March 8 Women's Day Celebration
Zonta Club of Makati and Environs celebrated an exhilarating Women’s Day with more than 600 participants from Makati City composed of women representatives from 33 baranggays, students from the University of Makati, the Kababaihans organzation from Taguig City, our Golden Z club members from Taguig University joining onsite while many more were online including the incarcerated in the Makati City Jail female and male dormitories, and members of various women’s organization of the city of Makati . They came to hear the brilliant speakers who covered such timely topics as Mental Health Awareness and Selfcare presented by well-known radio and television host , educator Gang Badoy and The Safe Spaces Act of the Philippines showing how this law is on the side of everyone shared clearly by prolific Regional Trial Court Judge Janice Udarbe. The topics truly resonated with the audience through the storytelling style of the speakers. Many questions related to real life situations were asked and consulted , eliciting valuable responses from the experts.
The event was graced by several Zontian stalwarts. ZCME President for Biennium 2022-2024 Jeannie Abaya gave the warm welcome following the Invocations and Zonta Prayer led by new member Rewa Lazatin . In response, the Vice Mayor of the City of Makati Monique Lagdameo gave her Women’s Day celebratory message. These were followed by District 17 Governor Lia Bautista and Area Director Odette Wallace who made the event more meaningful with the awarding and recognition of ZCME’s very own Past President Armita Rufino for her government service. As the program continued, Past International President Olivia Ferry and Board Trustee Marcy Kohchet-Chua, also the program’s master of ceremonies, gave glowing introductions of the speakers. There was dancing in between the talks keeping the high energy of the audience until the wrap up with the powerful messages of sisterhood and equality from Vice Area Director Arlene Lotilla, Makati City Social Welfare Head BenitaTanyag and Head of the Women and Children Committee Councilor Carmina Ortega. Another successful Women’s Day event brilliantly led by ZCME Past President Armita Rufino that has reached a wider audience who truly welcomed the opportunity to learn and be supported in their empowerment journeys.
