115. WOMEN POWER IN ISABELA

WOMEN POWER IN ISABELA

Dr. Troy Alexander G. Miano
1 March 2020

 

In the last quarter of 2014, I was chosen to chair the Committee on Women, Family and Social Welfare in the 19^th Sangguniang Bayan of Cabatuan, Isabela after a controversial election. As I assumed my post, I convened the different women’s group and decided later to hold a Christmas party for all the members of the federation of women’s organizations at the Cabatuan Social Hall. Taking this chance, I delivered a speech focusing on the role of women in nation building and here I was tagged as an "honorary woman". After five years, a seat in the Sangguniang Bayan of Cabatuan was reserved for the sectoral representative for women.

This March, we celebrate Women’s Month and I decided to gather the names of Isabeleños who were either appointed or elected in the national, provincial, city and municipal posts. Aside from this, numerous Isabeleñas hold posts and sensitive positions in the national agencies including women in uniform. As I dissect the Histomiano records, 57 women served as Congresswomen, Governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members and Mayors in the province since 1960. Before this year, no lady was listed in the annals of the history of province to the aforementioned positions. As we celebrate 2020 National Women’s Month, let us immortalize the names of the lady leaders of the province.

Thirty-nine women emerged as leaders in their respective towns and cities in the province of Isabela including the independent city of Santiago. There are ten in the first district: two in the capital city of Ilagan: Hon. Mercedes P. Uy (1992-2001), Hon. Evelyn C. Diaz (2016-2019); one in Cabagan, Hon. Mila A. Mamauag (1998-2007); one in Divilacan, Hon. Florita C. Bulan (2013-2016); two in the coastal town of Maconacon: Hon. Erlinda M. Domingo (2009-2013) and Hon. Ma. Lycelle Kate D. Vicente (since 2013); one in the Spanish pueblo of San Pablo, Hon. Celia M. Aragon (2001-2004); one in Santa Maria town, Hon. Miriam M. Martinez (1998-2007); one in the Municipality of Santo Tomas, Hon. Elizabeth Christine P. Talaue (1998-2001); and one in Tumauini, Hon. Venus T. Bautista (2010-2013).

In the second district, five ladies served as mayors: two in Benito Soliven town, Hon. Virginia M. Florentin (1971) and Hon. Raymunda A. Domingo (2001-2004); two in the historic coastal town of Palanan: Hon. Natividad A. Bernardo (1998-2007) and Hon. Elizabeth B. Ochoa (since 2016); and one in Reina Mercedes, Hon. Maria Lourdes R. Saguban (since 2019).

There are nine in the third district: two in Alicia, Hon. Norberta C. Agustin (1998) and Hon. Cecilia Claire N. Reyes (2010-2013); three in Angadanan: Hon. Felicitas P. Ong (1995-2001), Hon. Lourdes S. Panganiban (2010-2019) and Hon. Joelle Mathea S. Panganiban (since 2019); one in Cabatuan, Hon. Alma A. Dayrit (2001-2004); one in Ramon town, Hon. Mercedes M. Vizcarra (2005-2006); and two in San Mateo: Hon. Lydia G. Lachica (1987-1988) and Hon. Crispina R. Agcaoili (2010-2019).

In the fourth district, four ladies became mayors: one in Santiago City, Hon. Amelita S. Navarro (1999-2001 & 2004-2013); one in Cordon, Hon. Lynn M. Zuniega (since 2016); and two in historic Jones town: Hon. Gloria A. Pandongan (1995-1998) and Hon. Leticia T. Sebastian (since 2013).

There are six in the fifth district: one in Aurora town, Hon. Ester Resurreccion G. Uy (2007-2010); one in Burgos, Hon. Evelyn P. Alabon (2001-2004); one in the Municipality of Luna, Hon. Andy R. Domingo (2012-2013); one in Mallig, Hon. Demetria S. Isidro (1992-2001); one in Quezon town, Hon. Alpha P. Dulig (1987-1988); and one in Quirino town, Hon. Jossie Maria Bella L. Juan (2010-2019).

In the sixth district, five women became local chief executives: three in Echague: Hon. Ana Benita G. Balauag (1986-1987 & 1988-1992), Hon. Virginia C. Babaran (1998-2001) and Hon. Melinda G. Kiat (2010-2016); and two in San Guillermo: Hon. Robelyn E. Pulig (1998-2001) and Hon. Marilou N. Sanchez (since 2013).

Ten local government units had no lady chief executive since the LGUs conception: Cauayan City, Delifin Albano, Dinapigue Naguilian, Gamu, Roxas, San Agustin, San Isidro, San Manuel and San Mariano.

Seventeen lady leaders served in the provincial board of Isabela: Hon. Felicisima C. Pinpin (1960-1967), Hon. Leonarda M. Beltijar (Cordon 1976-1980), Hon. Lucena A. Valino (Naguilian 1976-1980), Hon. Miriam M. Martinez (1^st District 1995-1998), Hon. Rosa P. Alindada (4^th District 1995-2004), Hon. Ma. Josephine B. Borromeo (1^st District 2001-2010), Hon. Ana Cristina S. Go (2^nd District 2001-2010), Hon. Cecilia Claire N. Reyes (PCL 2004-2007; 3^rd 20017-2010), Hon. Menchie D. Yasol (PCL 2007), Hon. Mitzi P. Cumigad (2^nd District 2010-2013), Hon. Karen G. Abuan (3^rd District 2010-2019), Hon. Krystyna Louise C. Dy (SK 2010-2013), Hon. Vilinda H. Bernardo (Women 2010-2019), Hon. Abegail V. Sable (4^th District since 2013), Hon. Venus T. Bautista (Women since 2019), Hon. Jasmin L. Miano (PCL 2019) and Hon. Gretchen F. Valdez (IP since 2019).

Since 1856 to present, only one lady was given the chance to serve as provincial governor of Isabela - Hon. Maria Gracia Cielo M. Padaca who was elected for two terms from 2004-2007 and 2007-2010.

Three Isabeleñas served in the august halls of the House of Representatives. They are: Hon. Ana Cristina S. Go (2^nd District; 15^th, 16^th, 17^th Congress; 2010-2019), Hon. Ma. Lourdes R. Aggabao (4^th District; 17^th Congress; 2016-2019) and Hon. Alyssa Sheena P. Tan (4^th District; 18^th Congress; 2019-2022).

As of this writing, no lady served as Provincial Vice Governor, Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President and Provincial Sectoral Representative for Agriculture.

The country’s multi-awarded province has been named after a woman - María Isabel Luisa de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias or simply Queen Isabella II who ruled Spain for 35 years (1833-1868) including Spanish East Indies, now the Philippines. It was on May 1, 1856 when territories of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya were chopped to form the province of Isabela to honor the incumbent queen. Under her reign, numerous orders were implemented in the Philippines which affected the lives of Spanish-period Filipinos.

In the province of Isabela, women are empowered and have been given all the opportunities to serve their respective localities either appointed or elected. Hundreds of lady vice mayors, councilors, punong barangays, kagawads and sangguniang kabataan chairs (SK) are now holding public office. Women have played an important role in national building not only in Isabela, not only in the Philippines but around the globe. As we celebrate this year’s Women’s Month, we commend all women at home, in the private and public sector and women leaders for a job well done. We salute you!

In the last quarter of 2014, I was chosen to chair the Committee on Women, Family and Social Welfare in the 19^th Sangguniang Bayan of Cabatuan, Isabela after a controversial election. As I assumed my post, I convened the different women’s group and decided later to hold a Christmas party of all the members of the federation of women’s organization at the Cabatuan Social Hall. Taking this chance, I delivered a speech focusing on the role of women in nation building and here I was tagged as an “honorary woman”. After five years, a seat in the Sangguniang Bayan of Cabatuan was reserved for the sectoral representative for women.

This March, we celebrate Women’s Month and I decided to gather the names of Isabeleños who were either appointed or elected in the national, provincial, city and municipal posts. Aside from this, numerous Isabeleñas hold posts and sensitive positions in the national agencies including women in uniform. As I dissect the Histomiano records, 57 women served as Congresswomen, Governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members and Mayors in the province since 1960. Before this year, no lady was listed in the annals of the history of province to the aforementioned positions. As we celebrate 2020 National Women’s Month, let us immortalize the names of the lady leaders of the province.

Thirty-nine women emerged as leaders in their respective towns and cities in the province of Isabela including the independent city of Santiago. There are ten in the first district: two in the capital city of Ilagan: Hon. Mercedes P. Uy (1992-2001), Hon. Evelyn C. Diaz (2016-2019); one in Cabagan, Hon. Mila A. Mamauag (1998-2007); one in Divilacan, Hon. Florita C. Bulan (2013-2016); two in the coastal town of Maconacon: Hon. Erlinda M. Domingo (2009-2013) and Hon. Ma. Lycelle Kate D. Vicente (since 2013); one in the Spanish pueblo of San Pablo, Hon. Celia M. Aragon (2001-2004); one in Santa Maria town, Hon. Miriam M. Martinez (1998-2007); one in the Municipality of Santo Tomas, Hon. Elizabeth Christine P. Talaue (1998-2001); and one in Tumauini, Hon. Venus T. Bautista (2010-2013).

In the second district, five ladies served as mayors: two in Benito Soliven town, Hon.  Virginia M. Florentin (1971) and Hon. Raymunda A. Domingo (2001-2004); two in the historic coastal town of Palanan: Hon. Natividad A. Bernardo (1998-2007) and Hon. Elizabeth B. Ochoa (since 2016); and one in Reina Mercedes, Hon. Maria Lourdes R. Saguban (since 2019).

There are nine in the third district: two in Alicia, Hon. Norberta C. Agustin (1998) and Hon. Cecilia Claire N. Reyes (2010-2013); three in Angadanan: Hon. Felicitas P. Ong (1995-2001), Hon. Lourdes S. Panganiban (2010-2019) and Hon. Joelle Mathea S. Panganiban (since 2019); one in Cabatuan, Hon. Alma A. Dayrit (2001-2004); one in Ramon town, Hon. Mercedes M. Vizcarra (2005-2006); and two in San Mateo: Hon. Lydia G. Lachica (1987-1988) and Hon. Crispina R. Agcaoili (2010-2019).

In the fourth district, four ladies became mayors: one in Santiago City, Hon. Amelita S. Navarro (1999-2001 & 2004-2013); one in Cordon, Hon. Lynn M. Zuniega (since 2016); and two in historic Jones town: Hon. Gloria A. Pandongan (1995-1998) and Hon. Leticia T. Sebastian (since 2013).

There are six in the fifth district: one in Aurora town, Hon. Ester Resurreccion G. Uy (2007-2010); one in Burgos, Hon. Evelyn P. Alabon (2001-2004); one in the Municipality of Luna, Hon. Andy R. Domingo (2012-2013); one in Mallig, Hon. Demetria S. Isidro (1992-2001); one in Quezon town, Hon. Alpha P. Dulig (1987-1988); and one in Quirino town, Hon. Jossie Maria Bella L. Juan (2010-2019).

In the sixth district, five women became local chief executives: three in Echague: Hon. Ana Benita G. Balauag (1986-1987 & 1988-1992), Hon. Virginia C. Babaran (1998-2001) and Hon. Melinda G. Kiat (2010-2016); and two in San Guillermo: Hon. Robelyn E. Pulig (1998-2001) and Hon. Marilou N. Sanchez (since 2013).

Ten local government units had no lady chief executive since the LGUs conception: Cauayan City, Delifin Albano, Dinapigue Naguilian, Gamu, Roxas, San Agustin, San Isidro, San Manuel and San Mariano.

Seventeen lady leaders served in the provincial board of Isabela: Hon. Felicisima C. Pinpin (1960-1967), Hon. Leonarda M. Beltijar (Cordon 1976-1980), Hon. Lucena A. Valino (Naguilian 1976-1980), Hon. Miriam M. Martinez (1^st District 1995-1998), Hon. Rosa P. Alindada (4^th District 1995-2004), Hon. Ma. Josephine B. Borromeo (1^st District 2001-2010), Hon. Ana Cristina S. Go (2^nd District 2001-2010), Hon. Cecilia Claire N. Reyes (PCL 2004-2007; 3^rd 20017-2010), Hon. Menchie D. Yasol (PCL 2007), Hon. Mitzi P. Cumigad (2^nd District 2010-2013), Hon. Karen G. Abuan (3^rd District 2010-2019), Hon. Krystyna Louise C. Dy (SK 2010-2013), Hon. Vilinda H. Bernardo (Women 2010-2019), Hon. Abegail V. Sable (4^th District since 2013), Hon. Venus T. Bautista (Women since 2019), Hon. Jasmin L. Miano (PCL 2019) and Hon. Gretchen F. Valdez (IP since 2019).

Since 1856 to present, only one lady was given the chance to serve as provincial governor of Isabela - Hon. Maria Gracia Cielo M. Padaca who was elected for two terms from 2004-2007 and 2007-2010.

Three Isabeleña served in the august halls of the House of Representatives. They are: Hon. Ana Cristina S. Go (2^nd District; 15^th, 16^th, 17^th Congress; 2010-2019), Hon. Ma. Lourdes R. Aggabao (4^th District; 17^th Congress; 2016-2019) and Hon. Alyssa Sheena P. Tan (4^th District; 18^th Congress; 2019-2022).

As of this writing, no lady served as Provincial Vice Governor, Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President and Provincial Sectoral Representative for Agriculture.

The country’s multi-awarded province has been named after a woman - María Isabel Luisa de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias or simply Queen Isabella II who ruled Spain for 35 years (1833-1868) including Spanish East Indies, now the Philippines. It was on May 1, 1856 when territories of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya were chopped to form the province of Isabela to honor the incumbent queen. Under her reign, numerous orders were implemented in the Philippines which affected the lives of Spanish-period Filipinos.

In the province of Isabela, women are empowered and have been given all the opportunities to serve their respective localities either appointed or elected. Hundreds of lady vice mayors, councilors, punong barangays, kagawads and sangguniang kabataans chair (SK) are now holding public office. Women have played an important role in national building not only in Isabela, not only in the Philippines but around the globe. As we celebrate this year’s Women’s Month, we commend all women at home, in the private and public sector and women leaders for a job well done. We salute you!