Page 15 - 2017 JAN-JUN - KAAKBAY

January to June
2017 15

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 culturally—sensitive care
Name Medical Center in Bergen engenders an atmosphere of
County, New Jersey recognized inclusion for many Asian-
Philippine Consul General Americans who may be
Theresa Dizon-De Vega as one reluctant to seek health
of the Outstanding Asian treatment or advice.”

Women for 2017. Consul General De

The recognition was Vega affirmed the
conferred on the occasion of the commitment of the Consulate
institution’s “Celebrating Asian General to help promote
Women: Achieving Health, awareness of the program
Wellness and Excellence” event and encourage other
on 01 April 2017. institutions to follow this
model. She acknowledged
The other two honorees are Margaret Lam, CEO of the valuable inputs of Filipino medical practitioners, nurses,
Prosperity Resource International Inc. and founder of the New health workers, and researchers in the program.
Jersey Chinese Festival, and Karen Lee, reporter and Fill-in The event included free medical screenings for the
Anchor for News 12 New Jersey.
public undertaken by volunteer doctors and nurses including
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Kyung Hee Choi, Holy Filipino doctors and members of the Philippine Nurses
Name Medical Center Vice President for Asian Health Services Association-New Jersey Chapter.
stated that the honorees were chosen for their achievements in The St. Mary’s Parish Filipino Line Dance Ministry
their respective professions and their commitment to serving was also on hand to lead line dancing routines for
the public and their communities. She also spoke of the Asian participants in the day-long health fair.
Health program catering to various groups in the Asian-
American community and which is a recognized National Model Other guests included Bergenfield Council
for healthcare. President Filipino-American Arvin Amatorio, council
members from other townships in New Jersey, Chinese-
In accepting the recognition witnessed by nearly 200 American community members, Korean-American
guests, Consul General De Vega congratulated the Asian community members, other Asian-American communities,
Health Services Team and all the volunteers of the program for the Asian American Federation, and the Filipino Seniors
raising awareness of health issues endemic to Asian-American Club of Jersey City. Filipino Medical Program Director
communities. She noted that “the innovations introduced by 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.
Consul General Dizon-De Vega welcomes guests to the book
Commissioner Malalis spoke of the strides made in terms of launch at the Philippine Center .
gender equality and promoting the rights of women.