Last Tuesday, I was lucky to be one of the 11 women who received the TOWNS (The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service) award. It was a humbling experience to listen to the stories of the other awardees. In the picture (from left to right) is Laura David, the first female oceanographer whose work helps LGUs in their coastal planning.There is Gang Badoy, journalist and founder of Rock Ed that does alternative education for Filipino youth. There is Kaka Bag-ao, an alternative lawyer, was the lead counsel in the Sumilao farmers’ case that resulted in winning back their land. Myla Villanueva’s pioneering work in the ICT industry has shaped technology in the mobile industry. Kara David is a journalist whose documentaries on children and social issues have won her international acclaim. Stella Alabastro Quimbo is a health economist whose work has contributed to the formulation of national policy on health insurance. Jean Enriquez is the executive director of the Coalition against Trafficking in Women Asia-Pacific. Reese Fernandez, the youngest awardee, is the president of the social enterprise Rags2Riches. Marissa Romero is an agricultural researcher who spearheaded the application of e-commerce for farmers. Mela Lapitan is a medical doctor who has pioneered the development of the subspecialty of female urology. I was thrilled to have been cited for my work as an organizational psychology and to be among a company of women who, according to Gang, are not only outstanding but astounding as well!
We are such a diverse group of women although we do have our six degrees of separation. Four were also awarded Outstanding Young Scientist. Seven have roots in UP, 3 in Ateneo. More importantly, what binds us is a love for what we do and the country that we serve. I always tell my kids that I have never considered myself the brightest nor most talented. But what I lack in ability, I make up for in hard work … and passion trumps talent most of the time! So for those who have sent congratulatory messages and say I inspire them – thank you! But I’m actually pretty ordinary, I just do things with extraordinary passion … and you can do too. :-)
Since this may not happen again - I just wanted to say thank you to family, colleagues, and friends whose love and support buoys me. The list is simply too long - but you know who you are. Thank you for being in my life and in my world. I lift up to Him my gratefulness for leading me to this path. The work I do is a reward in itself. The award is just icing on the cake.
We are such a diverse group of women although we do have our six degrees of separation. Four were also awarded Outstanding Young Scientist. Seven have roots in UP, 3 in Ateneo. More importantly, what binds us is a love for what we do and the country that we serve. I always tell my kids that I have never considered myself the brightest nor most talented. But what I lack in ability, I make up for in hard work … and passion trumps talent most of the time! So for those who have sent congratulatory messages and say I inspire them – thank you! But I’m actually pretty ordinary, I just do things with extraordinary passion … and you can do too. :-)
Since this may not happen again - I just wanted to say thank you to family, colleagues, and friends whose love and support buoys me. The list is simply too long - but you know who you are. Thank you for being in my life and in my world. I lift up to Him my gratefulness for leading me to this path. The work I do is a reward in itself. The award is just icing on the cake.