspiration to other women to pursue similar paths of leader-ship, commitment, and creativity to improve the lives and well-being of other women and girls in the country.

“In these days of economic gloom, it is our hope that the life and work of these awardees will serve as an inspiration for women to realize the power of their dreams,” said SIPR governor Carmen Flor. 

Belinda Adora, undefeated Nation-al Dancesports Champion and gold medalist at the 23rd Southeast Asian Games, opts to help the underprivileged by giving dance lessons to 50 street children in Antipolo.

“Sharing my talents with the children from the lower sector of the society is my way of paying back for the blessings I was able to receive,” Adora said.

Mary Joy Barcelona, who used to be hounded by the “Japayuki” stigma, and Alma Bulawan were cited for their work in changing the lives of other women and girls who had been caught in the world of sexual and economic exploitation.

Barcelona and Bulawan advocate a different future for these women and girls through education and livelihood alternatives.

Meanwhile, Desiree Duran, a former fishball vendor who is now known as the “Seedlings Queen,” was recognized for her contribution in raising the income and employment levels of people in her community in San Ildefonso, Bulacan by sharing her knowledge on seeds and seedlings with other farmers.

She is often invited as speaker and seed endorser in different parts of Luzon and was also awarded as “Natatanging Magsasaka” by the Department of Agriculture.

The clean and green environment advocacy of Editha Santiago has helped transform 500 women into committed workers with steady incomes in Brgy. Ugong, Pasig.

Santiago helped form Kilus Foundation, which is known for making useful products out of recyclable materials, which in turn enabled workers to provide food for their families and send their children to school. The foundation now exports its products to 15 countries.

Other Unsung Women Heroes awardees were Filipinas Buenarte, a farmer’s daughter who is now president of her own computer school, which provides scholarship grants to poor yet deserving girls; Jo Ann de Larrazabal, a Childbirth educator volunteer at Nazareth Home, which shelters and cares for pregnant single women; Lucila Lopez, who, despite poverty and life’s harsh experiences, continues to enrich the lives of others by becoming the voice of women in her community through her radio program promoting women’s rights; Herminia Manez, a retired educator who engages in livelihood projects that empower disadvantaged women in Binangonan, Rizal; Norma Pereyras, a volunteer who works for gender awareness and advocacy activities involving 24,900 women-members of Tagum Cooperatives; Ma. Veronica San Juan, who helped start a home for street children of Manila; and Cecilia Seckler, who runs Haven’s Home, a refuge for 26 abandoned, abused, and malnourished children.

“These awards intend to bring into focus the heroism of ordinary women who, even without the trappings of wealth or power, have risen above their circumstances to help, to share, and to care for others,” Flor pointed out.

“Starting this year, we will continue to find the gem of a woman in every community and honor her with the awards. We hope this simple act will trigger the ripple effect of inspiring more women,” she added.

SIPR selects awardees for their leadership capacity, ability to initiate empowerment in her community, commitment to her advocacy, ingenuity, and recognition by her community for the impact of her contribution.