Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao celebrates 35 years of service and supports Brigada Eskwela

The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, marked its 35th anniversary on 8 June with a Coral Anniversary celebration held at Villa Blanca Hotel & Restaurant. The commemorative event gathered members and guests to honor more than three decades of advocacy and service for women and girls.

Club President Josefina Sedano opened the program with a message highlighting the club's continued efforts since its founding in 1990. “Today we stand at a significant milestone — not only celebrating three and a half decades of service, advocacy, and empowerment, but also honoring the women who have walked this journey with courage, compassion and unwavering commitment,” she said.

The program featured audiovisual presentations of a prayer, hymn and a retrospective of the club’s accomplishments. Loyalty awards were presented to long-standing members, with brief testimonies from Zontians reflecting on their personal journeys with the club.

Charter member and Past President Edna Canillas Santos, fondly known as “Manang Edna,” shared heartfelt reflections on her 35-year commitment. As the last active founding member, she emphasized that leadership is defined not by titles but by purposeful action and lasting impact.

The evening concluded with a message from Vice President and Master of Ceremony Attorney Mitoy F. Cayosa, followed by dinner, music, games and dancing. Guests dressed in attire with a “Touch of Orange,” symbolizing strength and resilience in line with Zonta’s mission for gender equality.

Just days after the celebration, the Zonta club extended its advocacy through action by joining the nationwide Brigada Eskwela initiative at Linao Elementary School on 11 June. Members cleaned, painted and organized classrooms to help prepare for the school’s reopening. Paint supplies were donated by member Cherrieann Uy.

Club President Sedano reaffirmed the club’s commitment to education and community empowerment, saying, “Our participation in Brigada Eskwela reflects our mission to empower women and girls through service, leadership and advocacy.”