Zonta Club of Iloilo City 1, Inc.

10/07/2025

Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. Supports Fun Run Event to Benefit Child Laborers

The Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. proudly supported the recent Fun Run event scheduled last June 21, 2025. The exciting event aimed to raise funds for school supplies for 500 child laborers in our community.

Child labor is a pressing issue in our society, depriving children of their right to education and a childhood. By providing school supplies to these young individuals, we are giving them a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.

We are thrilled to collaborate with esteemed partners who shared our vision for a better future for our children. Our partners included: the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Iloilo City Government, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation and the National Council Against Child Labor

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these child laborers and give them the gift of education.

The run for a cause surely created a positive impact in our community! Lets continue to
work together to create a brighter future for our children and make a difference!

09/07/2025

Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. Supports Tilipunan Daycare Center's Grand Opening

Last July 2, 2025, the Tilipunan Daycare Center officially welcomed its students and faculty with a grand opening ceremony. The Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. was honored to participate in this momentous occasion, solidifying their commitment to empowering young minds and supporting the community.

A total of 28 young learners were present during the event, eager to start their educational journey. In line with this, the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. generously donated a wide array of essential items to ensure the daycare center's smooth operation.

The donated items included Cleaning Supplies, Educational materials, Recreational items like used toys, Snacks like Kiddie meals with toys and Health and safety items like electric burner, off lotion with flyers for dengue prevention, and umbrellas.

Through this initiative, the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. demonstrated its dedication to providing quality education and promoting the well-being of the community's youth. The Tilipunan Daycare Center's grand opening marks the beginning of a promising academic year, made possible by the support of the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc.

15/06/2025

Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. Celebrated Milestones and Welcomes New Member

The Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. recently held its General Membership Meeting (GMM) on June 14, 2025, at Rustica Rest, Commission Civil, Jaro. The meeting was filled with excitement and joy as the club welcomed a new member and celebrated birthdays.

Zn Marilou Exmundo was formally inducted into the club, expanding the Zonta family in Iloilo City. The club warmly welcomed her, looking forward to her contributions and active participation.

The club also celebrated the birthdays of three members Zn Virma Apostol, Zn Rose Elizabeth Mancilla and Zn Marilou Exmundo. They were showered with love and appreciation for another year of life. Interestingly, Zn Marilou's birthday celebration coincided with her installation as a new member, making it a double celebration for her.

The meeting covered various topics, including:
• Zonta Convention in Macau: Discussions on the upcoming convention and early bird registration.
• DOLE Fun Run: Participation in the fun run on June 21, 2025.
• Daycare Class Opening: The club's daycare class opening on June 23, 2025.
• Future Advocacy Projects and Fundraising: Members deliberated on potential future projects and fundraising initiatives.
• Jane Klausman Scholarship Application: The club discussed the application process for the Jane Klausman Scholarship for business.

The Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. continues to thrive, empowering women and girls through its service projects and advocacy initiatives. With its commitment to "share with others and serve with love," the club remains a force for good in the community.

28/05/2025

On May 24, 2025, the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. warmly welcomed their sister club, Zonta Club of Bacolod, to the City of Love, Iloilo City. The Iloilo City tour was a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy, showcasing the best of what Iloilo has to offer.

The tour kicked off with visits to iconic museums and old churches, highlighting the city's rich heritage and architectural landmarks. The sisters explored the city's most popular tourist spots, immersing themselves in the local culture and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.

The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the food tasting experience at Punot Restaurant, a renowned Ilonggo Food establishment. The sisters indulged in a delightful array of local delicacies, savoring the unique flavors and specialties of Iloilo.

This sisterly visit strengthened the bond between the two Zonta clubs, fostering camaraderie and friendship. The tour was a resounding success, leaving lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the City of Love's warm hospitality. The Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. looks forward to reciprocating the visit and continuing to nurture their sisterhood with the Zonta Club of Bacolod.

27/05/2025

On May 24, 2025, at 2:00 pm, the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. warmly welcomed four new members to their esteemed organization during an induction ceremony held at the picturesque Sta. Monica Hotel, University of San Agustin.

The new members inducted into the club were Zn Rhodelyn Almeñana, Zn Lordei Apistar, Zn Maria Felisa Avila, and Zn Kristin Tracy Schaeffter. The induction ceremony was officiated by PAD Teresita Apistar, who brought the new members into the fold with dignity and warmth.

Following the induction, the new members were showered with tokens of appreciation and symbols of their new membership. Each was presented with a beautiful yellow rose, a certificate of membership, and a Zonta pin. These gestures not only marked their formal entry into the club but also signified the organization's commitment to empowering women and advancing their status in society.

The induction ceremony was a celebration of the new members' commitment to the Zonta Club's mission and values. It was a momentous occasion that strengthened the bonds within the club and paved the way for the new members to contribute their skills, talents, and passion to the organization's endeavors. The Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. looks forward to the valuable contributions of its new members during the Biennium 2024-2026.

24/04/2025

The partnership with the Iloilo City Government of the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. and the Blooms: Bulak Sang Pag-uswag project is exciting. With the project's vision of a blooming Iloilo City and green urban spaces, the collaboration could focus on enhancing green spaces and promoting urban gardening initiatives and supporting eco-friendly practices and reducing waste in Iloilo City.

The Zonta Club's involvement could bring a unique perspective and expertise to the project, particularly in areas such as women's empowerment and community development. By working together, the partners can create a more vibrant and sustainable urban environment for the people of Iloilo City.

BLOOMS: A FLOURISHING INITIATIVE FOR A BRIGHTER ILOILO CITY

I am filled with both pride and profound gratitude as I speak on the transformative power of our latest green initiative, the Iloilo Blooms: Bulak sa Pag-Uswag. Launched last July 8, 2024, this endeavor stands as a living testament to what we, as a community, can achieve when we work together in the spirit of stewardship, sustainability, and shared progress. It is more than just a beautification program; it is a movement that speaks to the very heart of our identity as Ilonggos—resilient, nurturing, and always forward-looking.

This project envisions a blooming Iloilo City, inspired by the green urban spaces of Singapore, and seeks to plant 100,000 endemic flowering plants and trees across all eight districts of the city. With every bougainvillea, yellow bell, gumamela, golden ficus, and Fukien tea tree planted, we are not only beautifying our surroundings but also cultivating an environment that inspires joy, peace, and pride among our constituents, especially those in the grassroots communities where greenery has long been a luxury. By assigning specific flowering trees to each district, from Kalachuchi in Arevalo to Banaba in Molo, we are breathing new life into our shared spaces and honoring the diversity and character of every locality.

The heartwarming participation of civic groups, business sectors, and everyday citizens who have donated plants, seedlings, gardening tools, and their precious time reflects the deep sense of unity that runs through our city. Community members are not just spectators but active contributors, demonstrating that public service and urban renewal are most meaningful when everyone has a stake in the vision. The establishment of collection zones in various plazas ensures that every Ilonggo, regardless of means, has a chance to take part in this shared greening of our home.

This initiative is made possible through the collective leadership of our technical working group, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the General Services Office. I extend my sincerest gratitude to our partner organizations, the Garden Club of Iloilo, Zonta Club of Iloilo City I, and JCI Ilang-Ilang, whose unwavering dedication and support have been instrumental. I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my beloved wife, Rosalie, who has passionately championed this project and whose quiet leadership continues to inspire not only myself but countless others. We are likewise guided by the expertise of Shirley Sanders of Gardens by Sanders, Inc., whose technical consultancy has ensured that Bulak sa Pag-Uswag adheres to world-class urban landscaping and environmental planning standards.

Beyond its visual charm, this initiative aligns with global sustainability goals and reflects our administration’s commitment to creating an ecologically balanced, livable, and inclusive city. It directly benefits the most vulnerable sectors, those whose communities are most at risk from the effects of urban congestion and environmental degradation, by restoring dignity to their surroundings and making beauty, greenery, and clean air accessible to all.

Bulak sa Pag-Uswag is not merely about planting flowers. It is about planting hope, nurturing a future where nature and progress coexist, and cultivating the city our children deserve to inherit. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our promise to serve not just with competence, but with compassion and vision.
As we continue to nurture these plants, may we also nurture our collective dreams. Kasubong sang bulak nga naga buskag, ang paguswag sang Ciudad padayon man nga maga pangalagad.

22/04/2025

11/04/2025

The Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. recently participated in the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program Forum and Consultation held on April 7, 2025, at the DOLE Field Office. As a partner agency, Zonta collaborated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to address key issues related to child labor in the region .

The forum covered updates on existing programs and initiatives aimed at preventing and eliminating child labor. Discussions focused on strategies for promoting gainful employment opportunities and protecting workers' welfare, particularly in industries prone to child labor.
The consultation explored ways to engage local communities in preventing and eliminating child labor.

DOLE has been actively working to prevent and eliminate child labor across the country through massive profiling and provision of assistance to child laborers and their parents. In 2018, DOLE tapped the Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiaries as enumerators to identify children who will be withdrawn from child labor .

As a partner agency, the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. brings its expertise and experience in promoting women's empowerment and community development to the table. The club's participation in the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program Forum and Consultation underscores its commitment to addressing labor issues affecting women and children in the community.

11/04/2025

The Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. recently held its General Membership Meeting on April 3, 2025 marking a significant occasion with the induction of a new member, Brenda Mae Briddon. This event not only welcomed Ms. Briddon into the Zonta family but also provided an opportunity for prospective members to engage with the club.

Ms. Brenda Mae Briddon, Founder and CEO of BMB International Recruitment Agency, was formally inducted as a new member of Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. Her extensive experience in healthcare and recruitment will undoubtedly enrich the club's initiatives and projects.

The meeting also included a meet and greet session with prospective members, Maria Felisa Avila, Marilou Edmundo, Rhodelyn Almeñana and Lodie Ledesma.

This session allowed the prospective members to learn more about the club's mission, values, and activities, and to network with existing members.

The Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. is a service organization dedicated to empowering women and promoting community development. The club's members are committed to making a positive impact in the community through various projects and initiatives.

09/04/2025

Empowering Women and LGBTQ Employees: A Pampering Session and Health Initiative

In celebration of Women's Month, the GAD Office of the Iloilo City Government, in partnership with the Technical Institute of Iloilo City, the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc., and the Diabetics Club, organized a special event for its women and LGBTQ employees on March 27, 2025 from 8:00am-5:00pm at the City Hall Penthouse.

Pampering Services included Free Haircut, Massage Therapy, Manicure and Pedicure. Health services were Free Complimentary Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Capillary Blood Glucose (CBG) tests to promote health awareness and early detection, in collaboration with the Diabetics Club. There were also free milk and tea sampling.

Objectives of the event is to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of women and LGBTQ employees, to promote relaxation and stress relief, and encourage health awareness and early detection

This initiative demonstrates the Iloilo City Government's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. By providing pampering services and health initiatives, the government shows appreciation for its women and LGBTQ employees and promotes their overall well-being.

09/04/2025

Empowering Indigent Women through Livelihood Skills Training

In celebration of Women's Month, the Culinary Arts Students of the Technical Institute of Iloilo City, in partnership with the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc., organized a livelihood skills training program for indigent women in the community. The event took place on March 27, 2025, at the Tlipunan Community Center.

The objective of the training is to equip indigent women with essential culinary skills and knowledge, to promote entrepreneurship and economic empowerment and to foster community engagement and social responsibility

The trainees were taught hands-on instruction on basic cooking techniques, food preparation, and presentation on various meat preservation like embotido, tocino, pancit molo balls, siomai and lumpia shanghai.

The partnership between the Culinary Arts Students of the Technical Institute of Iloilo City and the Zonta Club of Iloilo City, Inc. demonstrates a shared commitment to empowering women and promoting community development. The Zonta Club's support and resources were instrumental in making this initiative a success.

This livelihood skills training program is a testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement. By investing in the skills and well-being of indigent women, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society.

08/04/2025

In an effort to improve the quality of life for indigent senior citizens in our community, a multi-disciplinary medical, dental, and optical mission was organized. The activity was held on March 22, 2025 by the CSCJ Alumni Association, Inc, the Daughters of Charity Sisters, Social Workers, CSCJ Golden Z Club of Zonta 1 and the Zonta Club of Iloilo City 1, Inc. in coordination with the DOH and Iloilo Mission Hospital. The initiative aimed to provide essential healthcare services, promote health awareness, and foster a sense of community among our elderly neighbors.

A team of volunteer healthcare professionals offered free medical consultations, health screenings, and treatments. Vital signs were taken, and medical histories were recorded to ensure comprehensive care. Dental care was provided, including oral health assessments, extractions, and other necessary treatments. Dental hygiene education and preventive care were also emphasized. Free eye examinations, glasses, and other necessary optical aids were provided to those in need.

The mission served over 50 indigent senior citizens, many of whom had been struggling to access basic healthcare services due to financial constraints. The initiative not only improved their physical health but also boosted their mental well-being and sense of dignity.

The mission was made possible through the collaboration of local healthcare providers, community organizations, and volunteers. The event fostered a sense of community and encouraged intergenerational connections among participants.

Building on the success of this mission, organizers plan to expand services and increase outreach efforts to reach more indigent senior citizens in the community. By providing essential healthcare services and promoting health awareness, we can work towards creating a healthier, more compassionate community for all.