Page 15 - 2017 KA'AKBAY January-June

15January to June
2017

Consul General Dizon-De Vega Recognized as Asian Woman Achiever in New Jersey

The Asian Health the program such as more
Services Program of the Holy
Name Medical Center in Bergen culturally—sensitive care
County, New Jersey recognized
Philippine Consul General engenders an atmosphere of
Theresa Dizon-De Vega as one
of the Outstanding Asian inclusion for many Asian-
Women for 2017.
Americans who may be
The recognition was
conferred on the occasion of the reluctant to seek health
institution’s “Celebrating Asian
Women: Achieving Health, treatment or advice.”
Wellness and Excellence” event
on 01 April 2017. Consul General De

The other two honorees are Margaret Lam, CEO of Vega affirmed the
Prosperity Resource International Inc. and founder of the New
Jersey Chinese Festival, and Karen Lee, reporter and Fill-in commitment of the Consulate
Anchor for News 12 New Jersey.
General to help promote
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Kyung Hee Choi, Holy
Name Medical Center Vice President for Asian Health Services awareness of the program
stated that the honorees were chosen for their achievements in
their respective professions and their commitment to serving and encourage other
the public and their communities. She also spoke of the Asian
Health program catering to various groups in the Asian- institutions to follow this
American community and which is a recognized National Model
for healthcare. model. She acknowledged

In accepting the recognition witnessed by nearly 200 the valuable inputs of Filipino medical practitioners, nurses,
guests, Consul General De Vega congratulated the Asian
Health Services Team and all the volunteers of the program for health workers, and researchers in the program.
raising awareness of health issues endemic to Asian-American
communities. She noted that “the innovations introduced by The event included free medical screenings for the
public undertaken by volunteer doctors and nurses including
Filipino doctors and members of the Philippine Nurses
Association-New Jersey Chapter.

The St. Mary’s Parish Filipino Line Dance Ministry
was also on hand to lead line dancing routines for
participants in the day-long health fair.

Other guests included Bergenfield Council
President Filipino-American Arvin Amatorio, council
members from other townships in New Jersey, Chinese-
American community members, Korean-American
community members, other Asian-American communities,
the Asian American Federation, and the Filipino Seniors
Club of Jersey City. Filipino Medical Program Director
Veronica Lavarro was likewise on hand at the event.

Book on Filipina Leadership Launched in New York

“DIS-RUPT 2.0” the second volume of a book series on leadership by Filipinas published by the
Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) was launched at the Philippine Center in New York on 28 March 2017.

Undertaken in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in New York as part of activities
commemorating International Women’s Month, the launch featured a Keynote Speech by New York City
Commissioner for Human Rights Carmelyn Malalis, one of two Filipino-American senior government officials in
the city government.

In welcoming all the guests at the event, Consul
General Theresa Dizon- De Vega spoke of the need to keep conversations
going among women, men, policy-makers, and other sectors because
issues which affect the lives of women continue to persist. Among the
issues she mentioned violence against women, domestic violence, lack of
economic opportunities, human trafficking, equal pay for equal work, and
representation.

FWN Founder and CEO Marilyn Mondejar spoke of the early years

and impetus behind the establishment of the Network which is now present

in 20 countries. She shared the need to rally for greater representation for

Filipino women and building connections among global Filipinas.

Commissioner Malalis spoke of the strides made in terms of Consul General Dizon-De Vega welcomes guests to the book
gender equality and promoting the rights of women. launch at the Philippine Center .