Category Archives: PROJECTS

July 21, 2025 | Malacañang Compound, Manila — The Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2, led by Club President Shirley Licup, proudly joined the observance of National Disability Rights Week at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Main Building within the Malacañang Compound. The multi-sectoral event, anchored on the theme of human rights, sustainable development, and cultural empowerment, demonstrated a united commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Honoring Proclamation No. 597 The celebration was held in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 597, which designates the third week of July each year as a time to raise awareness and strengthen rights-based support for PWDs and other vulnerable groups. The gathering was organized by the DBM in collaboration with the United Nations Association of the Philippines-Global (UNAP-Global), the Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble Artists for Peace, and several government, civic, and media partners. A Blend of Patriotism and Advocacy The morning program began with the Flag Ceremony, enriched by cultural and artistic performances from the Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble, which blended heritage and advocacy. Recitations of the Panatang Makabayan, excerpts from Jose Rizal’s Mi Último Adios, and Apolinario Mabini’s Decalogue moved participants with messages of patriotism, resilience, and justice. Performances by differently abled artists, out-of-school youth, and Indigenous groups—including a Tinikling dance by blind performers—showcased the central message of the program: that disability is not inability, but an opportunity for empowerment through empathy, art, and inclusion. Government Commitment The event also recognized the leadership of DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who received a Certificate of Recognition for promoting budgetary inclusivity, as well as the contributions of Undersecretaries Margaux Salcedo, Janet Abuel, Rolando Toledo, and Wilford Will Wong. Usec. Salcedo, in particular, was commended for mobilizing partnerships that amplify the voices of PWDs. Zonta’s Role in Advocacy The participation of the Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2 highlights the organization’s continuing commitment to inclusive development and gender equality, especially in advocating for marginalized communities such as PWDs. By joining this national observance, Zonta underscored its mission to work hand in hand with government, civil society, and the arts sector in building a society that leaves no one behind. A Call to Unity As Chair Tony Cama of the Philippine Eagles Media Bureau aptly shared during the event: “True nation-building begins when no one is left behind—not the poor, the disabled, the young, or the elderly. This celebration is more than a flag-raising ceremony. It’s a raised banner of justice, dignity, and hope for all sectors.” The event was a resounding reminder that inclusion is not just a principle—it is an active movement towards a more compassionate and empowered Philippines.

A Collaboration Between Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2 and the Health Ministry of Sta. Maria Della Strada Parish The Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2, in partnership with the Health Ministry of Sta. Maria Della Strada Parish, successfully held a Cancer Clearance Test for Women along with a Women’s Health Talk—an initiative dedicated to empowering women through preventive care, awareness, and education. Promoting Preventive Health Care The activity highlighted the importance of regular medical check-ups and early detection. The Cancer Clearance Test provided participating women with access to essential screenings aimed at detecting early warning signs of cancer and other health conditions. For many, this was not just a medical test, but a step toward peace of mind, prevention, and timely intervention. A Shared Mission of Service This collaboration between Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2 and the Health Ministry of Sta. Maria Della Strada Parish exemplifies how organizations can work hand in hand to create meaningful impact. Zonta’s mission to uplift women, combined with the parish’s dedication to holistic health, brought a program that addressed not just the physical, but also the emotional and educational needs of women in the community. Looking Ahead The event served as a reminder that early detection saves lives, and that women must be empowered with the knowledge and resources to safeguard their health. Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2 remains committed to championing initiatives that promote women’s health, dignity, and empowerment.

The Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2, in partnership with the Health Ministry of Sta. Maria Della Strada Parish, successfully held a a Women’s Health Talk—an initiative dedicated to empowering women through preventive care, awareness, and education. Women’s Health at the Forefront Alongside the medical screenings, a Women’s Health Talk was conducted to educate participants about critical topics such as: Early detection and prevention of cervical, breast, and reproductive cancers The importance of lifestyle choices for long-term wellness Accessing local health services and support systems Empowering women to prioritize their health despite daily responsibilities Speakers emphasized that health is a woman’s greatest asset, and caring for oneself is also a way of caring for one’s family and community. A Shared Mission of Service This collaboration between Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2 and the Health Ministry of Sta. Maria Della Strada Parish exemplifies how organizations can work hand in hand to create meaningful impact. Zonta’s mission to uplift women, combined with the parish’s dedication to holistic health, brought a program that addressed not just the physical, but also the emotional and educational needs of women in the community. Looking Ahead The event served as a reminder that early detection saves lives, and that women must be empowered with the knowledge and resources to safeguard their health. Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2 remains committed to championing initiatives that promote women’s health, dignity, and empowerment.

On July 17, 2025, the Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2 proudly participated in the nationwide observance of National CPR Day, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross – Marikina Chapter. This meaningful event aimed to raise awareness and equip communities with life-saving knowledge in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a vital skill that can spell the difference between life and death in emergencies. Empowering Communities Through CPR Training Members of Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2, along with volunteers and participants, joined the Red Cross-led training sessions designed to teach the fundamentals of CPR. The hands-on exercises allowed attendees to practice proper chest compressions, rescue breathing, and emergency response techniques guided by certified Red Cross instructors. This effort was not only about technical training but also about instilling confidence and readiness in individuals. By learning CPR, participants became better prepared to respond to emergencies at home, school, or in public spaces—making the community safer and more resilient. Partnership for a Cause The collaboration between Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2 and the Philippine Red Cross – Marikina Chapter reflects a shared commitment to service and advocacy. While Red Cross continues its mission of saving lives through emergency response and preparedness, Zonta’s participation underscores its dedication to community empowerment, health, and safety—especially for women and families. Why CPR Matters Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to sudden cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies where immediate intervention could have made a difference. Knowing CPR empowers ordinary citizens to become first responders, bridging the critical gap before professional medical help arrives. Zonta’s Advocacy in Action For Zonta Greater Rizal 2, joining National CPR Day goes beyond supporting a one-day event. It reinforces their mission of uplifting communities through education, health awareness, and service initiatives. By investing in practical life-saving skills, the club helps strengthen a culture of care, preparedness, and responsibility among Filipinos.

On an ordinary weekday morning, high above the Justice Hall Building in Marikina City, a quiet revolution in women’s health unfolded. At the 6th floor Female Dormitory of the Marikina City Jail, the Zonta Club of Greater Manila II, true to the global mission of Zonta International, brought hope, dignity, and access to healthcare to one of the country’s most underserved populations—persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). The spotlight of the day was a cervical cancer screening mission, in partnership with End Cervical Cancer Philippines Inc. (CerviQ). But this was not just another medical mission—it was a bold declaration that women’s health matters, regardless of status, circumstance, or confinement. Gender Equality Isn’t Just a Slogan—It’s a Commitment Zonta International champions a world where gender equality is a reality. Yet when we examine the burden of cervical cancer, it becomes painfully clear: we are not there yet. Cervical cancer is a disease that almost exclusively affects women, and disproportionately those who are marginalized—poor, uneducated, and in this case, incarcerated. It is a preventable cancer, yet in the Philippines, 12 women die from it every day. Not because the science doesn’t exist to stop it, but because the systems don’t reach them in time. Had this disease primarily affected men, would we still be losing 4,000 Filipino women each year to a cancer we know how to prevent and treat? We’ll leave that question hanging in the air, but one cannot help but feel that gender inequality persists not just in opportunities, but in who gets screened, who gets vaccinated, and who gets to live. Zonta’s work reminds us that real equality means bringing the solutions to the women who need them most—including those behind bars. A Mission of Compassion, Precision, and Technology On this day, 42 women were screened for cervical cancer using a breakthrough approach: speculoscope-assisted Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA). Unlike the traditional naked-eye method, the speculoscope uses a 16MP camera inserted transvaginally—allowing for magnified, high-definition images of the cervix to be captured, reviewed, and evaluated remotely by a physician. This isn’t just high-tech screening—it’s empowerment. Women can now see the images of their own cervix, understand the findings, and take ownership of their health. The results are immediate, the process dignified, and the approach—revolutionary. Out of the 42 PDLs screened, a number were identified to have potential signs of cervical dysplasia, necessitating repeat speculoscopy, biopsy, and possible portable thermal ablation treatment. Nearly a quarter of those screened also showed signs of vaginal infection based on the appearance and odor of discharge. Let that sink in—many of these women had never been screened before. Their symptoms weren’t visible. They didn’t know they were at risk. And had it not been for this mission, they may never have known—until it was too late. The Bigger Picture: Vaccination, Education, and Prevention Cervical cancer often comes with no symptoms until it is advanced, usually stage 3 or 4. At that point, treatment becomes more expensive, more painful, and more likely to fail. Which is why prevention is the only truly humane approach. During the event, education about HPV, cervical cancer, and the importance of early detection was shared. Crucially, HPV vaccination was highlighted as the cornerstone of future prevention. As we speak of rights, let us remember: every girl deserves the HPV vaccine before she becomes sexually active. Every woman deserves access to screening. Anything less is injustice. A Full Day of Hope and Healing But Zonta Club of Greater Manila II didn’t stop at cervical screening. The entire day was filled with activities that sought to restore dignity and promote holistic well-being among the women PDLs. Together with compassionate partners, the following services were rendered: Medical and dental consultations with free medications Chair massages for relaxation and physical relief Distribution of food packs and hygiene kits for daily needs HIV and dengue awareness sessions conducted by the Philippine Nurses Association – Zone 3 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and climate change education by the Philippine Red Cross – Marikina Chapter This was more than a medical caravan. It was a community of care—a collaboration of hearts and hands working to uplift lives that society too often forgets. A Salute to the Champions Behind the Scenes This initiative was powered by a host of partners and sponsors, all of whom brought this vision to life. Deep thanks go to: SOGO Cares, Hotel Sogo Santolan Branch, Genecca Pharmacy, Dr. Allan Tamayo, Dr. Jasmin Fetiza, Philippine Nurses Association – Zone 3, Eagles, Metro Business Titans Lions Club, Ayala Amity Centennial Lions Club, Dentistry Advocacy, Philippine Eagles Media Bureau, Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II, Holy Name Society – OLA Parish Unit Marikina City, PRC Marikina Chapter, and ReACh Project. Your generosity did more than deliver services—it delivered hope. Final Thoughts: This Is What Equality Looks Like Zonta’s mission doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It lives in places like the Marikina Jail, in the hearts of women who’ve been silenced, forgotten, or overlooked. Let’s face it—we cannot talk about gender equality without talking about cervical cancer. Because what greater inequality is there than dying from a preventable disease simply because you’re a woman? Women are the anchors of our families. They hold households together, raise children, support partners, and nurture communities. They deserve to be healthy. They deserve to be seen. And they deserve access to every life-saving tool modern medicine can offer. The Zonta Club of Greater Manila II showed us that it is not only possible—it is necessary. One jail, one cervix, one woman at a time. The fight continues, but the future is brighter—because women like you choose to care.