Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

NEWARK, NJ— The Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) held its 10th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration by honoring Filipino-American women achievers in their respective fields at a gala event held on Sunday, March 29.

Consul General Cecile Rebong, in a written message, extolled PACCAL for helping instill women’s consciousness in the community and the awardees for their achievements that inspire others to follow their examples.

"I am glad that there in the U.S. and in the Philippines, women are given equal opportunities and many of them have, in fact, distinguished themselves and excelled in their chosen professions," ConGen Rebong said.

Betty Buenviaje, PACCAL’s president, on the other hand challenged the evening’s guests to face the challenging times ahead. "I believe that as a woman and a community leader, there are many challenges that we must tackle head-on. There are many times that we may feel discouraged because of the pressure, but with the strength that God gives us, we can overcome them all," she explained.

This year’s women achievers awardees are Ledy Almadin (community service), Analisa Balares (young professional), Zorayda Baluyot de Leon, M.D. (medial profession), Araceli Mendoza, R.N. (nursing profession), Juliet Payabyab (humanitarian), Corazon Rivera (business), Rhodora Ursua (health and human serice) and Maureen Javier Varco (performing arts).

Analisa Balares, CEO and founder of Womensphere, honored her grandmothers as she delivered the response on behalf of the eight other awardees.

"My perspective now on the role of women in the society and everything I do now is shaped in large part by the legacy of my parents, and my grandmothers," she shared.

Balares explained that her parents were both raised by women who got widowed early in life, and eventually became responsible in raising their respective families as single mothers.

"My grandmothers were strong and powerful women. They did everything—from washing other people’s clothes to planting rice to planting and selling vegetables and fish to growing copra—to raise their families. Not only did they raise my parents with dignity and values, they raised them with a love for life, a deep sense of faith and generosity of spirit that defy the fact that they were in an impoverished situation," Balares added.