Maza confers Gawad Lingkod Masa in celebration of Int'l Women's Day Centenary

Makabayan-Nacionalista senatorial candidate and Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza commemorates the centenary of International Women's Month on Monday by conferring an award to fifteen individuals and group in a ceremony dubbed as Gawad Lingkod Masa at the Yuchengco Auditorium, Bantayog Memorial Center, Quezon City.

"This is a timely event that celebrates women's struggles and victories in the
past 100 years. It is a salute to the women and men who unselfishly offered their time,
effort, and service for the advancement of the rights and welfare of women and the Filipino masses in the tradition of the century- old struggle for change in the political and economic status of women," Maza said.

Gawad Lingkod Masa awarded 15 women and men from different fields and professions who exemplified nationalist, pro-masses and creative initiatives for the development most especially of poor and marginalized women in Philippine society.

Among them are "King of Talk" Boy Abunda, health care activist Dr. Marita Reyes, women's rights advocate Joy Belmonte, professor and psychologist Dr. Margie Holmes, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples Chair Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, women's rights lawyer Atty. Evalyn Ursua, Human Rights Commission Chair Atty. Leila de Lima, "Women of Achievement" awardee Rosario Mercader, artist Julie Lluch, Pasig City Councilor Corazon Raymundo, barangay officials Sally dela Cruz and Dominic Flores, feminist historian Daphne Roxas, and educator Victoria Fuentes.

The 43 health care workers illegally arrested and detained by the military at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal were also given awards for their valuable contribution to the poor rural communities. ###