By: Abegail Borbon
Cagayan de Oro City – The ceremony of Zonta Club of Cagayan de Oro 1 on August 31, 2024, marked a momentous occasion during the clubs 45th Charter Day celebration. The theme, “Reminiscing the past, celebrating the present, and envisioning the future and beyond” underscores a profound reflection on the club’s journey, its current achievements, and its aspirations moving forward.
The event which was held at Luxe Hotel, LimKetKai Center, this city highlighted key milestones and pivotal moments in the clubs’ journey 45 years ago evoking a sense of pride and nostalgia among the attendees. It served as a poignant reminder of how far the club has come since its inception on August 27, 1979.
Following the presentation, Jasmine Sarmiento, president of Zonta Club of Cagayan de Oro 1 delivered a tribute emphasizing the values and goals of the charter are just as relevant today as they were more than four decades ago with Paquita Fernandez, past charter president from 1979 to 1982, reflecting on the meaning at present and the future.
The club started with only nine members, namely: Zontians Josefina Velez Luspo, Atty. Lourdes Ibañez Cabrera, Lourdes Maestrado La Viña, Elsie Canoy Escobar, Judith LimKetKai Bernardo, Dr. Alma Mesina, Dr. Gloria Ampo, Estrella Sison Pacheco and Sarah Borja who still remains a steadfast member.
Sarmiento said, “today we are not only celebrating our past, but also our present triple S-Special times, Special projects, Special people.”
She said, “but let’s not forget our future. We can look to our past for inspiration to take us into the future, by reflecting on successes, as well as lessons learned, from the charter’s past and current implementations, the event aims to inspire renewed confidence in multilateralism and galvanize collective action in building a better world for women and girls.”
She further said that celebrating the club’s Sapphire anniversary is making a difference in the past, present, future and beyond.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Length of Membership Award to Dr. Josephine Go, area director 2016-2018 and past president 2014-2016. Other past presidents who received the meritorious award were the following: Sarah Borja (Charter Member-Past President (PP)1986-1988), Denvi Cabrera (PP 1992-1996/ (2004-2006), Violeta Rose Paras (PP 2002-2004), Lina Estrella Faburada (PP 2010-2012), Grace Go (2016-2018), Guadalupe Chu (PP 2018-2020), Roena Bince, (PP 2020-2022), and Caroline Neri (PP 2022-2024)
The recognition is a tribute for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the club.. In celebrating its achievements, the club reaffirmed its commitment in service and advocacy to the barangay in particular and the wider community for the most part.
Every time a ring bells an angel gets her wing as Area Director Dr. Melissa F. Diawatan, charter day guest speaker said: “We Zontians have a common denominator in our DNA. And that is to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Each member of the club must have a role in the organization that is contributory to the achievement of its goals. We give individual credit where it is due, yet we try to remain humble. Like the salt that enhances the flavor of dish, but melts and become invisible in the process.
Diawatan further said, “our club cannot remain unnoticed. We must be what I call “de Kampanilya”, one that rings a bell, yon may tunog. To create awareness of the many issues and concerns that affect our lives, women’s lives and their families, issues that have a significant bearing in our society. And having created such awareness, we can entice others to get into the act, get involved, hopeful that they can join, be partners or better still, be members of the club Let us Ring the Bell to make a better world for women, so that we will have a better world for everyone.”
In the same event, Past Area Director Dr. Josephine Go said the Sapphire Anniversary of the club reflects on the incredible journey over the years dedicated to empowering women and fostering equality.
Go said, the milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment, passion, teamwork and resilience of every member past and present. At the same time, she expressed her appreciation for the dedication of all members to shared mission and to the next journey of making a lasting impact together.
Go further said, the collective efforts have touched countless lives, breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women in our communities as the Sapphire represents wisdom, strength, and kindness-qualities that the club embodies and will continue to champion in the years ahead. The finale was line dancing where the rhythm meets the soul, and worries are danced away.
