WFWP Philippines holds 32nd Founding Anniversary and Awarding of GWPN Ambassadors

Written by: WFWP Philippines

On September 27, the Women’s Federation for World Peace-Philippines (WFWP) celebrated its 32nd founding anniversary and hosted the awarding of Global Women Peace Network (GWPN) Ambassadors through a hybrid event themed “Women for Peace, Reaching Our Ambition.”

The memorable gathering took place from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at 32 Samar Avenue, South Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City, with attendance from 120 women leaders across the country.

Notable speakers included Mrs. Moriko Hori, WFWPI President, and Mrs. Anne Bellavance, WFWPI Vice-President, who delivered powerful messages emphasizing the importance of women's involvement in peace initiatives and reconciliation efforts for the GWPN project. Mrs. Bellavance engaged the audience with an activity demonstrating how global peace networking can foster positive communication outcomes.

During the event, nine GWPN ambassadors were recognized for their significant contributions to advancing women's empowerment in their respective fields. The honorees included Dr. Nancy Pascual, Dr. Marites Manalo Rio, Dr. Wilhelmina P. Masinsin, Dr. Fe Esperanza T. Mateo, Mrs. Anunciacion V. Prospero, Mrs. Norhata M. Alonto, Hon. Ma. Eleanor R. Juan, Mrs. Erlinda Saspa Marcelino Naseb, and Hon. Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar.

Former Member of the House of Representatives and former Special Assistant to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Mrs. Annie Andanar, a strong supporter of WFWP, remarked: "Women's empowerment is not just about gender equality. We must partner with men—our husbands, fathers, brothers, and all those committed to the work for peace. Our journey does not end here. As women, as mothers, sisters, and daughters, we cannot afford to say 'I am tired' or 'I am exhausted.' It is always a joy to hold hands with our sisters and friends, and to thrive in our roles as mothers, children, daughters, and sisters. I urge us not to compete but to cooperate and collaborate with one another."

Additional congratulatory remarks were delivered by Honorable Ma. Eleanor R. Juan, Quezon City Councilor; Dr. Nancy Pascual, GWPN ambassador; former WFWP Philippines Presidents Mrs. Minerva de Leon and Mrs. Merly Barlaan; and Mrs. Blessie Dhakal (represented by Ms. Kahee Dhakal), WFWP Nepal President. They expressed their appreciation for WFWP’s efforts to unite women in advocating for peace initiatives.