Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
The University caps off the National Women’s Month Celebration through a Panel Discussion featuring five women leaders anchored on the theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future” held at the University Convention Center on March 27, 2023.
These successful women came from different sectors of society: Dr. Reggie Y. Dela Cruz from the academe; Ms. Alma L. Evangelista from finance; Congresswoman Laarni L. Roque from governance; Georgia H. Perrine from a Non-Government Organization; and Ms. Carmen C. Yap from the business sector.
These five female leaders discussed their views on gender equality in their expertise and shared their leadership experiences. Dr. Joy M. Jamago moderated the panel discussion.
On Gender Equality
Dr. Regie Y. Dela Cruz, a professor in the Biology Department, expressed her thoughts on gender equality by saying, “Nothing can defeat a woman whose strength and wisdom are from God, but I tell you, it’s not just for women; it’s for men as well and for all others.”
Also, the Assistant Vice President of the Land Bank of the Philippines, Ms. Alma L. Evangelista, shared her view on gender equality in her office, saying, “The gender equality that I have imposed is that everybody has a chance to be promoted, regardless of gender.” She pointed out that those with the skills and the potential to lead the organization shall be allowed to get promoted despite their gender.
Congresswoman Laarni L. Roque, as a politician, believed people had chosen her for the position and that her gender did not pose a barrier to leadership. “It’s more about how the people would trust more women to represent their district and be heard in the legislative house of the representative,” she said.
Moreover, Ms. Georgia H. Perrine, Executive Director of the Hineleban Foundation, shared how she promoted gender equality within her team and said that the foundation encouraged open communication and compassion to understand the difficulties and hardships of every single person, whatever their identity is, in the workplace.
“And from that communication, we try to implement systemic changes inside the workplace that can allow for the sustainability of gender equality,” she added.
Further, the NVM Mall proprietor and the Valencia City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association president, Ms. Carmen C. Yap, emphasized the need for male and female workers in a particular division of her company. “Actually, as I said, we have 55% men because of the kind of business we are having,” she added.
On Leadership
Dr. Dela Cruz emphasized that a successful leader must start by being empowered before others. “I tell you, to be a successful leader, you have to be a successful person first; you have to be an empowered leader first,” she asserted.
Ms. Evangelista also discussed her successful leadership experience over many years, stating, “For me, as a leader, you have to lead by example.” She was grateful as a consultant and shared the successful careers of her employees.
In her position as a representative, Cong. Roque believed leadership would be more equated with service rather than just power. “To be able to lead someone would be to serve them,” she affirmed.
As a young person, Ms. Perrine genuinely believed in and relied on teamwork to move forward as a leader: “Leadership is really not about you; it’s about the team you are working with.”
Lastly, Ms. Yap shared her leadership experience in managing a business. “When I became a businesswoman, I learned about leadership; it’s about influencing people,” she said.
She also inspired the listeners by saying, “…to be successful in the future, you have to do more of what you have learned in your workplace,” says Ms. Yap.
The Women’s Month Culmination was spearheaded by the University Center for Gender and Development and attended by the CMU faculty, staff, and students. [MJDBravo & IyrenNeri]
