On March 9, 2024, the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in Dumaguete City, Philippines, held a Women’s Day celebration in honor of the women of the Caritas 1 and Caritas 2 Housing Villages. The event was held at a beach house in Bacong, where some 120 women, the SFP Sisters, Associates, and other support staff were present.
One of the highlights of the day was a talk on “Effective Parenting” by Phoebe Tan, vice-chair of the Negros Oriental Provincial Commission on Women. It was an engaging interaction between the speaker and the women who participated in the Q&A portion. A wonderful lunch was provided by the SFP Sisters, Associates, and other sponsors who donated three lechons (whole roast pigs). Another highpoint of the event were some games and especially the Best Mama Caritas I and Caritas II beauty pageant. The six contestants showed their best in presenting their talents, answering questions during the Q&A, and parading their gowns and Filipino costumes. The day ended with the hope that the women would take home the learning experiences they gained that day while looking forward to similar activities on women’s empowerment in the future.
Let us speak to some of the women about their experience on March 9:
For me, I was amazed that day. Everybody was blessed. We were very happy and the food was very delicious.
I hope that we can have the Women’s Day celebration again next year as well as other activities for women.
I have an open mind. I learned a lot from the discussion with the speaker. I also learned about how to discipline our children. (Jocelyn Cayas)
I was very happy that day. I have so many things to do at home, and the Women’s Day celebration was a welcome break. (Marilou Flores)
During the Women’s Day celebration, I appreciated all the things that the women from Caritas 1 and Caritas 2 did. The activity gave them the opportunity to show their talent, beauty, and especially their speeches. It was a day filled with happiness. We will never forget that day. (Jeniemar Arnaiz)
SFP Associate Judy Flores Partlow
