By: Jasmine Sarmiento
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Reaffirming its deep-rooted commitment to advancing gender equality and mentoring the next generation of leaders, the Zonta Club of Macajalar Bay officially hosted its landmark United Nations Day Celebration. Centered around the powerful and timely theme, “Bridging Nations, Empowering Women: One World, One Mission,” the event brought together seasoned civic leaders and passionate youth advocates to strengthen local efforts for women’s development.
Major Daisy Pacana Baguio—Deputy Officer of the Ethical Standards and Property Accountability (OESPA) and President of Gender Advocates NorMin Inc. (GANI), 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army—was the keynote speaker. She delivered the central address to set its core theme, tone, and direction, which focused on the theme Bridging Nations, Empowering Women: One World, One Mission.
To bridge nations, Baguio said is to weave together the threads of our diverse culture, aspirations, and hopes into one strong tapestry of peace and solidarity. It means reaching across divides to extend trust, respect, and cooperation—knowing that our fates are bound together, and that no nation can truly prosper while others are left behind.
A major highlight of the day was a spectacular and colorful UN Day Costume Contest. Participants took to the stage wearing beautifully detailed national costumes from across the globe, transforming the venue into a living tapestry of worldwide unity. The contest visually reinforced the message that while our cultures are diverse, our shared humanitarian mission binds us together as one global family.
The venue erupted in applause during the highly anticipated UN Day Costume Contest, which showcased the meticulous craftsmanship of the participants. A panel of judges evaluated the entries based on creativity, cultural accuracy, and stage presence.
Taking home, the coveted Best in National Costume was Rina Naces, Guidance Counselor of Puntod National High School Z Club, who stunningly embodied the spirit of Spain. Meanwhile, the Most Colorful Costume award was proudly presented to Zontian Paula Marie Caangay for the innovative and artistic interpretation of Philippines Ifugao traditional attire. The following winners for the Most Authentic Costume go to Abigail Borbon representing China and Jean Cuevas from Puntod National High School who represented South Korea.
Adding immense energy to the celebration was the active attendance and participation of the youth sector, represented by the Z Clubs of Puntod National High School and Bulua National High School. These high school student organizations, nurtured under the Zonta umbrella, embody the spirit of international service, career exploration, and leadership development.
Their presence underscored the vital role of the youth in advocating for gender equity and acting as tomorrow’s bridge builders.
“True peace and sustainable progress are impossible without unity across borders and equality across genders,” the club leadership stated during the opening ceremony. “When we bridge nations, we build understanding; when we empower women, we uplift entire communities. By involving our dynamic Z Club members from Puntod and Bulua, we are ensuring that this single, shared mission is carried forward by the changemakers of the next generation.”
The event also served as a showcase for the club’s ongoing localized advocacies. Since its formation, the Zonta Club of Macajalar Bay has actively rolled out impactful community-centric initiatives designed to directly change lives in Misamis Oriental. Key among these are its signature literacy programs, specialized culinary and business livelihood training for women, and soon the “Play It Forward” youth mental wellness and sports development initiatives.
By aligning these local student and community accomplishments with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), the Zonta Club of Macajalar Bay continues to build a solid bridge connecting international ideals with actionable service.
The celebration concluded on a high note with a fellowship dance that brought everyone to the floor.
