Representing All the Women, SALUTE!

" Ladies all across the worldListen up, we're looking for recruits
If you with me, lemme see your hands
Stand up and salute
Get your killer heels, sneakers, pumps or lace up your boots
Representing all the women, salute, salute"

The lyrics above was from a British girl band named Little Mix with their song "Salute". The song signifies strong empowerment of women in all sort of ways. I just want to clarify that hating men and feminism is different. People should clearly understand that women have this pursuit for equal opportunities that does not happen to pull down or degrade men; instead, it is to put women and children's right as a forefront priority as well. In other words, I empower women, but I don't degrade others; I don't degrade men and I respect all human beings and their human rights. 

My whole stay in the Women's Resource Center of Visayas, Inc., led me to another world where reality lies. The reality behind every family that could afford and live well, was another family that is prevented to have one. In every household, there is an abused woman, a daughter, children. Health was also an issue due to the absence of proper relocation sites after an act of demolition in some barangays. Some people don't even have a place to relocate. There was no aid in ways such as psychological and social. In ways their best can do, the WRCV has extended help through livelihood projects and of course, to put women and children's rights as their top priority. They have brought us to many far flung places such as in Northern Cebu, and introduced us to women organization leaders for interviews. We were able to observe them, their surroundings and their meetings. Truly, their commitment and perseverance led this NGO into a nonfailing success. 

The WRCV has maximized its capacity despite its limited budget into a more beneficial and significant commitment to projects. Their role was not only within the four corners of their office, but also, outside where they encouraged us to discover and learn. It does not end there; they will continue to help no matter what. They will feel the mud on their feet just to feel the grassroots and never back down.

I don't have a long blog post with pictures in it. I have not taken pictures on some of our most memorable adventures because sometimes, when you enjoy so much you tend to rather vividly observe the beauty and view of people and surroundings; to appreciate the life and the blessings. Our weekly assessment proved that the WRCV staff were also very eager to hear from us of what we've learned. Learning is fun when we enjoy and I have enjoyed so much by learning. The traffic during our field visits may have bothered us, but the consequence of having to serve the people is one great blessing and achievement. I'm hoping to many more of the families that the WRCV could help, that all of us could help. It's never too late because I am one of the women supporters. I empower women and chidren. No one get's left behind. Our rights have the capacity to build us and not destroy us. Under the new administration, we will continue to fight for it alongside the 15 points that we support of. This gradual change and development shall be looked after and more beneficial activities and livelihood will be introduced to change their lives forever. Yes, there is a forever.

With all the hardships from the ship to our few days in Cebu, I shall consider this as our trophy for finishing our internship. It's saddening to have failed to spent summer at homeland, but we have had enough of our adventures and misadventures all-in-all. Thank you my family, to the WRCV staff especially to Maam Sarah for hiring us, thank you to our dear adviser Ms. Claire, to my roommates and polsci batchmates for all the moments of being hungry, the beastmodes, night talks and patience. I was the first to have left the dorm when we were finished, and I honestly hate to have not say goodbye when you were all still asleep. In the end, I know that what matters were the weight of all the things we have learned and not the baggage of stress and memories that killed us there everyday. After all, we're all UP students and were so used to cramming at night and students during the day; now, the lost in Cebu nights are over and we now celebrate our few days of vacation at home. I now feel triumphed and well-rested. I am ready for this coming change. I represent all the women, salute! Thank you God for this wonderful experience. Truly, nothing is impossible with You.