For Zonta Club Metro Iloilo, 2025 was not just another year of outreach — it became a testament to how sustained advocacy, women-led leadership, and community partnerships can reshape lives. With seven major programs rolled out across Iloilo City and neighboring towns, the club strengthened its mission of empowering women and girls through education, protection, and opportunity.
Club President Happy Abenir said this year marked measurable progress, but also showed how much more can be done. “We continue to strategize ways to deliver our services better so we can achieve the goals we set for our beneficiaries,” she emphasized.
Responsible Nanay: Teaching Skills That Save Lives
Abenir described the Responsible Nanay Program as one of the club’s most practical and foundational initiatives. It equips mothers and caregivers with skills they can use in their daily lives, from first aid to nutrition, livelihood, and home management.
“The program aims to give mothers and caregivers basic knowledge and skills they need to manage their households,” Abenir said. “The highlights are our lectures on basic first aid and home remedies that mothers can use in emergencies at home. When mothers know what they are doing, they are able to save lives especially their loved ones.”
The program also introduces nutrition education and simple, sustainable remedies for childhood illnesses. Alongside this are livelihood sessions that help mothers generate additional income.
One challenge the club encounters is reaching the right beneficiaries. “Our lectures are targeted to specific age groups of mothers,” Abenir explained. “We now partner with different LGU offices so we can meet these groups and expand our reach.”
Despite obstacles, she said the program continues to improve. “We always find ways to deliver our services better. Our goal is not just to teach they must feel equipped.”
Preventing Teenage Pregnancy Through Education
Zonta Metro Iloilo’s Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program focuses on early intervention through school-based lectures. The program addresses the physical, emotional, and social effects of adolescent pregnancy and teaches students how to set boundaries and make informed choices.
“Our target audience ranges from Grade 6 to senior high,” Abenir shared. “We discuss the effects of early pregnancy, the psychological and emotional impact, and when and how to say no to adolescent sexual activity. We highlight self-love and self-care.”
The lectures are delivered by trained professionals within the club, ensuring evidence-based and age-appropriate content. Success is measured through follow-up interviews with school officials and available LGU data.
But Abenir believes more can be done.
“To be more effective, we need stronger partnerships with schools. We need more dialogue with teenagers, to understand their needs and to offer leadership and personality development opportunities.”
VAWC Advocacy: A Global Campaign with Local Reach
Each year, Zonta clubs worldwide mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and Metro Iloilo holds its own series of awareness activities.
“One of the highlights is that this campaign is celebrated by Zonta clubs all over the world,” Abenir said. “By doing so, we send a loud message that we stand united against VAWC.”
This year, the club partnered with Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas and the local government promote safe spaces. Together, they gathered department heads to sign a commitment board ensuring protection for women both in the workplace and in public spaces.
“We also created awareness through social media posts,” Abenir noted, adding that the club addressed online sexual abuse through interviews with experts like Dr. Hallegado.
But their advocacy does not stop with awareness. “We also focus on support and care for victims. Prevention begins with education, which is why we want to reach younger audiences who must know how to identify abuse and where to seek help.”
The Responsible Nanay Program complements VAWC advocacy by helping mothers become informed protectors within their own homes. “We work hand in hand to find solutions, to prevent abuse and give women choices,” Abenir added.
Women’s Shelter and Women Helping Women/
Zonta Metro Iloilo continued its work with persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), offering livelihood training designed to help them earn income and prepare for reintegration.
The club also extended support to the DSWD Girls’ Shelter in Cabatuan under the Zonta Fairy Godmothers Program, where members adopted children’s Christmas wish lists.
“We wanted the children to feel that wishes do come true,” Abenir said. “We value them as individuals.”
Art for a Cause: Fundraising Through Creativity
In partnership with Adoro Gallery, the club launched its first-ever online art sale, featuring paintings and sculptures including works by masters. Proceeds support all club programs.
“The success of this project is also attributed to our partner Adoro Gallery headed by Mr. Edwin Valencia,” Abenir said.
The club also continued its annual tradition of bringing holiday cheer, holding its Gift-Giving Program last December 13 in Barangay Boulevard, Molo.
Ecobrick Hall: A Sustainable Legacy
In a collaboration with St. Therese MTC Colleges and the Municipality of Tigbauan, the club helped build the first Ecobrick Multi-Purpose Hall for the Indigenous Peoples of Barangay Uno. Students made thousands of ecobricks to construct the facility, proof that sustainability and community empowerment can go hand in hand.
Zonta Spirit: Strengthening Bonds Within the Club
Beyond community work, Zonta Metro Iloilo strengthened camaraderie among its members through the Zonta Spiritinitiative, featuring themed meetings, quarterly birthday celebrations, and bonding activities.
“This allows us to celebrate our sisterhood,” Abenir said. “It strengthens our commitment and brings excitement and happiness to our work.”
In a year marked by challenges and change, Zonta Club Metro Iloilo has shown that empowerment begins with education, protection, and community. Through the efforts of all its members, the club continues to widen its reach — one mother, one girl, one community at a time.
