Zonta Club of Makati and Environs holds installation celebration

On 26 July, the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Philippines, installed its club officers, board and member of the nominating committee at the Dusit Hotel. Not only was the event well attended with 47 club members, but 29 guests attended via Zoom. The guests included past and current district leaders such as Governor Ofelia "Lia" Bautista and past international board members and officers. Out of consideration, all attendees took a COVID-19 antigen test in the pre-function area of the ballroom.

During the installation, the club launched its Golden Book, a book that highlights the club's activities since its chartering in 1971. The book is a valuable memento of the club's history, activities and accomplishments.

Outgoing president Vivian T. Uy turned over the club's leadership to Alice T. Guerrero, who has been with the club since 1973. Vivian and Alice exchanged floral bouquets after Lia presented the gavel and president's pin to Alice. 

In her valedictory address, Vivian enumerated the projects the club was able to undertake despite the constraints of the pandemic. 

"We recognized a crisis and in it identified avenues of opportunity to be of service," Vivian said. "Moreover, the club raised funds to assist victims of natural disasters, to rehabilitate and rebuild in typhoon- stricken areas in Bicol, Cagayan and Negros."

Vivian also took the opportunity to recognize and honor, through presidential awards, several exemplary members without whom the club could not have done as much during the past two years.

In her acceptance speech, Alice acknowledged Vivian's effective club leadership and many accomplishments during the pandemic. She presented Vivian with a Presidential Award for Leadership for "contributing to the empowerment of women and girls in furtherance of the goals of Zonta International." 

To cap her speech, president Alice said she hoped to inspire members to keep on helping others: "We come for a common cause—to help women and girls whose lives have been sidelined by circumstances."