PAGBABAGO
Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid
A most disturbing pre-Christmas event that occurred on International Human Rights Day last December 10,and on the second day of the 2020 World Press Freedom conference, was the arrest of Lady Ann “Icy” Salem in Mandaluyong for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosive. Icy is a journalist for Manila Today and the international communications officer at the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) which has national chapters in 14 countries of the world, including the Philippines.
In a video following her inquest proceedings, she said in Filipino: “We had our backs turned for an hour while the “evidence” was being planted.” As IAWRT Philippines said, “this is an irrational accusation against a journalist who has used her platform to amplify stories of the oppressed, and expose injustices, and a communications officer of a global network of women communicators.”
Nine days later, in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, Dr. Mary Rose Sancelan, head of the city’s Inter-Agency Task Force against Emerging Infectious Diseases, was killed along with her husband while they were going home. Sancelan was on top of the list of the city’s residents whom the anti-communist vigilante group, “Kagubak” accused of being supporters of the Communist Party. Two others on the list have since been murdered, and their cases have remained unsolved. In an earlier video statement, Dr. Sancelan had expressed fears about her safety, but, although she feared for her life, she chose to stay in her hometown as she was the lone physician.
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It was an unforgettable day for alumni of the UN Beijing women’s conference when they met via Zoom last Saturday.That a virtual meeting can gather a large number of people can only be made possible by a power team which is that of the group headed by Tatti Licuanan, then conference chair who welcomed everyone; Soc Reyes who ably emceed the two-hour affair; Mely Nicolas, who produced a moving tribute, a video of alumni who had passed on that included Helen Benitez, Estefania Aldaba-Lim, Karina David, Letty Shahani, Ester Vibal, Horacio Morales, and Alfredo Tadiar, among 20 or so others. Mely offered a toast and a statement of commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform as well; Emmeline Verzosa who ensured attendance (and indeed, some 120 or so from all over the country and from other countries joined).It will be remembered that the delegation consisted of representatives from government and NGOs, with more from the latter. This includes myself, Boy Morales and Sr. Leony Castillo from the cooperative sector.Ecumenical prayers were given by Sr. Mary John Mananzan and Amina Rasul at the beginning, and Jurgette Honculada, at closing.
Purple was the color of the day. Soc facilitated the program so well that there was lots of fun and laughter, camaraderie and sharing of memories and Beijing souvenirs. Karen Tañada brought a conference ID, another a Mao cap, and others, mementos of the event which brought together 40,000 women from all over the world with celebrities like Hillary Clinton and Hollywood star Sally Fields.
A poem filled with hope =To Young Women Walking Path of Feminism” by Aida Santos – was read by Oye de Dios. Grace Nono wonderfully gestured with her hands, body, and soul as she rendered a beautiful dance number, which, we were told, expresses truths such as “a good person is one who feels the pain of others, one who helps those in misery.”
May Fabros shared a mother-daughter experience on how they dealt with delicate topics like sex in an “inter-generational conversation.” Emma Porio shared learnings from the workshops such as stories of courage from our sisters from Mongolia and Tibet who were recently released from prison. Erlinda Capones noted that a number of recommendations from the Beijing Declaration were integrated in the NEDA chapter on gender and development
After 25 years, not much had changed. Except perhaps for the gray in our hair and added pounds for some, our resolve and confidence about the future remains as solid as rock.
More power to our women who made it possible to be the best performing country in Asia for gender parity. Virtual hugs to our sisters Ging Deles, Carol Sobritchea, Sylvia Claudio, Princess Nemenzo. Irene Santiago, Pat Sarenas, Chit Reodica, Amar Torres, Liza Maza, Susan Pagdanganan, Myrna Feliciano, Sonia Roco, Rhodora Bucoy, Cora Raymundo, Edna Manlapaz, Annie Serrano, Betty Lou Penera, Rina David, Amb. Nena Manalo, Sylvia Ordonez, Vicky Tauli Corpuz, Rosalinda Ofreneo, Jenny Llaguno, Olive Tripon, Alice Morada, the PETA women, those earlier named, the 80 others, and to the rest who were with us in spirit. .
My e-mail, [email protected]