16 March 2017 ANKARA — Leaders of the Filipino community in Ankara and Istanbul: Ms. Nalida Bonto, Ms. Jean Zaimoglu, Ms. Elma Trinidad, Ms. Cristeta Bernardo, Ms. Teresita Panganiban, Ms. Cecile Aquia, Ms. Anita Escal, and Ms. Linda Mag Ampo, led the launching of the third edition of “Filipina: Trailblazers, Decision Makers, Leaders, Advocates” at the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, Turkey on March 12 to mark the 2017 celebrations of National Women's Month (NWM).

The Philippine Embassy emphasized the Philippine Government's recognition of the contributions and accomplishments of women to Philippine society and how it seeks to continue to inspire its Filipino community members. The 2017 NWM's theme “WE Make Change Work for Women" underscored women's crucial role as active drivers of change and the Duterte administration's commitment to fully implement the provisions of the Magna Carta on Women.

The photo exhibit featured Filipino women who have raised the bar in their respective fields, from politics and governance, sports, women's advocacy, socio-cultural pursuits, overseas work, science and technology and business and economy. 

The Filipino community was joined by officers and members of DFALF-Ankara; and member-Ambassadors of the ASEAN Ankara Committee (AAC: H.E. Ambassador Wardana of the Embassy of Indonesia; and H.E. Ambassador Tuan Pham Anh of the Embassy of Vietnam and his spouse and officers; Ms. Fulya Vekiloglu, Country Program Manager for UN Women-Turkey; and Dr. Fulya Saglik, President of the International Health Association in Ankara, Turkey.

The Filipina Trailblazers exhibit will also be showcased in Istanbul, Turkey on April 02 as part of the 2017 National Women's Month celebrations. END