16 September 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez, in cooperation with the Zonta Club of Wellington, hosted an interactive session and inspirational dinner for 18 female students from a variety of Wellington high schools and colleges last July 31.
The event took place at “Ang Bahay” (the Ambassador’s residence), as part of the Philippine Embassy’s gender and development initiatives. These initiatives are focused on relating to youth and students, and the promotion of people-to-people understanding and interaction.
Attendees included:
• Ms. Rachel Salazar from Wellington Girls’ College
• Ms. Rachel Benitez, from Chilton Saint James School
• Ms. Kate Hailwood, from Hutt Valley Teen Parent Programme
• Ms. Grace Bailey, from Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt
• Ms. Ciara O’Callaghan, from Wellington High School
• Ms. Georgia Brown and Ms. Hannah Ward, from Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, Karori
• Ms. Ally Ringrose from St. Mary’s College, Wellington
• Ms. Nadia MacDonald from Wainuiomata High School
• Ms. Sophie Asghton from Queen Margaret College
• Ms. Sofija Cvitanovich from Hutt Valley High School
• Ms. April Brimer from Wellington East Girls’ School
• Ms. Promise Iradukunda from Naenae College
• Ms. Rosalina Sitagata and Ms. Monalis Viliamu from Taita School
• Ms. Linda Yamoah from Newlands College
• Ms. Bianca Benavidez from Victoria University in Wellington
• Ms. Nicole Canseco from Wellington Institute of Technology
Zontians included:
• Dr. Jan Pearson, President
• Ms. Agnes Espineda, Immediate Past President
• Ms. Rayoni Keith, Vice President
• Ms. Jacinta Funnell, Member, Service Committee
• Ms. Nancy Yerly, Member, Service Committee
• Ms. Mal Joyce, Member, Fundraising Committee
The Philippine Embassy and Zonta Club of Wellington highlighted the significance of the occasion as a way of empowering young women through service and advocacy. The occasion was an opportunity to collaborate for the advancement of the status of women in general, as well as celebrate International Youth Day 2015.
Ambassador Benavidez warmly welcomed all the guests to “Ang Bahay,” a piece of Philippine territory in Wellington where “we hope the Filipino ambience, atmosphere and furnishings will let you experience the warmth, friendship and the renowned hospitality of our people.” She pointed out that the occasion was significant and meaningful, and a perfect opportunity for them to step up and be heard. It was also a chance to get actively involved in issues that matter to them, and in decision-making that affects them.
“We at the Philippine Embassy are greatly honored and happy to partner with the Zonta Club Wellington for the second time in holding functions like this that tangibly demonstrate our common aspiration, our collective resolve and our continuing commitment to contribute towards improving the status and protecting the rights of women worldwide, and highlighting the importance of women as key drivers to growth and development in the life of our nations and in the lives of our people,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.
Dr. Jan Pearson thanked Ambassador Benavidez for the warm welcome and gracious reception. She then shared the objectives of ZONTA Club of Wellington and its partnership with the Philippine Embassy, and went through the evening’s programme.
After the group photo opportunity, the formal dinner started with Ally Ringrose saying the Grace. Guests engaged in enlightening and interesting conversations, focusing on the students’ career paths and objectives, advocacies and areas of interest, national and international events and other relevant subjects.
In their replies to the question posed by Ms. Rayoni Keith on the kind of world that they would like to live in today, the students spoke about the importance of:
• availability of jobs
• an equitable, peaceful, and progressive way of life
• respect and dignity for fellowmen
• opportunities for women and girls to be heard and counted on in nation-building and development.
This was followed by a presentation from Ambassador Benavidez on the opportunities, contributions, and challenges in the Philippine foreign service and her experiences as a woman diplomat. She described her determination to enhance the Philippines’ place in the community of nations, and have Filipino people’s voices heard in the councils of the world.
Ambassador Benavidez explained the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy:
1. Political diplomacy that focuses on the preservation and enhancement of national security through the protection of Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity.
2. Economic diplomacy that covers promotion and attainment of economic security through enhancing trade, investments, public-private sector partnerships and tourism with international partners.
3. People diplomacy that highlights the protection of the interests and promotion of the welfare and well-being of Filipinos abroad.
Ambassador Benavides strongly encouraged the young women to consider a career in diplomacy. It is a great honour and distinct privilege to be a country’s first line of defence, and the primary negotiator, peace maker, peace builder, and peace keeper. The foreign service is a country’s window to the world, and the frontline for serving the interests of one’s people in the global community.
Dr. Pearson expounded on the theme of International Youth Day and the vital contributions of youth, especially in advocating and advancing women’s empowerment and development.
Before the end of the dinner, the students gave their individual responses to what legacy would they like to be given to them. They identified:
• continued opportunities for academic advancement
• support for unity and collaboration among women
• a much better and sustainably-managed environment
• women empowerment as part of communities to creation of a more safe, secure and stable world
• well-rounded development of one’s self and opportunities to pursue one’s goals.
Ambassador Benavidez and the Zontians imparted words of advice to the young students, emphasizing the values of hard work, vision, focus, excellence kindness, compassion, and service. They highlighted the importance of striving to be a person of value to others, to make one’s life count for others, and embracing various roles such as motherhood, career, advocacy, and other worthwhile causes. In the Maori language, “Kia Kaha” (Be Strong), “Haumi e, Hui e, Taiki e” (We meet, we mingle, we are one).
It was truly an inspiring, motivational, extraordinary and educational event.
Ambassador Benavidez’ closing address was: “From our hearts, we say that you arrive here as our guests and you will leave as our good friends and close partners. We are all interconnected and share the same “waka” (Maori traditional canoe), moving together for the advancement of women in the local, regional and international arenas and inspiring young women to whom we will pass on the baton and the banner as they pursue and take over this remarkable journey and shine when they carry the torch over the finish line for women’s development and empowerment across all sectors and nationalities.”
Ms. Espineda thanked Ambassador Benavidez in behalf of the Zonta Club of Wellington, and presented a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation.
In her letter of thanks, Dr. Pearson stated that the inspirational dinner “was a wonderful occasion that certainly met all the objectives and exceeded the expectations of both the Zontians and the young women who attended.”
The students also reiterated their deep gratitude for the gracious and warm Filipino hospitality. They were also appreciative of the sharing of wisdom and experiences from Ambassador Benavidez and Zontians.
It is hoped that the evening was of benefit to the young women, and will help them in their future careers and goals. It is hoped that they left the event feeling recognised and supported as they chart their future in their chosen fields of study, and as they strive to address and overcome gender issues. It is hoped that these young women continue to work hard for women’s empowerment in the local, regional, and international arenas. END