Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao

20/11/2025

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17/11/2025

Zonta Clubs Hold Legal Aid Activity for OFWs in Hong Kong

HONG KONG — The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao (ZCCT) and the Zonta Club of Isabela (ZCI), in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), conducted a joint legal aid mission for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the DMW–OWWA OFW Global Center in Admiralty, Hong Kong.

Hong Kong currently hosts around 240,000 Filipino OFWs, over 90% of whom are women, making the activity especially aligned with Zonta’s advocacy for the protection and empowerment of women.

The program opened with welcome messages from OWWA Welfare Officer Marilou M. Sumalinog, Zonta Club of Isabela President Judge Jennifer S. Loveria, and Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao President Josefina T. Sedano.

In her message, Pres. Sedano emphasized that the mission represents compassion, empowerment, and justice, highlighting the collaboration among ZCCT, partner agencies, and the legal community to ensure OFWs understand their rights and have access to critical legal support.

Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong delivered the inspirational message.

A total of 341 participants joined the forum. A number organizers said could have been even higher, but slots had to be limited due to venue constraints. Despite this, audience engagement was exceptionally strong, with attendees raising numerous questions and urging organizers to hold similar sessions regularly so that more OFWs may benefit in the future.

The legal forum featured a panel of speakers tackling key laws affecting migrant Filipino workers. Judge Jennifer S. Loveria discussed the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), while Retired Judge Lornabeth T. Ucol of ZCI lectured on property relations. Atty. Megan R. Aglaua of ZCCT presented the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act (RA 11930).

A significant portion of the forum focused on topics most relevant to OFWs, including employment rights, family relations, and digital safety.

Court of Appeals Associate Justice Raymond Reynold R. Lauigan explained the employment rights of OFWs under Philippine law. Atty. Mila A. Catabay-Lauigan, Zonta District 17 Country Club Creator, discussed marital relations and their implications for migrant workers. Judge Precious Lovely Olivia A. Sales-Jao of ZCI expounded on the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), while Atty. Maria Teresa Alberto Anjelina M. Garcia tackled the Anti-Photo and Voyeurism Act. Atty. Keisha Mariah C. Lauigan of ZCCT concluded the lecture series with a discussion on the law on support, clarifying remedies available to OFWs supporting families back home.

Before the forum, Zonta representatives also met with DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, who expressed support for the initiative and committed to providing lunch for the participants.

The day after the event, District Governor Winnie Wong met with the delegation and discussed the realities of Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong, noting that many Zonta Hong Kong members employ Filipinos in their households. She highlighted the importance of continuous cooperation among Zonta clubs to support women migrant workers.

Support from home also helped make the mission possible. The delegates received modest assistance from the Provincial Governments of Cagayan and Isabela, as well as the City Government of Ilagan, reflecting shared commitment from local government partners to uplift OFWs and strengthen community outreach abroad.

The lectures were followed by an open forum, after which Vice Consul George Mariano A. Soriano delivered the closing remarks. The event concluded with a free legal aid clinic offering confidential, one-on-one consultations with volunteer Filipino lawyers. Ztn. Cheryl M. Beltran served as master of ceremonies.

11/11/2025

ZONTA’S STATEMENT ON THE PROTECTION OF THE SIERRA MADRE MOUNTAINS

We, the Zonta Clubs of Area 4, District 17, Zonta International, declare our commitment to exert efforts for the protection and preservation of the Sierra Madre mountains, recognizing their vital role in sustaining biodiversity, supporting communities, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. In line with the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park Act and the Magna Carta of Women, we uphold the right of every woman to participate fully and equally in environmental stewardship and decision-making.

This vital mountain range serves as a natural barrier against extreme weather events and is a critical watershed, making its preservation a cornerstone of climate justice. The indigenous communities who depend on the Sierra Madre for their livelihood and cultural identity, particularly women who are often the primary managers of natural resources, are disproportionately affected by its degradation. When these ecosystems are threatened by deforestation and destructive projects, it endangers their food security, displaces them from their ancestral lands, and disrupts their way of life.

We acknowledge that women and girls, especially those in vulnerable and indigenous communities, are at the forefront of climate justice, often bearing the brunt of environmental degradation and disaster. Empowering women and ensuring their safety from all forms of gender-based violence are essential to achieving sustainable development and resilient communities. Empowering these women to be leaders in conservation and decision-making is not only just, it is effective. Their traditional knowledge is invaluable for climate resilience. Conversely, the stress and instability created by environmental degradation can exacerbate underlying social issues, contributing to a rise in gender-based violence (GBV) as resources become scarce and communities are displaced.

Therefore, supporting the conservation of the Sierra Madre is a holistic cause. It aligns with the goals of organizations like the Zonta International, which champion women's empowerment through service and advocacy. Protecting this natural sanctuary is also an act of solidarity with the women environmental defenders on the front lines. Standing for the Sierra Madre means standing for climate justice, empowering women leaders, and upholding a world where no one, especially women and girls, lives in fear of violence.

We in Zonta continuously work for advocating for gender equality, the elimination of violence against women, and the advancement of women’s leadership in environmental protection.

LET US, THUS, PROTECT SIERRA MADRE! Together, let us work towards a just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all. Together, we build a better world for women and girls, because a better world for women and girls is a better world!

08/11/2025

This 8 November, we celebrate our 106th Birthday!At Zonta, we are united by the Zonta Spirit—building belonging as we build a better world for women and girl...

03/11/2025

ZCCT CELEBRATES UN DAY AND MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINS AT 13TH GMM

TUGUEGARAO CITY – The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao (ZCCT), under the leadership of President Josefina Sedano, successfully convened its 13th General Membership Meeting (GMM) on 30 October 2025, at the Villa Blanca Hotel.

The meeting, which combined organizational strategy with vibrant fellowship, served to celebrate recent international achievements and plan critical upcoming projects.

The highlight of the session was the victorious return from the 23rd Zonta International District 17 Conference in Hong Kong and Macao (September 24-28, 2025), where ZCCT proudly bagged multiple awards. This international recognition validates the club's impactful service projects and dedicated leadership over the past year.

The GMM agenda focused heavily on service and advocacy for Zonta's mission of empowering women and girls.

On public health, the club reviewed the successful ex*****on of the "Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko" Blood Donation Drive, highlighting ZCCT's commitment to life-saving community efforts.

On its Anti-Violence Campaign, the ZCCT discussed the Guidelines on the Institutionalization and Strengthening of Regional and Local Committees on Anti-Trafficking and VAWC (Violence Against Women and their Children), which were rolled out during the August 26-29, 2025 event. These guidelines will propel ZCCT’s intensified advocacy efforts.

Planning is underway for a Joint Legal Caravan with the Zonta Club of Isabela in Hong Kong on November 16, 2025, aimed at providing vital legal assistance to women in need.

The membership focused on planning for the forthcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, detailing activities designed to raise public awareness and drive local action against VAWC.

The meeting also featured comprehensive committee reports from the Z Club/Golden Z Club, Membership, Service, Advocacy, and Environment committees, ensuring a cohesive effort across all platforms. ZCCT also reviewed its current financial status and discussed other important announcements necessary for the smooth operation of the club.

A Celebration of Sisterhood

In a unique demonstration of global solidarity, the Zontians celebrated United Nations Day during the fellowship portion of the meeting by attending in UN-themed costumes. This fun-filled segment reinforced the spirit of sisterhood and the global reach of Zonta’s mission, providing a perfect balance to the strategic discussions.

ZCCT looks forward to building on its recent international success by executing its robust slate of upcoming service and advocacy projects in the future.

13/10/2025

🏅The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, continues to its steadfast advocacy, collecting 313 bags of blood through its “Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko” donation drive, earning multiple awards at the District 17 Conference and advancing education and equality across Northern Philippines.

Read more about the club's commitment to building a better world for women and girls here: https://bit.ly/4h7aDNQ

Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao

12/10/2025

ZCCT, MTWD, AND TCDC PLANT 500 TREES TO COMBAT CLIMATE-RELATED RISK TO WOMEN AND GIRLS

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines - The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao (ZCCT), in partnership with Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District (MTWD) and Tuguegarao City – Cagayan Dental Chapter (TCDC), conducted a successful tree growing activity on 11 October 2025, at the Zonta Forest and Garden, San Roque Watershed, Peñablanca, Cagayan.

An award-winning "Zonta Says Now" project recognized during the District 17 Conference in Macao, the “Zonta Forest and Garden: The Road to 13K Trees” project was conceived in response to the severe flooding in Tuguegarao City caused by Typhoon Ulysses in 2020. Situated in San Roque, Peñablanca, Cagayan, the Zonta Forest and Garden is part of a 5-hectare watershed that serves as the primary water source for the communities of Peñablanca and Tuguegarao City, which have populations of 50,856 and 167,297, respectively.

This continuing initiative is a practical embodiment of Zonta International’s mission to fight gender-based violence (GBV) through climate justice. Zonta International asserts that climate justice is intrinsically linked to GBV, as climate-related disasters and environmental degradation severely increase the vulnerability of women and girls to violence and abuse through displacement, economic stress, and compounded safety and health risks.

To underscore this urgency, Zonta International views that women and girls are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. Women and girls around the world displaced by climate change often lose their security, livelihoods, and protection against violence in the aftermath of a disaster.

Led by ZCCT’s Environment Committee Chair, Ztn. Cheyenne Tang, the activity was made possible through the active participation of the members of ZCCT, TCDC partners, and guests who collaborated to plant 500 seedlings, all under the leadership of President Josefina Sedano.

The ZCCT believes that every seedling planted today is a seed for security tomorrow. By helping to stabilize this watershed and mitigate environmental damage, the club is taking a necessary step to protect our community members from the instability that often fuels violence against women and girls.

The long-term impact of this tree-growing activity will directly benefit women and girls near the watershed area by restoring and protecting the local environment. This will reduce the risk of climate-related disasters, prevent displacement, and lessen the economic stress on families—all critical actions that support the welfare, safety, and empowerment of women and girls in the area by tackling the root causes of their vulnerability.

As of report date, the ZCCT has already planted 3,200 seedlings out of the 5,000 trees target for the year.

09/10/2025

Thank you for the feature, Zonta International.🥰

4️⃣ Area 4 Zontians shone at the 23rd Zonta International District 17 Conference in Macao and Hong Kong, earning top honors for service, advocacy and leadership. The clubs in the district continue to set the standard for excellence and empowerment.

🔗 Read more about the conference, with District 17 Zontians rallying under the theme “We Care" here: https://bit.ly/3KyY9lX

01/10/2025

Country Club Creator Atty. Mila Catabay-Lauigan Spotlights Club Creation and Gender Equality in Education at Zonta International District 17 Conference

MACAO, September 27, 2025 — Two major presentations at the 23rd Zonta International District 17 Conference in Hong Kong and Macao highlighted the organization’s twin priorities: expanding Zonta’s reach through new clubs and breaking barriers to education for rural girls.

Past Area 4 Director and Country Club Creator Atty. Mila Catabay-Lauigan, who also serves as Chair of the Sponsoring, Organizing and Mentoring (SOM) Committee and Membership Committee of the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, delivered two papers before delegates: “The Process of Creating New Clubs” and “Gender Issues on Education in Rural Areas: Creating Pathways and Opportunities.”

In her first presentation, Country Club Creator Catabay-Lauigan walked delegates through the step-by-step process of chartering new clubs, from securing the decision of a sponsoring club and forming a SOM (Sponsoring, Organizing, and Mentoring) Committee, to identifying prospective members, documentation, and holding a charter ceremony.

She reported the successful creation of new clubs across District 17 in the past biennium, including the Zonta Club of Northern Cagayan & Apayao, chartered on August 9, 2025 with the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao as sponsoring club, and the Zonta E-Club of Metro Laguna & Environs, chartered on September 15, 2025. Several other clubs are now in formation, such as Tabuk/Kalinga, Candon, and Vigan, as well as new prospects in Occidental Mindoro, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Romblon, and Batanes.

“Creating new clubs is about extending the mission of Zonta to more communities, especially in underserved areas, where women and girls can benefit from our advocacy and service,” she said.

In her second presentation, she turned the spotlight on persistent barriers to girls’ education in rural areas. Drawing from statistics and field experiences, she described how poverty, cultural norms, lack of school facilities, and long travel distances continue to keep many rural girls out of school.

She noted that in some communities, girls are still expected to abandon their studies to marry early or take on domestic responsibilities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and disempowerment.

The paper proposed a multi-pronged strategy: scholarships and financial aid, building local schools and dormitories, transportation solutions, flexible learning options, gender-sensitivity training for teachers, and community engagement to shift mindsets. Catabay-Lauigan also showcased Zonta initiatives such as the construction of a girls’ dorm in Peñablanca, Cagayan, which has provided safe housing for rural students for nearly a decade.

“Championing girls’ education is not just a matter of fairness — it is a key strategy for achieving sustainable development across the nation,” she emphasized.

Both presentations underscored Zonta International’s biennium theme of “Building a Better World for Women and Girls.” By creating new clubs and expanding access to education, District 17 leaders highlighted the ways Zontians can multiply their impact across Asia.

01/10/2025

Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao Wins Gold at the District 17 Conference

MACAO, September 30, 2025 — The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao (ZCCT), led by Club President Josefina T. Sedano, emerged as one of the most awarded clubs at the 23rd Zonta International District 17 Conference held on September 24–28, 2025 in Hong Kong and Macao.

With the theme “We Care,” the biennial conference gathered hundreds of delegates from six countries in Asia, showcasing the collective achievements of Zonta clubs in advancing gender equality, women’s leadership, and community service.

ZCCT distinguished itself with a remarkable performance, particularly in the Area level under the Outstanding Club category. It was awarded the prestigious Gold Award, recognizing its exceptional service, advocacy, and membership development efforts.

In the district level, among 91 clubs in District 17, ZCCT was among the top awardees of the following:
* Outstanding Service Award (Merit)
* Outstanding Zonta Says NOW Project (Merit)

The club was also recognized for having successfully organized the Zonta Club of Northern Cagayan and Apayao. The initiative was spearheaded by Country Club Creator Mila Catabay-Lauigan, who also chairs ZCCT’s Sponsoring, Organizing and Mentoring (SOM) Committee and Membership Committee.

The conference also recognized Zontians who have dedicated decades of service. Among those honored in the 25–30 years bracket were ZCCT’s very own:
* Country Club Creator Mila Catabay-Lauigan
* Past President Raquel Sumabat Arnedo
* Past Area Director Susan Carag
* Past President Ma. Socorro Sabban
* Past President Edna Santos
* Past President Marietta Reyes

Their steadfast commitment and leadership continue to inspire the next generation of Zontians in Tuguegarao and beyond.

In honor of zisters who have passed on, like ZCCT Past President Florentina Ancheta and Treasurer Laura Utleg, flowers and prayers were offered for them during the Memorial Service.

Under President Josefina T. Sedano’s leadership, ZCCT has consistently advanced Zonta International’s mission to build a better world for women and girls. The club’s service and advocacy initiatives, particularly in education, women’s empowerment, and climate action, were highlighted during the conference as models of sustainability and collaboration.

The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao delegation joined fellow Area 4 clubs in celebrating numerous achievements, under the leadership of Area Director Racquel C. Reyes-Aglaua. ZCCT’s multiple honors positioned it as one of the most decorated clubs of the conference, setting a benchmark for service and advocacy in the district.

The conference, held at the Galaxy International Convention Centre in Macao, featured keynote addresses by Zonta International President Salla Tuominen and Dr. Rosanna Wong, DBE, JP, alongside business sessions, elections, and workshops on education equality, climate justice, and women in decision-making.

As the Zonta community looks ahead to the Zonta International Convention in Vancouver, Canada, in July 2026, ZCCT stands as a beacon of excellence, service, and advocacy, carrying forward the spirit of empowerment for women and girls in Northern Philippines.

20/09/2025

ZCCT AND PARTNERS COLLECT 313 BAGS OF BLOOD TO SUPPORT WOMEN AND GIRLS

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan - With the theme, “Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko”, the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao (ZCCT), in partnership with Cagayan State University (CSU) – Carig Campus and the Philippine Red Cross, hosted a successful blood donation drive on 18 September 2025, held at the CSU Conference Hall, underscoring the profound impact of blood donation on saving lives within the community.

The drive was an integral part of ZCCT’s ongoing mission to advance the status of women and girls, directly supporting Zonta International’s global "Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women" campaign. The donated blood will serve as a critical resource for local medical facilities, particularly for women and girls who may require urgent medical care, including blood transfusions, as a result of violence or other health emergencies.

The event, led by Zontians Sugar Macarilay and Dang Fortuno of ZCCT’s Service Committee, saw an impressive turnout of students, faculty, and staff from the university. Their collective efforts, along with the expert technical support from the Philippine Red Cross, resulted in the collection of 313 bags of blood. Following their donation, participants were given a warm bowl of chicken arrozcaldo with egg, a Filipino comfort food rich in nutrients and protein, to help them quickly regain their strength.

“The theme ‘Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko’ perfectly captures the spirit of our donors and our mission,” said Past President Racquel Sumabat-Arnedo, who heads the Service Committee. “Every bag of blood represents a chance for life, and we are grateful to our partners and every single donor for their selfless contribution.”

This successful drive is a testament to the community’s commitment to Zonta’s mission and its collaborative spirit in addressing critical health needs.