Trying time of transition

These are times that try men’s souls,” as a familiar poem goes, a thought especially relevant on this historically fateful date, the Ides of March, which for us this year marks a significant time of transition. The Catholic Church is on the brink of inaugurating the reign of new Pope Francis after the recent resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in this season of Lent. Politically, we look forward to the national and local midterm elections in May. It is also a trying time for the nation in the face of the Sabah crisis. And all these in these particularly hot and humid days of cuaresma.

On Sabah, the media have thankfully presented historical research. You will remember my mentioning that in the ‘30s when we were living in Jolo, Sulu, we learned in our geography lessons in school that the Sabah area of Borneo was considered part of the Philippines. Sen. Jovito Salonga, in a speech in 1963 explained the historical background to the Philippine Sabah claim as recalled in the Philippine Daily Inquirer last March 5th and in a column in the paper by Randy David last Sunday. Of course, time and later historical developments have altered some of the facts and perceptions of them.

But also, as I mentioned in my column last March 1st, Jesuit Fr. Joaquin Bernas plainly clarified in a recent PDI column of his, that the sultanate is claiming, basically, “not political sovereignty but proprietory right.” He also said that Malaysia still pays the Sultanate a fee for the land in Sabah. Significantly, before this Sabah situation broke in the news, you will remember that Sultan Kiram was reported to have written the President twice about the situation, but he got a response only when the situation turned serious. It was learned that his letters were “covered” by later papers, for which a Malacañang officer apologized to the President and publicly after citing his “neglectful oversight.” Too late, and now we have this full blown and serious Sabah problem to deal with. Too late to ask “Why was this not attended to sooner?”

And now to return to this month’s significance as Women’s Month with our month-long awareness campaign “I am Woman.” We of Zonta Club of Cebu I and II, together with other women advocate groups in Cebu, came together at Ayala Center last Saturday late afternoon. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Paseo Maria formally opened the photo exhibit of “Iconic Cebuanas who have been epitomes of success and empowerment in their different fields of specialization.” One well presented exhibit was that of Cebu Zonta Club of Cebu I founder, Dr. Suga Sotto Yuvienco.

In the program that followed, we and other various women’s organizations viewed a documentary of these organizations, their thrusts, and accomplishments. The presentation concluded with a performance by Bossa Nova queen Sitti.

For our “Women’s Kapihan” last Saturday, March 9th, at radio station dyLA, the theme was “Women in Governance” with relevance to the 2013 Women’s Month theme, “Kababaihan; Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan.” Our guest was Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado. She is a founding member of the Legal Alternatives for Women Center, Inc. and is also one of the pioneer commissioners of the Cebu Provincial Women’s Commission. So her presence on the program was a homecoming of sorts.

And homecoming it also was for former colleagues in the women’s advocacy in Cebu, who joined our regular panelists of Cebu Women’s Network officers, board, members and other guests to fill the dyLA broadcast studio.

With her long-time involvement in women’s rights and participation in governance, Alegado spoke of her experiencs dealing with these as mayor. After group discussions, she left final and critical decisions to the women; among her citizenry, she now had plenty of women tanods and traffic enforcers, work that was usually and previously handled mostly by men. While there are also instances where women misrepresent or overrepresent their rights, at the end of the day “goodness would always prevail.” University of the Philippines Cebu Professor Rhodora Bucoy added to this that 20 percent of women now comprise the legislature. She said a number of bills now look after women’s concerns such as the Magna Carta of Women, the RH Bill (still currently hotly contested, though), and the Anti-Vience Against Women and Children Act, to name a few.

Lawyer Noemi Truya-Abarientos of the Children’s Legal Bureau said that now that we women have “broken free”, we should select leaders well in the elections. Grace Diaz of the Department of Labor and Employment said barangay women’s groups need to be supported, not only in their livelihood projects, but also in their capability-building for leadership. Beside recognizing their capabilities, UP Cebu guidance specialist Portia Dacalos said competent women should be elected to prime government positions, not just in times of political crises or in “times of need.” CWN auditor Fe Cabatingan pointed out that while there are a lot of good women with potentials, women politicians may also lack resources. CWN member Dr. Lorna Carteciano said some women in government still need to be more positive in attitude.

CWN Board Member Madrileña “Mads” de Cena for her part, suggested that women politicians may start at the barangay level in local women’s councils, and that they need more community support as barangay officials with their good potentials.

Aside from regular CWN panelists, we welcomed back on the show one of our earliest CWN members, lawyer Karin Litz Zerna, now regional director of the Civil Service Commission,, and Director Marivic Gabud, Provincial Director of the CSC.

We concluded a most lively session of Women’s Kapihan, which I host, that women’s issues are all about equality and cognizance of their contribtion to good governance.

After I had finished and edited this column Wednesday, and stayed tuned to EWTN to find out how the cardinals’ conclave voting for the new Pope was turning out, the news break came on an hour or so after midnight. Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected, taking the name Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope. As you read this, details are already being reported on in mass media.

And now, in closing, let us remember in our prayers, the soul of the original Sinulog dancer Estelita “Nang Titang” Diola, that she may rest in God’s peace. She will be laid to rest on Monday, March 18th.

Till next week, then, as always, may God continue to bless us, one and all!