Davao lady lawyers bolder, brighter, more beautiful
bolder, brighter, more beautiful
THE Davao Lady Lawyers Association or Dallas celebrated its 45th Foundation anniversary with a bolder, brighter and more beautiful theme last September 9, 2017 at the Davao Convention Center.
The event gave tribute to its old and new members.
STARS OF THE NIGHT
The celebration had a festive ambiance with the presence of judges and lawyers from court rooms, government administrative bodies and private sectors who donned in their elegant gowns and dresses to match this year’s motif. Dedicated, passionate, beautiful - these words may fit, but would not be enough to describe this year’s awardees who have proven, once again, that they deserve the honor.
Judge Leonor Sumcad, who astonishingly fit at 92, received the first award for being the most senior lady lawyer member. Dallas founder, former Judge Virginia “Gie” Hofileña-Europa was also honored and said she hopes this celebration would remind the lady lawyers of their role in serving the nation.
Immediate Past President Alma Naidas–Enriquez also received an award for her past contributions to Dallas.
During the event, the lady lawyers showcased their God-given talents and wowed the audience with their Broadway-like choreography, led by Atty. Devona H. Jumamil.
The group also welcomed the awardees as they walked on the red carpet and received their awards given by Judge Gemma Betonio, Atty. Jennifer Melendez, Atty. Maria Lourdes G. Lanzona-Estrellado, Atty. Dimpna D. Bermejo Dulay, Atty. Suzette Tan, Atty. Fairy Faith B. Rabago-Agustin, Atty. Rovyne Jumao-as, Atty. Mylene Baura, Atty. Angela Librado-Trinidad, and Atty. Irene Lavares-Dango.
The program started with a welcome address by its Board member, Atty. Jocelyn I. Arro-Valencia. It was followed by a valedictory message by past president - Atty. Alma A. Naidas-Enriquez. Acceptance of Dallas President, Atty. Jennifer M. Melendez who highlighted this year's exciting programs followed suit.
Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio was the keynote speaker during the program. She was introduced by past president Judge Loida S. Posadas-Kahulugan.
A lady justice painting which epitomized the purpose and role of Dallas in Davao was handed to Mayor Duterte-Carpio. The painting symbolizes “a justice that is fairest, but fiercest when challenged by the enemies."
The program was emceed by Atty. Marie Dinah Tolentino-Fuentes who made the evening more fun.
Atty. Maria Lourdes G. Lanzona-Estrellado announced the Dallas committees.
The committees and their heads are as follows: Committee on Legal Aid and Incidental Matters (Claim) - Atty. Karen Valen S. De Leon-Padernal and Atty. Joanna Kaye Remolar, Committee on Advocacy (COA) - Atty. Fairy Faith B. Rabago-Agustin and Atty. Suzette Tan-Atmosfera, Committee on Resource and Management (Cram) - Atty. Giselle G. Talion and Atty. Jocelyn I. Arro-Valencia;
Committee on Training, Information & Education (TIE) - Atty. Jennife DP Dumalag-Borong and Atty. Jennifer M. Melendez, and Committee on Membership, Fellowship and Teambuilding Activities (Comfat) - Atty. Maria Lourdes G. Lanzona-Estrellado and Atty. Dimpna D. Bermejo-Dulay.
Dallas also made a painting exhibit with the theme “EJK”- extra judicial craft, featuring the paintings of Judge Virginia “Gie” Hofileña-Europa, Judge Loida S. Posadas-Kahulugan, Judge Norma Calatrava, Fiscal Rizza Mae H. Sam, Fiscal Ritzel Rabor-Polinar, Atty. Dimpna Bermejo-Dulay, Atty. Percy Abian-Fune and Atty. Leilanie Yangyang-Espejo.
Most members of the Dallas EJK are also members of the Bench and Bar Toastmasters Club headed by its president, Atty. Percy Abian-Fune.
During the program, the group also welcomed the new members of Dallas who were inducted by former Dallas President Judge Marivic Trabajo Daray. They are Atty. Malene Jade Brion, Atty. Ruby Ann D. Calizo, Judge Cresenvciana Cruz, Atty. Rizaida M. Diesto, Atty. Janis Louis H. Esparcia, Atty. Aiza D. Fahad, Atty. Kyrie Dea Maia Genolos, Atty. Camille Joy C. Gestuveo, Judge Edilu P. Hayag, Atty. Jedyl Jamaica-Uno, Atty. Marnelli L. Jamison, Atty. Jevonah Jumamil, Atty. Marissa M. Marasigan-Torentera, Atty. Sigrid Kim G. Mier, Judge Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, Atty. Fely M. Morata, Atty. Victoria Flor P. Ogatis, Atty. Kristine Jane Pague, Atty. Joanne Paguidopon, Atty. Amelou Pelonio, Atty. Maria Ilsea W. Salvador, Atty. Luchie G. Sasing, Atty. Rothea A. Simon,
Atty. Raia Angelie A. Tumanda, Atty. Sittie Fahane S. Uy, Atty. Alnessa Thea R. Uy, and Atty. Luchie G. Sasing.
This year's new set of officers who took oath before Judge Eloisa Maglana are: Atty. Jennifer M. Melendez - president, Atty. Maria Lourdes G. Lanzona-Estrellado - vice president, Atty. Fairy Faith B. Rabago-Agustin - secretary, Atty. Karen Valen S. De Leon-Padernal - treasurer, Atty. Dimpna D. Bermejo-Dulay - PRO, Atty. Suzette Tan-Atmosfera - auditor, Atty. Giselle G. Talion, Atty. Jocelyn I. Arro-Valencia, Atty. Jennife DP Dumalag-Borong, Atty. Joanna Kaye Remolar - directors, and Atty. Alma A. Naidas-Enriquez as exofficio board member.
Dallas execom's aims and objectives are: To foster closer relationship among the lady lawyers in Davao City, Davao Oriental, Daval del Norte and Davao Occidental; to uphold and maintain the dignity and nobility of the profession of law, especially by a strict adherence to and compliance with the Lawyer's Oath and the Canons of Professional Ethics; and to enhance the professional growth of the members by conducting seminars, trainings and team buildings.
DALLAS HISTORY
Former Judge Virginia “Gie” Hofileña-Europa said Dallas originated from the idealism and eagerness of two very young lady lawyers, herself and Julieta “Julie” Claudio who had just passed the bar in 1971. They approached the senior lady lawyers and convinced them to form an organization for lady lawyers. Fortunately, they were able to gather some 24 lady lawyers who became the charter members.
Through the incentives of Judge Leonor Sumcad, who gave away prizes for the best name, Davao Lady Lawyers Association or Dallas was chosen as the group's name. Former Development Bank of the Philippines Branch Attorney Lualhati E. Hilario was installed as the Charter president. The inducting officer and Guest of Honor during the Charter Presentation held at the Davao Insular Hotel was Atty. Teresita Dy- Liacco Flores, who was also the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals in Cagayan de Oro City.
Eventually, membership in the Dallas was opened to the lady lawyers in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental. Now, it included Davao Occidental. The roster of members included judges, fiscals, directors of government agencies as well as practicing lawyers. Dallas became the bond that kept the lady lawyer members together.
One of the projects that make Dallas popular was the radio program at dxDC. The late Councilor Freddie Vergara, who had a big following, anchored the DALLAS HOUR every Sunday at 10 a.m. The members led by Judge Mila Nartatez took turns in answering questions from the general public. Most of the questions centered on the rights of women and children.
The association also put up a Free Legal Aid Clinic. Under the tutelages of its many presidents and officers, Dallas carved a niche in Davao's history as a champion for the rights of women and children. Dallas also actively participates in the ABS-CBN radio program, “TRUE CASE”, every Friday from 8 to 10pm.