Empower-Her: Zonta International District 17 Area 3 Meeting Kicks Off at Nustar Resort

Cebu City, January 26, 2024 – The Zonta International District 17 Area 3 Meeting began with a vibrant welcome dinner at Nustar Resort, bringing together delegates from 10 Zonta Clubs across Visayas and Mindanao. Hosted by the Zonta Clubs of Cebu 1 and 2, the event is themed “Women + Education + Entrepreneurship + Equitable Access EmpowerHer.”

Area Director Tess Chan opened the evening with welcome remarks and introduced the distinguished guests. Entertainment was provided by the Benedicto Z Club members, who performed a dance, singer Leigh Ramos, and the Micasa Band. Lucky delegates also had the chance to win major and minor raffle prizes.

“We are honored to co-host this year’s D17-Area 3 Meeting,” said the hosts. “We welcome over 160 delegates from clubs in Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tacloban, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Zamboanga, as well as special guests from Metro Manila and Thailand.”

The meeting’s opening ceremonies on January 27 featured a parade of Club Leaders, followed by Vice Area 3 Director Zn. Evelyn D. Clarin conducting the roll call of clubs. Area 3 Director Ma. Teresa B. Chan welcomed delegates, and District 17 Governor Ofelia C. Bautista delivered an inspiring message to the Zontians.

Atty. Myrish Cadapan-Antonio, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Living Heritage Initiative, served as the keynote speaker. She emphasized the importance of the event’s theme, discussing how education, entrepreneurship, and equitable access empower women. Atty. Cadapan-Antonio, who has an extensive background in law and advocacy, also shared actionable strategies for Zontians to empower women in their communities.

WATCH: Zontanians perform the International Unity Dance

Zn. Dr. Vivien Seno briefed delegates on three simultaneous workshops focused on Education, Entrepreneurship, and Equitable Access. The workshops featured distinguished speakers: Atty. Joan S. Largo, Vice President for Administration of the University of San Carlos, for education; Ms. Laurie Boquiren, Marketing and R&D Director of Castilex Industrial Corp. and CEO/Founder of Jamaica Markets Corp., for entrepreneurship; and Atty. Mylen Gonzales-Esquivel, Executive Director at Child Justice League Inc., for equitable access.

Mader Perci Cendaña, former Commissioner of the Philippine National Youth Commission, delivered a motivational message on “Celebrating Differences… Towards a More Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Zonta.” Cendaña, the first openly gay Chairperson of the UP Diliman University Student Council, highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion within the organization. He currently consults for the Quezon City GAD Council and QC Pride Council and is the immediate past president of Babaylanes Inc., an NGO focused on empowering young LGBTs.

The evening concluded with the Zonta International Unity Dance, followed by a Fellowship Dinner where delegates donned colorful Caribbean Calypso Carnival-themed costumes, adding a festive touch to the gathering.

The Zonta International District 17 Area 3 Meeting continues through January 28, fostering collaboration and empowering women through education, entrepreneurship, and equitable access.

WATCH: Zonta International District 17 Area 3 Meeting Event Highlights