Day 7: Day of Remembrance

The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, inaugurated its Zonta Says NOW Climate Justice Program to address the intersection of climate change and gender equality through its Environment Committee – Zonta Eco Angels. Partnering with Barangay Linao Norte, one of Tuguegarao City’s most flood-prone areas, the club distributed recycling bins to encourage plastic waste reduction and environmental sustainability.

Environment Committee Co-chair Miraminda Cabulisan Callangan emphasized the initiative as part of the Day of Remembrance, honoring climate change victims and promoting community action. The club plans to collaborate with the barangay to provide monetary incentives for recycling proceeds and aims to replicate the project in other areas.

The program was supported by generous contributions from Area 3, District 17 Zontians, bolstering the club’s environmental advocacy efforts.

Day 8: Day of Advocacy

The club launched the Zonta Legal Aid Network (ZLAN). This initiative aims to provide accessible legal support and services to victims of violence, aligning with the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

Staffed by experienced legal professionals and volunteers, ZLAN offers legal consultations, assistance in filing complaints, and guidance on navigating the justice system. Victims can access services via hotline, email and the club’s Facebook page, ensuring confidentiality and immediate support.

In solidarity with the campaign, club members adopted orange-themed social media profiles, symbolizing a commitment to a violence-free future. Area 4 Director Racquel R. Aglaua emphasized the societal importance of addressing gender-based violence and invited community members to support the initiative.

Day 9: Day of Discussion

The club launched its YouTube channel, a significant step forward in the club’s 16 Days of Activism campaign. This platform serves as a dynamic space to raise awareness, foster education and inspire action on critical issues affecting women and girls.

Through engaging videos, the channel explores themes such as the difference between sex and gender, the evolving identity of the Filipina woman and the cultural significance of the Filipina mother. Each segment celebrates inclusivity, challenges stereotypes, and highlights the resilience and strength of women in the modern world.

The channel also features content on Zonta’s mission, sharing the essence of being a Zontian and the club’s impactful advocacy work. With this initiative, the club reinforces its commitment to empowering women and advocating for gender equality, using digital media to expand its reach and create meaningful change.

WATCH:
Explore Zonta’s empowering journey: Video 1
Learn about the essence of being a Zontian: Video 2

Day 10: Day of Global Issues

The club has launched an initiative to promote the use of reusable drinking cups as part of its climate change advocacy, aiming to reduce single-use plastic waste and foster eco-friendly habits.

Debuting during recent club activities, the initiative involved distributing reusable cups to participants, emphasizing the importance of combating plastic pollution. “Small steps can lead to big changes,” said club president Josefina Sedano. “We hope to inspire sustainable practices and protect the environment for future generations.”

Aligned with global efforts to address environmental challenges, the club plans to expand the initiative through collaborations with schools, businesses and local government units, further promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility across communities.

Day 11: Day of Tribute

The club provided a platform for survivors of gender-based violence to share their powerful stories of suffering, strength and healing. These testimonials serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring other women to find their voices and break the cycle of violence.

Recognizing that only 40% of women seek help after experiencing violence, the club launched the Zonta Legal Aid Network (ZLAN). Leveraging its network of lawyers, health practitioners and academicians, the club formalized its ongoing support for victims of gender-based violence, offering legal aid and advocacy under the ZLAN banner.

Through initiatives like ZLAN and survivor storytelling, the club reaffirms its commitment to justice, empowerment and ending violence against women and girls.

Day 12: Day of Student Engagement

The club in collaboration with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 02 and Peñablanca East National High School (PENHS), hosted “Click with Caution: Cyber Safety for Women and Girls” at Barangay Manga, Lagum, Peñablanca, Cagayan. The program, part of the 16 Days of Activism, educated students on cyberviolence against women and girls.

Speakers included PLT Lanie M. Babate of RACU 02, who addressed understanding cyberviolence, and Zontian prosecutor Susan M. Flores-Danao, who highlighted key points of the Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Acts. Club president Josefina Torres Sedano and Zontian Atty. Cez Melad Lazaro emphasized the importance of empowering youth to create a safer, more respectful digital space.

Following the lecture, Zontians visited the Zonta Girls Dorm, a facility established in 2015 to provide female students from remote areas with access to education. The dorm, supported by club, offers rooms, a kitchen and a living area. Over the years, the club has sustained the dorm through projects and livelihood training, further empowering young women in their educational journey.

Day 13: Day of Outreach

The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, participated in a Mural Painting Contest Against Human Trafficking at Cagayan National High School. Organized by the Department of Justice and aligned with the International Day Against Trafficking, the event focused on raising awareness and promoting action under the theme, “One Nation, One Action. In the New Philippines, End Human Trafficking Now!”

The club, a consistent advocate for women’s rights, joined government agencies and local units in transforming the theme into compelling visual art. Their mural contribution reflected a commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Contestants showcased their creativity and dedication, with designs pre-approved by the RIACAT Secretariat and evaluated by a panel of experts.

In a separate initiative, the club and Barangay Linao Norte, Tuguegarao City, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on to collaborate on a Plastics Collection and Recovery program. Club president Josefina T. Sedano and Barangay chairperson Renato A. Narag formalized the partnership to tackle plastic pollution and its role in exacerbating flash floods in flood-prone areas.

The MOA focuses on eliminating plastic waste from the community by promoting its segregation and recycling. Recognizing the value of recyclable materials, the initiative encourages residents to exchange collected plastics for incentives, including monthly provisions of rice supplied by the club. This approach aims to enhance participation and sustain the program’s impact.

Part of the club’s Climate Justice Program, this collaboration addresses climate change’s effects, particularly on women and girls, by reducing flood risks and promoting environmental responsibility within the community.

The club’s Day of Outreach concluded with the club extending its commitment to climate justice and sustainable initiatives by supporting the women’s dormitory at the BJMP Tuguegarao City. The club provided materials for a rug-making project, promoting recycling and upcycling as sustainable practices while equipping the women with valuable livelihood skills.

In addition, the club distributed essential toiletries and snacks to 32 women beneficiaries and BJMP personnel, fostering camaraderie and uplifting spirits. The initiative reflects the club’s dedication to advocacy, sustainability and empowering marginalized women while championing their dignity and rights.

Day 14: Day of Community

On Day 14 of the campaign, the club conducted a skills training session on handmade crochet for women and girls from the Padday Na Yena mothers and the Regional Haven for Women and Girls at Villa Blanca Hotel, Tuguegarao City.

The training, led by crochet artist Ruby Jane Badajos, taught participants to create Zontabubu dolls, complete with “No to VAW” pins and Zonta-emblem bag tags. This initiative empowers participants with an alternative source of income, aligning with Zonta’s mission to promote economic independence and end violence against women.

President Josefina Sedano and club members also distributed relief packs to participants affected by recent typhoons, reinforcing the club’s dedication to supporting marginalized women and girls through livelihood projects and advocacy.

Day of 15: Day of Service

The club extended its commitment to service and compassion with an outreach program for 38 female psychiatric residents of the Cagayan Valley Medical Center. This initiative provided personal care items, including shampoo, soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, adult diapers, and more, aimed at restoring dignity and hygiene for the residents.

Nutritious meals were also served, fostering a sense of connection and community. This effort aligns with Zonta’s mission to empower women and promote gender equality, demonstrating the importance of care and respect for all, regardless of circumstances. Through this meaningful act of service, the club reaffirms its dedication to advancing the well-being of women in need.