MANILA, Philippines - In commemoration of the 1st death anniversary of the late Sonia R. Lorenzo, the University of Santo Tomas and Kaya Natin Movement, a civil society organization that promotes genuine and lasting change in the government, launched an award recognizing women leaders in the local government who exemplify effective, empowering, and ethical leadership.
The nationwide search entitled “Sonia R. Lorenzo Award for Women in Leadership and Good Governance” is open to all current or former local government officials with at least five (5) years of government service.
Associate Professor Reynaldo Lopez, coordinator of the Political Science Program of UST, explained the rationale of the Award: “The University of Santo Tomas affirms its role in the formation of men and women to become competent and compassionate professionals committed to the service of the Church, the nation and the global community. It is for this reason that we joined forces with the Kaya Natin Movement to give due recognition to women in elective local positions who continue to shape the future of our nation through good governance in their community. This recognition is long overdue.”
Friends and relatives of Sonia R. Lorenzo gave their testimonial message during the launch. Representatives from the government, youth, and business sector also gave their message of support for the Award.
Sonia R. Lorenzo was the mayor of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija for twelve (12) years where she became known for her exemplary leadership. Under her leadership, San Isidro has transformed from an impoverished fifth class municipality to a growing second-class town. She implemented various reforms and programs in order to establish better lives for her people. She showed her dedication in fighting corruption when she turned down a P10 million appropriation of PDAF from a senator last 2010 when she noticed that the transaction was irregular and doubtful. She was also a former Chemical Engineering student at the University of Santo Tomas. Last July 18, 2014, she died of cancer but her legacy lives on.
Applicants and nominees will be judged according to their leadership experience, promotion of good governance, service to the community, and promotion of the empowerment of women. The winner of the SRL Award will receive fifty thousand pesos (P50, 000), and a chance to give a short lecture on leadership and good governance to the students at the University of Santo Tomas. Applications and nominations for the Award are accepted until September 11, 2015.
For more information about the SRL Award, visit www.srlaward.jimdo.com, or call (02) 518-0021.