BREAKING BARRIERS
Women of grace and determination
CLEOFE ALBISO Managing Director Megaworld Hotels and Resorts
To date, hospitality remains a male-dominated industry, but it is inspiring to note how more and more women leaders are given opportunities to take on top roles in support of gender equality and diversity in the workplace. For most women, the biggest struggle is the demand for time at work and how to balance this with quality time for the family. Meetings, events, and entertainment efforts go beyond work hours. The need to travel can also take one’s energy, leaving enough enthusiasm after work can be a challenge.
It is therefore imperative to build a strong support system at home where the family understands the nature of the job and our loved ones see the desires of our hearts. Children who fully see the drive and motivation for hard work and see together as one family the achievement of dreams with work as an enabler of it will greatly help.
The role of a woman can best be played by being there for other women.
We have different stories to tell and struggles to carry, but with women rallying and supporting each other, it would greatly help. There is so much beauty and, at the same time, power in women helping other women. May we continue to choose to see the good in each other and continue to provide the avenues to be ourselves and have safe spaces around fellow women where mutual respect and admiration are present.
FIRE INSP. DELSIE S. DE BORJA
Deputy City Fire Marshal, Chief Admin
Roxas City Fire Station
“My work as a firefighter is not dominated by men anymore. Long time ago pa na sya nga dominated by male. This time around, it is equally dominated by men and women. It is important that in an organization, there is a balanced workforce. Women are as equally important as men, considering that in our job in firefighting, we also have to engage in community service. Female firefighters are engaged in lectures to the community during our Fire Prevention Month, as well as in conducting training on how to prevent fire in households. Women firefighters are effective in this aspect.
Women must be empowered. The intimidation is there, but you have to get out of your comfort zone. It is important to have the ability to face the fear of the unknown.”
For me, an empowered woman is a woman who knows her value, who has control over the choices she makes, and who knows what her role is within her home and outside her comfort zone. An empowered woman influences others to do better by just being herself and doing what she loves to do.
Zonta Metro Iloilo has several projects and advocacies, but the one that stands out most for me is “Responsible Nanay.” With the rise of teenage pregnancies and unplanned motherhood so rampant these days, we need to teach young mothers how to cope with their new role. So many mothers need help, even with the most mundane tasks and how to cope with basic emergencies at home. This advocacy makes young mothers and women feel like they have control and are better members of their families and society.
I encourage women from all walks of life to discover their value, their talent, and their skills. To share it with others and know that whatever she shares with others will help a fellow woman. It does not have to be a big thing. She does not have to be rich or in a position of power. She only needs to be willing to share. A woman only needs to be compassionate and willing to be able to make a difference, one small thing at a time, to help build a better world for women.
JANN PEARL CORDERO Miss Philippine Youth 2024 - Princess
An empowered woman is not just about her looks, achievements, and accomplishments. It is about the values in different aspects of life that she puts out there. A role model who can inspire people and become a beacon of hope, especially to the youth— to work harder and to put action to their words. There is an empowered woman inside all of us; therefore, people should always bring their best foot forward in anything and everything that they do, because someone somewhere out there believes in the change of what you can do.
I believe women have risen to the ranks and have broken stereotypes and cultural definitions of us. I believe that everyone, regardless of their gender, color, age, beliefs, and background, should be empowered and should be treated equally. We should teach the younger generation to appreciate each other and recognize our differences and power.
And I, for one, want to be an image and a persona to be the voice of the youth in sparking conversations where the youth can be at the forefront of becoming solution-makers and trailblazers in our society and see the difference the youth can make in our society.
LT. COL. LINDLEY T. BARRIENTOS
Deputy City Director for Administration
Iloilo City Police Office
If we look at the percentage of policewomen here in Iloilo City, female officers comprise only 32%, and for police non-commissioned officers, it’s just 22%. The recruitment process sees a maximum of 10–15% qualified women.
Our struggles extend beyond the workplace. Balancing our roles as mothers and police officers poses a significant challenge. Managing time between family responsibilities and key positions in law enforcement is demanding. However, these challenges highlight the importance of women in the PNP, as we bring unique perspectives and empathy to the table.
I find that subordinates often seek advice from women in leadership positions. They feel more comfortable opening up about personal and work-related issues. Establishing trust and empathy within the team helps alleviate some of the challenges we face.
Our male counterparts in the PNP are gender-sensitive and acknowledge the needs of women. It’s crucial for male officers to advocate for gender sensitivity within the organization. While women bring unique qualities to the table, we strive to match the capabilities of our male counterparts.
To the younger generation of women, believe in your capabilities. Don’t limit yourself based on gender stereotypes. Seek self-improvement and demonstrate your worth. The PNP is evolving, and women are proving themselves capable of excelling in positions traditionally held by men. Embrace the opportunity to break barriers and showcase your skills.