Villar hails Soroptomist women-awardees
Published Mar 26, 2023 08:32 am
As the country observers Women's Month, Senator Cynthia Villar lauded the women awardees of Soroptomist International of the Americas Philippines Region (SIAPR) during its awarding rites with at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
With this year’s theme "Remarkable Soroptomist Women in Service,” Villar expressed hope the Soroptomist women will always have momentum and opportunities to serve and advocate for women welfare and empowerment.
"May you always thrive in your worthy goals and programs; and may you always be inspired to serve, do more and work towards the best that has yet to come," Villar said.
The senator further expressed hope the chapters and members of Soroptomist Philippines will embark on urban gardening in their respective communities.
Since the onset of pandemic in 2020, Villar has been pushing communities to plant vegetables in one’s own backyard, and the establishment of pockets of vegetable and community gardens nationwide.
"I have been giving out vegetable seeds of good quality to households, communities, schools, organizations and local government units nationwide to strengthen the culture of establishing their own respective vegetable gardens," said Villar, who chairs the Senate agriculture and food committee.
"It's not bad to revive planting vegetables in your backyard or community although we are in Metro Manila and other urgan areas.”
With the high costs of basic needs, Villar said people can save on daily expenses with planting vegetables in their own gardens.
Aside from helping maintain food security and sustainability, planting vegetables is also beneficial for good health.
“Further, I believe that urban gardening suits women well. It goes well with the women’s natural duty of being mothers, and nurturers of our respective families and communities,” she said.
She urged the Soroptomist to explore the possibility of sending some of the women they help, particularly those in agricultural communities, to the Villar Farm schools to acquire practical skills training in agriculture.
“I know most of you are in urban areas, but let it not be a hindrance for you to engage in agriculture, which also include urban gardening,” she added.