02 April 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, in collaboration with the Ontario Filipino Women’s Club, marked Women’s History Month at the Consulate General’s reception area on March 28 to highlight the contributions of women and girls to our society and to learn about the quality of their lives today.
Women of note in Toronto were invited to provide inspirational speeches and share their stories of personal triumph over tremendous adversities. These remarkable women, well respected in their fields, are also leaders of various organizations and companies. They are: Rosemer Enverga, Executive Vice President of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation; Cheryll R. San Juan, CEO and President of Eskwela Incorporated; Nelia Tonido of the Philippine Artists Group; Julie Corpuz, former President of the Ontario Filipino Women’s Club, and Judith Gonzales of Caregivers Life in Canada.
Ms. Annabelle Migalbin, President of the Ontario Filipino Women’s Club delivered the Welcome Address while Consul General Junever M. Mahilum-West delivered the opening remarks. Consul General Mahilum-West cited the 5th and 20th rankings of the Philippines and Canada, respectively, in the Gender Gap Index which took into account health (life expectancy, etc), access to education, economic participation (salaries, job type and seniority) and political engagement as proof of the sincerity and significant progress both countries have made in its pursuit of gender equality.
Consul General Mahilum-West also took the opportunity to conduct a presentation on the Winter Escapade program of Philippine foreign service offices in Canada.
A highlight of the evening was the performance of distinguished poet, playwright, and journalist, Ms. Petronila Cleto. Ms. Cleto, who is also a member of the Philippine PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) and Canada PEN and was the International Writer-in-Residence of McMaster University, presented a pastiche from women’s poetry printed in the Akdaan 1 Literary Anthology. This was followed by the musical stylings of Mesdames. Jovelyn Credo, Ivy Joy, Zena Zagala, Josie de Leon, and Britney Waito.
Consul J. Susana Paez, who served as master of ceremonies, encouraged the commemoration of Women’s History Month to serve as a reminder to continuously pursue the goal of women’s equality while celebrating women’s achievements and progress. END