Stories of Women’s Struggles and Courage Highlighted at “POLO Meets the Filipinas”

Group photo of the participants, speakers, and representatives from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) at the conclusion of the panel discussion “POLO Meets the Filipinas” held at the Chancery Annex of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on 23 March 2019. (Washington PE photo)

WASHINGTON D.C. 28 March 2019 – In line with the continuing celebration of National Women’s Month and the worldwide commemoration of Women’s Day, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. organized a panel discussion entitled “POLO Meets the Filipinas” at the Philippine Chancery Annex Building on 23 March 2019.

POLO, through Labor Attaché Angela Librado-Trinidad and Welfare Officer Josephine Tobia, emphasized that while the Philippines has undertaken critical policy and legislative reforms for the protection of the rights and welfare of women, the participation of women in issues that affect or benefit them remains a crucial element not only in protecting the gains they achieved over the years, but also in ensuring that their interests are consistently reflected in all plans, programs and activities of governments and communities.

Three Filipina workers who were victims of various forms of abuse and exploitation were invited to share their personal stories of suffering and survival before an audience composed primarily of Filipino women coming from various sectors and fields of interests.

The three Filipinas who spoke at the event included Corazon Ruiz, a doctorate. degree holder from the Philippines who was a victim of labor fraud; Beth Gatmaitan, a K-visa holder who became a battered wife and whose daughter was also threatened with abuse; and Armiya Lagasan, a domestic worker abused by her employer.

They shared compelling narratives of dreams shattered by the realities of discrimination and abuse, and how they survived and rebuilt their lives through the help of Philippine and U.S. government agencies, as well as well-meaning civil society advocates and private citizens.

The sharing of personal stories was followed by presentations by United States Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) National Outreach Coordinator Timothy A. Riera, Ayuda Immigration Staff Attorney Katherine Soltis, and Philippine Police Attaché to the United States Police Brigadier General Sotero Ramos Jr. The presentations focused on how women can seek assistance in cases where there is gender-related abuse in the workplace and even at home.

Mr. Riera spoke about existing gender-related laws and policies in the U.S., and how these are being implemented by the Department of Labor and the EEOC. Meanwhile, Atty. Soltis described how Ayuda, which has worked on a number of cases involving Filipino women, serves and advocates for low-income immigrants through direct legal, social and language services, training, and outreach in the Washington DC metropolitan region. Lastly, General Ramos outlined the current Philippine situation and the reforms undertaken by the Philippines to address discrimination and violence against women and children.

“The Embassy firmly believes that whether in politics, the economy or in our communities, women should be able to participate actively on terms equal to those of the men. I commend the Philippine Overseas Labor Office for organizing this relevant and timely discussion,” Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement after the event.

“The Embassy also expresses its admiration and appreciation for the three Filipino women who shared their stories with the community. We find strength, commitment and inspiration to continue to fight for the well-being and protection of Filipinos overseas from their individual stories of personal courage and struggle in order to build better lives for themselves and their families,” Ambassador Romualdez added.

The Philippines celebrates National Women's Month every March, and participates in the worldwide observance of International Women's Day.

In 2017, the theme "We Make Change Work for Women" was adopted for the period 2017-2022. It highlights the empowerment of women as active contributors to and claim holders of development. END

Speakers from left: Police Attaché BGen Sotero Ramos Jr., Welfare Officer Josephine S. Tobia, speakers Armiya Lagasan and Corazon Ruiz, Ayuda Immigration Staff Attorney Katherine Soltis, Speaker Beth Gatmaitan, U.S. EEOC National Outreach Coordinator Timothy Riera, Labor Attaché Angela Trinidad, and Philippine Embassy Economic Minister Attorney JV Chan-Gonzaga.

Welfare Officer Josephine Tobia delivers brief remarks for the participants of “POLO Meets the Filipinas” held at the Philippine Embassy on 23 March 2019.

For more information, visit www.washingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph, www.philippineembassy-usa.org, https://www.facebook.com/PHinUSA or @philippinesusa on Twitter