Zonta Club of Cebu 1 honors 6 top public high school grads

THE Zonta Club of Cebu 1 awarded six top outstanding public high school graduates (TOPHSG) in Cebu City, a move that supports women’s rights to education despite the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Each of the six top graduates received a one-time P20,000 cash assistance to help them in their journey in college. The financial aid was given by the members of the Garcia family, who spearheaded the Severiana “Ever” Garcia Educational Grant.

“The year 2020 brought an additional burden to women as the Covid-19 pandemic erupted, displacing many workers in the developing countries. Many of whom were women in sectors like tourism, marketing and communications where most women were employed. They were the first to lose their jobs,” Zonta Club of Cebu 1 president Gina Garcia-Atienza said.

Because of this, Atienza said they launched the search to achieve gender parity and expand access to education and economic participation opportunities for women.

There were 12 applicants who took the written essay requirement, but only seven of them qualified for the interview. After a deliberation, six were chosen as TOP-HSG awardees.

The Zonta Club of Cebu 1 awarded Fatima Alipar, Alexandra Cañete, Roselyn Dagodog, Erika Jarlata, Jahaira Redelosa and Quisha Villacorta. The event was done in cooperation with the Department of Education Cebu City Division Office.

Atienza said all the awardees were enrolled in the courses under Bachelor of Science, which remains a significant field for women to thrive in the modern times as they can make a name in the field of engineering, environment and healthcare.

The hybrid virtual and physical awarding ceremony was held on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021 at the Zonta Club of Cebu 1 office in Avenir building with safety protocols being followed.

“I would like to thank the Zonta Club of Cebu 1 for this great opportunity for us to be recognized for our hard work,” said Jarlata, one of the awardees.

The kin of Severiana “Ever” Garcia also congratulated the awardees. They imparted her words of wisdom and remembered her as an educator, disciplinarian and a philanthropist who never stopped learning.

Members of the Garcia family who gave speeches during the event were Cebu City Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia, Elma Garcia-Muangkroot, Dr. Jerry Garcia, Joyce Garcia-Dizon and Nelia Garcia-Neri.