A Message from Governor Carmen Araneta Flor

Allow me to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuing solid and staunch support in the pursuit of our Soroptimist mission during the year that passed. Let me thank you for your unqualified and magnanimous support of our fundraiser, the Dream Raffle.

In spite of the economic turmoil gripping the world today, Soroptimists nationwide have continued with dedication and commitment, in their mission to help, to share and to care for marginalized women and girls in their midst, creating for them rare opportunities to "live their dreams".

I would like to make special mention of SI Hope Baguio's very innovative project, "Hub of Hope", a breast milk bank that provides milk to impoverished mothers unable to provide milk for their children. We appreciate SI Metro Cabanatuan's effort to assist the poor by providing scholarships for financially challenged but deserving women and girls. SI Tagum also conducts weekly eye consultations and provide free eyeglasses for women under their "Community Eye Care Program". SI Davao through its efficient network, has succeeded in providing separate prison facilities for women offenders from the Visayas and Mindanao areas in the Davao Penal Colony. SI Antipolo, networking with the Local Government Unit and the Department of Health, has initiated a project on alternative health care, utilizing indigenous herbs/medicines. There are many more outstanding projects SIPR clubs are implementing in their adopted barangays, too many to mention here. I dare say that our clubs have become great teams, propelling engines in deed, for our Soroptimist dreams.

At this time, all clubs would have selected their Women Opportunity Awardees, Violet Richardson Awardees and Making a Difference for Women Awardees, the annual flagship programs of SIA.

Concerned as we are with our own private ventures, it is during times like these when Soroptimist service becomes more meaningful. Through our work, we have given new hope and opened new avenues of opportunity to countless women and girls everywhere. Together, in friendship, let us continue to pursue our mission of improving the lives of women and girls. Congratulations for a job well done. Thank you all!