09 March 2016 - In celebration of the 2016 National Women's Month, the Philippine Embassy in Ankara successfully hosted a photo exhibit titled "The Filipina: Trail-blazers, Decision-makers; Leaders; Advocates". The said photo exhibit was a continuation of last year's photo exhibit which aimed to highlight women's key roles and accomplishments in leadership, power and decision-making.

Guided by the Philippine Commission on Women's (PCW) theme for this year's celebration “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda!” (Include Women in the Agenda), the Embassy added the category "Advocates" to the six categories that the 2015's photo exhibit featured, namely, Political and International Relations; Socio-cultural and Sports; Business and Economy; Science and Technology; ‘Sheroes’; and Filipina Overseas. The category "Advocates" aims to honor women who are staunch supporters of issues that are important to empowering women. With the addition of the "Advocates" category, the number of Filipino women featured in the photo exhibit increased from last year's 56 to 71.

One hundred and twenty (120) members of the Filipino communities in Ankara and Antalya attended the photo exhibit. Heads of ASEAN Missions in Turkey, namely, Tharit Charungvat of Thailand, Amran Bin Mohamed Zin of Malaysia, Mohd Sahrip Othman of Brunei, and Tuan Pham Anh of Vietnam, and their officers, supported the opening of the photo exhibit.

In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez emphasized the inclusiveness of women's issues in the Philippine government's platform which was reflected in this year's National Women's Month theme. Ambassador Sanchez, recognizing the power of Juanas and Honorary Juanas when they work together for the betterment of the country, encouraged the members of the Filipino community in Turkey to continue promoting social transformation.

The opening remarks was followed by the official opening of the photo exhibit by women ‘Barangay’ leaders in Ankara. The guests were then invited to view the photo exhibit which honored women leaders and advocates such as former President Corazon C. Aquino, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles and UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Victoria Tauli-Corpus, among others. 

Popular songs about women empowerment were played during the viewing of the photo exhibit while the Embassy children and Filipino community leaders led the performance of the street dance "Juana, Ikaw na ang Manguna" which was also preformed during  last year's National Women's month celebration.

Vice Consul Ericka Anna Abad, in her closing remarks, encouraged the guests to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the upcoming national election in the Philippines in electing leaders that will continue to promote and support the welfare and interests of women.

This year's photo exhibit will again be brought to Istanbul during Ankara PE's monthly consular mission in the said city. END