Zamboangueñas Excelente Awards highlight Dia de Mam Caling

The recognition of 4 accomplished women who excelled in their respective fields highlighted the commemoration of the 102nd birth anniversary of the late mayor Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat or Dia de Mam Caling, Wednesday, April 26 at Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca.

Mayor John Dalipe led the recognition rites for ‘Zamboangueñas Excelente’, a joint project of the city government through the City Tourism Office and the Rotary Club Zamboanga East.

The awardees included Angelita Pichay Ilul of Angie’s Yakan Handloom Weaving who was recognized as Businesswoman of Excellence; Saudia Sadjail Danih, Executive Director and founder of the Center for Youth Development Initiatives, Inc., as Mentor of Excellence for her efforts in youth empowerment; Dr. Fatima Ibba-Tiu awarded with the Community Leader for Betterment for her advocacy in early prevention and detection of diabetes and illnesses and Esperancita Enriquez-Hupida recognized as Honorary Woman of Excellence for her exceptional accomplishments and influence in the community through facilitation, organizing and project management.

Assisting the mayor during the awarding rites were Rotary East President RJ Miranda and former mayor and Congressman Celso Lobregat, representing the Lobregat family.

In his message, Mayor Dalipe cited Mrs. Lobregat as a pillar of women empowerment in the city which is crucial for achieving gender equality and creating a more just and inclusive society. “Ma’am Caling as she is fondly called, is buried in the hearts of the people, who knew and experienced her kindness, generosity and most of all, her brand of leadership in the city of Zamboanga.”

“Tan junto kita aqui todo, sin color, sin libelo, y sin mancha de politica. Taqui kita ahora, solamente, por el acordanza con Mam Caling y que modo le ya cambia di aton Corazon, ya esta, y no hay mas sale hasta ahora,” Dalipe added.

For his part, former mayor congressman Lobregat expressed appreciation to the city government for acknowledging and honoring Mam Caling for her achievements and contributions to Zamboanga City and its people through the conduct of the yearly commemorative program ‘Dia de Mam Caling’.

The Dia de Mam Caling this year forms part of the Zamboanga Verano Festival (Summer Festival) activities and is pursuant to  Ordinance 278 enacted in 2006.

Present during the commemorative program were District I Cong. Khymer Olaso, Councilors Vino Guingona, VP Elago, Litlit Macrohon, Dan Vicente and Fred Atilano, City department heads led by City Administrator Mario Yanga, City Police Director Col. Alex Lorenzo, MBLT11 Commander LTCol. Nicanor Basco, representatives from Joint Task Force Zamboanga, Philippine Air Force, Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) and other national agencies and civic organizations. (Sheila Covarrubias)