by Ernesto T. Solidum
"Woman in Aklan" leaders from left are: Sylvia Quenisio, Cecille de Lemos, Rose Nepomuceno, and Melrose S. Lunn.
It was a topic of notable interest. Gender development was dis-cussed during the weekly Kapehan on August 1, 2009. Panelists were officers from the newly formed organization – Women Aklan namely: Rose F. Nepomuceno – president; Megs Lunn – secretary; Sylvia Quinesio – treasurer; and Cecille de Lemos – PRO.
Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, former chair-person, Women’s Com-mittee of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Aklan under-scored the invaluable contribution of women in society. Article 2, Section 47 of the Philippine Constitution guarantees equal protection, equality, and privilege to women. Enacted laws are Anti Sexual Harassment Act, Anti Rape Act, Micro Women’s Enterprises, Anti Violence Against Women and Their Children, Solo Parenthood Law, and Family Code of the Philippines.
In the province of Aklan, the passage of Gender Development Act acknowledges the vital role and ensures development assistance for empowering women in their respective fields of endeavor.
Some shining examples of women in governance are the late Pres. Corazon C. Aquino, icon of democracy, former Senator Geronima Pecson, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca and many others.
Ms. Nepomuceno is recipient of a US Visitor’s Cultural Exchange Program in 2008 who visited key cities in the US that included Washington DC, Alabama, San Diego, New York, and Kansas. Her observation and insights on the impact of women organizations in business, industry and governance were very significant in securing vibrant economy and stability of democratic institutions. She urged women in Aklan to develop their talents particularly entrepreneurial skills and engage in visible projects that would improve family income and boost personal confidence.
Nepomuceno enume-rated five strategic advocacies namely: a) Women entrepreneurial knowledge, attitude, and skills development, b) Family health and wellness, c) Good governance, d) Women empowerment, and e) Environment. "All these activities shall be undertaken in the spirit of volunteerism and commitment creating awareness, self respect and fulfillment to all women. Eventually, this will lead to woman power," she stressed.
It appears that advocacies of the organization is headed by a competent chairperson namely: Entrepreneurship – Rose Nepomuceno, Family Health and Wellness – Cecille de Lemos, Good Governance – Megs Lunn, - Women Empowerment – Sylvia Quinesio while Environment is open to other leaders.
Other relevant issues can be taken up but for the time being, we need to concentrate on few things meanwhile that resources are limited said Lunn. Women Aklan is non–profit, non – sectarian and mass based, she added.
Nepomuceno is a registered CPA and owner proprietor of Lucky Photo Center in Kalibo. She is also a handicraft manufacturer and exporter. Her Vice Pres. Editha T. Ureta–Reyes is also certified public accountant whose expertise could be used to discuss micro finance and practical bookkeeping. Accomplish-ments so far are sponsorship of two medical missions (Madalag and Numancia), breast-feeding, weekly aerobic exercise at Pastrana Park, tree planting, donation of cigarette butt bins and sponsoring speaking engagement of whistle-blower Jun Lozada at Aklan Catholic College and the Northwestern Visayan Colleges, the latter a public support for good governance.
Issues and concerns are growing migration (temporary and permanent) of 8.7 million Pinoys from 2000 to 2007. Although the latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data show $16.4 billion were remitted by OFW’s in 2008, monetary consideration pales beyond break-up of long held family values and traditions. Research studies indicate that solo parenting has resulted in more social problems like marital infidelity, teenage pregnancies, drug abuse, minors in conflict with the law, family break-ups and seemingly lack of loyalty to the Philippines.
It would be timely if Women in Aklan spear-headed technology transfer of entrepreneurial skills in small and medium scale industries to provide local employment. It should be noted that compensation benefits of women are significantly lower than men and suffer more physical and emotional abuses from their employers.
Cottage industries that are in demand abroad are our abaca and piña products, food preserves, among others. Needed skills are in dressmaking, embroidery, cosmetology, physical therapy and catering for the tourism industry. These are classified as short term courses that could be coordinated with TESDA.
It is ironic that the United States has only 53 percent of total women fully employed in manufacturing and service sector. Yet, family income is more than adequate to meet basic needs of life. Sundays and holidays are spent on recreation, dining out and concentrating on hobbies.
On the other hand, Pinoy wife works full time, 18 hours a day, seven days a week without pay on endless housekeeping chores, caring for the children and hubby. If the wife happened to be well off and empowered, someone must take her place, for example employ household assistant.
Marrying a Filipina is great according to some Americans, British, and Australians who married Pinays. Their reasons are quite similar. They hate empowered women since they can not keep them at home. Perhaps male dominance, chauvinism or macho image is threatened here. On the other hand, Pinays are homebodies, family centered, loving, faithful and reliable. What’s wrong with that?
Women in Aklan has noble goals. It certainly attracts many adherents to their cause but priorities must be established. A person may have know-ledge and talent but if he lacks financial capability then empowerment will be meaningless. In other words, to focus first to raise their income level will also upgrade their dignity and social responsibility.
The Book of Proverbs 31:10 – 31 tells about a virtuous woman and can be aptly summarized in an acronym: W – work, O – overseer, M – manager, A – action and N – neat. Christian wives must be guided by this biblical injunction. /MP
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