Philouise’s Weblog

50 years and beyond

How does one promote tradition for half a millennium?

The Soroptimist International (SI) honored the living presidents of the different clubs for continuing tradition of the best of women helping women and girls in its 50th year in the city of Baguio. Those present to receive these included Carmen Balajadia, Epifania Dao-ey, Philian Weygan Allan of SI Baguio. From SI Pines we had Flor Balaba, Imelda Bisnar . Rebecca Domogan received her award as the charter president of SI Hope. All of them received the Golden Award. Zenaida Cating and Dr. Milandre Rusgal received the Silver Awards for having served long years. However, there were eight awardees who did not make it to the ceremonies. The different clubs were also awarded as performing clubs. To grace the occasion were SI of the Americas Federation Director Virginia “Gigie” Penalosa and the City Mayor of Baguio Mauricio G. Domogan.

Was it the best way? Others may think otherwise. However, with the nature of the clubs where leadership propels the club into service, the awards committee considered it the most reasonable thing to do.

Soroptimist International Philippines was started by Mariquita Castello in1966 with SI Founder Manila, SI Davao and SI Baguio. On June 30, 1966 SI Baguio was chartered with 24 members, all belonging to the Who’s who in Baguio with Virginia “Gene” De Guia as President. During the February 26-28, 1971 First National Conference in Davao attended by 10 clubs. Gene De Guia was elected National President for 1976 to 1978. Since then there were eight members from Baguio who have served the national Board.

“Adopt a Barangay” was first recognized as SIPR’s identifying project in the 1970s. The adopted barangay of SI Baguio included Loakan Liwanag, Kias, Irisan, Hillside among others. The other clubs have adopted other barangays in Baguio and in Benguet. The clubs also adopted schools where advocacies in for the protection of women and girls were downloaded with partner PNP Women and Children protection desks.

Another milestone was the creation of the Northern Central Luzon District (NCLD) with SI Baguio, SI Pines, SI Cordillera and SI of Igorot last June 30, 2014. As the youngest district she hosted two national activities the “Winter Wonderland” at newtown Hotel with more than 500 attendees and the “Human rights Day” at Maryknoll Sanctuary last December 6-7, 2014.

Soroptimist program on Education, Empowerment and livelihood have helped communities in their struggles for meaning and development. This is the tradition that needs to be continued as the new set of officers took their responsibilities starting July 1, 2016.

Will the tradition continue? It really depends on women who are committed to serve other women and girls for the protection of their rights and claiming their rightful place in society – in business, politics, education and other sectors of society.