PH Consulate General, FilCom in Sydney Celebrate Int’l Women’s Day

Panelists of the International Women’s day forum (from left) Dr. Marietta Languido, Ms. Daisy Cummings, Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen Dela Vega, Consul General Maria Teresa Taguiang, Dr. Julie Nunez, Ms. Josie Musa. (Rosauro “Bob” Reyes photo)

SYDNEY 22 March 2019 – In honor of the inspiring Filipino women, Filipino community organizations in New South Wales, Adhika Inc., Plaza Filipino, Narra Coop and the Australian Masonic Friends of the Philippines (AMFOP), with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, organized the International Women’s Day forum and gala dinner at Dooley’s Catholic Club in Lidcombe, New South Wales on 14 March 2019.

The worldwide observance of International Women’s Day (IWD) and the National Women’s Month (NWM) is a momentous occasion where the global community observes not just gender equality but also about celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

This year’s celebration with the theme “More Powerful Together” and “We Make Change Work for Women” featured two exciting events, the “RETASO” which was held on 9 February 2019, where women shared stories of womanhood through a piece of their most memorable fabric, and a gala dinner on 14 March 2019, featuring a fashion presentation showing the Philippine terno, one of the most recognized traditional dresses in the Philippines as interpreted by different Filipino designers and Filipino-Australian models.      

The Inspiring Women for 2019 recognition were awarded to River Foundation in Queensland Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eva Abal, registered nurses Veronica Alcantara and Adelle Kelly, Dr. Arlene Amor; Kinsella Realty Group Director Riezel Kinsella, Blacktown City Councillor Carol Israel, Dr. Marietta Languido, Ms. Remy Maniago, and Ms. Alice Posada.

Consul Melanie Diano was also given a special award as Woman of Valor, 2019, for reaching far flung Filipino-Australian communities bringing consular services and for her outstanding support to Adhika’s projects and activities.

In her keynote speech, Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega emphasized the Global Gender Gap Report 2018 published by the World Economic Forum ranking the Philippines as eighth in the gender equal countries. This highlights the Philippines significant achievements and leadership in the region in narrowing the gender gap in political empowerment, economic participation and opportunity, health and survival and educational attainment.

“The Philippines is considered as the most gender equal country in East Asia and the Pacific,” Ambassador de La Vega said.

In her opening remarks, Consul General to Sydney Maria Teresa Taguiang commended the organizers for this event expressing that “The Fashion Show on Philippine Terno, featured during the Gala Dinner is a testament of women empowerment showcasing our traditional formal wear being worn by successful and inspiring Filipinas of our generation.”

Trade Attache Alma Argayoso, Tourism Attache Norjamin Delos Reyes, Consul Emmanuel Donato K. Guzman, together with Philippine Embassy in Canberra personnel, were also present during the event. END

Inspiring Women Awardees with Narra Coop. President Jimmy Lopez (first from left), Adhika Inc President Josie Musa (second from right), and Plaza Filipino President Michelle Baltazar (first from right). (Rosauro “Bob” Reyes photo)

Fashion presentation featuring the Philippine Terno with Asia’s Next Top Model First Runner-up Jodilly Pendre modeling the Retaso Terno created by Sydney-based Filipino designer Leornardo Salinas. (Rosauro “Bob” Reyes photo)

Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega delivered the keynote speech during the evening while Consul General Maria Teresa Taguiang gave the opening remarks. (Rosauro “Bob” Reyes photo)

For more information, visit www.sydneypcg.dfa.gov.ph/ https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustralia.