Installation of the New Board of Directors and Officers

Installation of the New Board of Directors and Officers for Biennium 2024-2026 and Induction of New Members

June 11, 2024 by Zonta

The Zonta Club of Makati & Environs installed its officers, board members, and members of the Nominating Committee for the biennium 2024-2026 in a well-attended ceremony at the ballroom of the Dusit Hotel in Makati City on June 11, 2024. The following are the newly installed Nominating Committee, Board of Directors, and Officers:

Immediate past president Rosario C. Abaya turned over the club’s leadership to Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, who has been with the club since 1991. Jeannie and Joanne exchanged floral bouquets after Past International President Olivia Ferry presented the gavel and president’s pin to Joanne.

In her valedictory address, President Jeannie stated, “As my term as president comes to a close, I am filled with a myriad of emotions: gratitude, pride, nostalgia, and a touch of bittersweetness. Serving as your President has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life, and I am genuinely grateful for the trust, assistance, encouragement, and cooperation you have shown me throughout this journey.” She also added, “Together, we have accomplished so much! We have worked steadfastly with enthusiasm to advance the cause of gender equality, to empower women and girls, and to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Whether through our advocacy efforts, service projects, or educational initiatives, we have truly made a difference in the lives of countless individuals.” Jeannie took the opportunity to recognize and honor several exemplary members with presidential awards, acknowledging that Zonta-Makati could not have achieved as much without them during the last two years.

In her acceptance speech, newly installed President Joanne Andrada acknowledged IPP Jeannie’s effective leadership of the club and her many accomplishments during the biennium 2022-2024.

To cap her speech, President Joanne said, “The Zonta Club of Makati and Environs has always been known as an organization of high-functioning, imperious, opinionated women. Well, we ARE an organization of high-functioning, imperious, and opinionated women! We also are women who have positively changed the lives of those who are most vulnerable and have done exceedingly well in making the world a better place for women and girls. This substantive and continuous achievement is what we hope to be known for. In closing, I would like to enjoin all of us to unite the wisdom of our past with the energy of our future, creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”

Also, as part of the program, new Zontians were inducted and sponsored by the following: Aliza Apostol-Goco (sponsored by Lailani Robles) and Former Ambassador to Portugal Celia Anna “Cookie” Feria (sponsored by Mel Asuncion). Each of the new members received a Zonta pin and a yellow rose, the official Zonta flower.

President Elect Marcy Chua closed the program with a bang! The program was hosted by Maritoni Tordesillas. More than 70 ladies and gentlemen attended the event, including Zonta dignitaries, incoming and outgoing presidents of clubs from Area 5, distinguished guests, ZCME past presidents and members, and ZCME staff.