DFA Celebrates Women’s Month by Honoring Senator Pecson and Filipino Women in Multilateralism
PASAY CITY, 10 MARCH 2023 – In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy (OPCD), in collaboration with the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, successfully organized the event “Legacies and Standpoints: Filipino Women in Multilateralism” on 10 March 2023 at the Carlos P. Romulo library.
The kickoff program was a symposium highlighting the status and her-story of women in multilateralism held at 1:00 pm (Philippine time) at the Carlos P. Romulo library, followed by the launching of the exhibit on Senator Geronima Tomelden-Pecson at 3:00 p.m. at the DFA lobby.
UNACOM Secretary General Ivan S. Henares (leftmost) moderates the open forum of the symposium. Ambassador Elizabeth Buensueso speaks as Ms. Heidi Mendoza (rightmost) and Mr. Jan Marlon S. De Vera (center) listen intently. (DFA-OPCD photo by Ma. Andrea Pascual)
In his welcome remarks, DFA Assistant Secretary for Public and Cultural Diplomacy Arvin R. de Leon said that the project aims to recognize the vital role of women in Philippine society, particularly in the multilateral arena. It commends Filipinas who have played critical roles in shaping the agenda of multilateral organizations, including the creation and expansion of opportunities for women to take part in initiatives that aim to build a more inclusive world order. “The Department has always recognized women as sources of strength and inspiration and as catalysts for change,” Assistant Secretary de Leon added.
This was followed by the welcome remarks of DFA Assistant Secretary for the United Nations and International Organizations Kira Christianne D. Azucena: “As a founding member of the United Nations and ASEAN, the Philippines values multilateralism as a pathway to realize our aspirations for Filipinos and for peoples around the world through mutual respect and understanding and cooperation. In this important work, Filipino women diplomats are right in the center.” She further described Filipino women multilateralists as competent, versatile, knowledgeable, articulate, credible, bold, confident, and poised. Overall a formidable force for advancing our agenda in the community of nations.
The symposium was graced by Foreign Affairs Adviser and former Permanent Representative to the ASEAN, Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso; Former UN Undersecretary General for Internal Oversight Services Heidi Mendoza; and Mr. Jan Marlon S. De Vera of the Cultural Affairs Division, Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office.
Ambassador Buensuceso and Ms. Mendoza shared their insights and experiences as Filipinas engaging in multilateralism from an ASEAN and UN perspective, respectively. Mr. De Vera, meanwhile, gave a dynamic presentation on the legacy of Senator Geronima Tomelden-Pecson both as a trailblazing Senator and Filipina member of the UNESCO Executive Board.
Governor of Pangasinan Ramon V. Guico III (rightmost), DFA Assistant Secretary for Public and Cultural Diplomacy Arvin R. de Leon (second from left) and UNACOM Secretary General Ivan S. Henares (leftmost) award the Certificates of Appreciation to Ms. Heidi Mendoza, Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso and Mr. Jan Marlon S. De Vera for sharing their knowledge on the significant role of women in multilateralism. (DFA-OPCD photo by Ma. Andrea Pascual)
The Governor of Pangasinan Ramon V. Guico III and the family members of Senator Pecson were also there to help launch the exhibit honoring Senator Pecson’s legacy as the first lady senator of the Philippines and the first Filipina to be a member of the UNESCO Executive Board in 1950. Senator Pecson was also instrumental in the creation of UNACOM.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III (center), Assistant Secretary Arvin R. de Leon (left), UNACOM Secretary General Ivan S. Henares (right) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the launch of the exhibit on Senator Geronima Tomelden-Pecson. Mr. Jan Marlon S. De Vera, Ms. Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, Ms. Maan Guico, and Dr. Sheila Alcantara (left to right, 2nd row) join in the ceremony. (DFA-OPCD photo by Ma. Andrea Pascual)
Governor Ramon V. Guico III and Mrs. Maan Guico (center), Assistant Secretary Arvin R. de Leon (6th from left), UNACOM Secretary General Ivan S. Henares (5th from right) and Ms. Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer, are flanked by the family members of the late Senator Geronima Tomelden-Pecson during the launch of the exhibit featuring her life and works. (DFA-OPCD photo by Ma. Andrea Pascual)
The symposium and exhibit launch may be viewed through this link: https://www.facebook.com/dfaphl/videos/478847230995733
A culminating activity of the exhibit featuring poets and artists honoring women will be held on 21 March 2023. END