Advancing Zonta's mission through local government partnership in Angeles City

The Zonta Club of Pampanga, Philippines, continues to advance Zonta's mission by conducting a meaningful courtesy visit to Angeles City Mayor Hon. Carmelo "Jon" Lazatin II on 9 September at the Angeles City Mayor's office, City Hall Building, Pulung Maragul, Angeles City. The club was warmly welcomed by the mayor and several members of the City Council, notably Councilor JC Parker Aguas, who has consistently supported initiatives promoting justice and women’s empowerment.

The Zonta club, alongside their partner from the International Justice Mission (IJM), led by Mr. Glenn Edwards, presented key findings identifying Angeles City as one of the areas with high incidence rates of issues affecting women and children. The purpose of the visit was to formally share IJM’s data, and to coordinate a collaborative training session aimed at strengthening the city’s local response mechanisms against Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). They also supported the enforcement of the Safe Spaces Act and the promotion of gender equality.

Representing Zonta Pampanga were Club President Gina Rosario Millan, Vice President Leonor Bais, Board Member Eleanor Naguit, and from Area 1, Vice-Area Director Fritzie Uychiaoco and Area Director Rowena Plan. Together, the club reaffirmed their commitment to being active stakeholders in advocacy efforts and solutions that benefit women and girls in our region.

Through this collaboration with IJM and the local government of Angeles City, Zonta Pampanga continues to stand at the forefront of empowering women, advancing justice and creating safer communities.