FIRST SAY:
“The cure for poverty has a name. In fact, it’s called the empowerment of women. If you give women some control over the rate at which they reproduce. If you give them a say, take them off the animal cycle of reproduction to which nature and some religious doctrine condemns them, and then if you throw in a handful of seeds, the floor of everything in that village, not just poverty, but health and education, will rise.”
—Christopher Hitchens
Whenever the topic of women’s rights, empowerment of women or eradication of poverty, the quote above by my favorite author and atheist (Sam Harris said there should not be such a word) Christopher Hitchens always come to mind.
For indeed, women should not be condemned by religious tradition to second-class citizens inside the home and outside; they should be given a say on how to take care or handle their bodies (no more female circumcision or mutilation of the clitoris, please); women should be freed from being hewers of wood and drawers of water.
If you give women true freedom, then society will progress as a whole and poverty will be eradicated. That is the contention of Hitchens, and this man, a writer and public intellectual whose mind was better than many civilizations (again, according to Sam Harris) left the leaders of the world with an idea legacy that is worth pursuing if they truly love humanity.
That said, let me point out that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was so happy to note that seven female cadets of the male-dominated Philippine Military Academy (PMA) stood out in this year’s commencement exercises, leaving a remarkable impression on their Commander-In-Chief.
The seven female cadets made it to the elusive Top 10 of this year’s PMA “Bagong Sinag” Class of 2024 led by its batch Class Valedictorian Cadet 1st Class Jeneth Elumba with highest Latin honor, magna Cum laude and receiving various awards.
“I am pleased that this batch has produced female cadets who have shown outstanding performance, many of whom proudly swarmed the elusive list of top ten
performers and special awardees,” the President said.
A native of Surigao City, Elumba also received the Presidential Saber along with various awards such as the Philippine Army Saber; Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) Saber; and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award.
She will be joining the Philippine Army (PA).
Other female achievers are Cadets 1st Class Cyril Joy Masculino, Magna Cum Laude (4th); Rosemell Dogello, Cum Laude (5th); Alexa Mye Valen (6th); Giselle Tong, Mathematics Plaque (8th); Danica Mary Viray, Cum Laude (9th); and Neriva Binag (10th).
“I share with your parents the immense pride and joy that I know they are feeling right now. Tomorrow, it will be the people’s turn to welcome you on your first tour as commissioned officers,” President Marcos said.
“Sa pagbaba ninyo sa kanila, alam kong dala-dala ninyo ang tanglaw ng bagong sinag na akma ninyong ipinangalan sa inyong hanay. The rays that will not only blaze the path of your careers, but will illuminate the good, defeat the darkness, and be a source of enlightenment,” he added.
The President reminded the “Bagong Sinag” to put people first.
He said the PMA has not only trained them to be proficient in warfare, but also to become champions of the welfare of the Filipino people.
“Because soldiering now is no longer limited to defending territories, but to improve the [lives] of the people who live there,” the chief executive, who was the guest of honor and keynote speaker of the commencement
exercises, told the 238-strong graduates,” he stated.
Of the 238 graduating cadets, 224 are male while 54 are female. Seven cadets graduated from Foreign Service Academies.
Women leaders at Clark
There were at least three Filipino women leaders at the inauguration of the new Deco Central showroom at Clark Freeport in Pampanga recently. The showroom displays a diverse range of locally crafted furniture, art, and decor.
They were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), and Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda.
They were joined by Pampanga Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Philip Repato, president of Philippine Exporters Foundation Region III (PhilExport Region III) at the ribbon-cutting recently.
The 2,000 sq. m. showroom provides a platform for 34 regional artisans to gain exposure, while also contributing to the local economy and attracting tourists. The showroom features a variety of locally crafted products, including religious statues, furniture, decorative frames, beds, dining tables, and assorted handicraft—all showcasing the skill and creativity of these talented craftsmen.
President Devanadera said that this larger showroom was inspired by Vice Governor Lilia
Pineda, who noticed the growing demand for Pampanga's furniture.
The showroom provides a centralized location where visitors can check out and purchase these
products, offering a convenient way for buyers and tourists to connect with manufacturers. Philip Repato, President of PhilExport Region III, highlighted that the showroom will have a significant impact on the local economy and job generation. He estimated that around 3,000-4,000 indirect workers could benefit from the showroom's operations, boosting job opportunities in the manufacturing and furnishing industry.
Vice Governor Pineda expressed her delight at seeing her long-held dream become a reality, demonstrating the creativity and hard work of the local artisans.
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