District 17 Area 5 Biennium 2024-2026

24/03/2026

See you on March 26!

23/03/2026

WHEN GRATITUDE GOES BOTH WAYS.

Zonta Club of Metro Ortigas is proud of one of the Club’s Nursing Scholars as she topped 9th in the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination in 2025 and graduated Cum Laude.

Attached is her letter to Zonta:

Dear Zonta Club of Metro Ortigas,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Krizia Nicole P. Racal, one of the scholarship recipients of Zonta Club of Metro Ortigas from UP College of Nursing Batch 2025.

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the financial support you have generously provided me through your scholarship program. Your assistance has allowed me to pursue my studies with peace of mind, free from the constant worry of financial constraints. More importantly, it has greatly alleviated the burden on my parents, especially as the eldest daughter in a family with three younger siblings. Because of your kindness, I was able to focus on my education and strive for excellence.

I am proud to share with you some of the milestones I have achieved, which would not have been possible without your support. I graduated from the UP College of Nursing ranked 9th out of 69 graduates and was honored to receive the distinction of Cum Laude. Additionally, I placed Top 9 in the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination. These accomplishments are as much yours as they are mine, as your generosity played a vital role in helping me reach these goals.

I am now working as a staff nurse, where I strive to provide compassionate and quality care to my patients. Beyond my professional responsibilities, I am also actively seeking volunteer opportunities as a way of giving back and paying forward the kindness you have extended to me. Your support has inspired me to serve others with the same generosity and compassion.

In the future, I hope to be in a position where I can support a scholar myself. It is my sincere wish to extend the same opportunity you have given me to someone in need, continuing the cycle of kindness and empowerment.

Thank you once again for believing in me and investing in my future. Your generosity has truly changed my life, and I will carry your kindness with me in everything I do.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Krizia Nicole P. Racal, RN

UP College of Nursing Batch 2025





22/03/2026

More pictures from the recent celebration of International Women’s Month by
Area 5, District 17.

22/03/2026

EMPOWERED INSIDE OUT: WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The event is a Zonta Area 5, District 17 of Zonta International dedication to Women’s Month. It aimed at creating a safe, informed and empowering space to examine women’s mental health as both a personal and collective concern. Grounded in Zonta’s global advocacy for women’s rights and gender equity, the forum responds to the growing emotional , psychological and social pressures faced by women across life stages and roles.

By bringing together voices from policy, psychology and advocacy, the forum sought to deepen understanding women’s mental wellbeing through culturally responsive , gender-sensitive and compassion driven perspectives. Thus, affirming the empowerment that begins from within and is sustained through supportive systems and informed action.

A powerhouse of speakers filled the minds of the Zontians with rich content from their education, work and experiences.

Professor Jholyan Fornillos
The talk started with Professor Jholyan Fornillos from the Department of Social Sciences of Sociology-Anthropology-Psychology of the University of the Philippines . As a licensed Psychologist, Jholyan has extensive experience in providing mental health and psychological support particularly in disaster and crisis settings.

Dr Gail Galang
From a successful and interest filled forum last November with Area 5, Dr Gail Galang was called once more to share her knowledge and experiences. Her expertise is in family counseling,blended families.

Dr Sylvia Claudio
A Filipino physician, psychologist, academic and feminist activist known for her work on gender, sexuality, sexual and reproductive health and rights in the Philippines. A Professor Emeritus and former dean at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Collefe of Social Work and Community Development , she bridges medical practice, psychology and social development in both scholarship and advocacy. She is also a co-founder of Likhaan Women’s Center, an NGO providing reproductive health services to marginalized women. Also a prominent voice in advancing women’s rights, feminist counseling and social justice, shaped by her involvement in activism since the Martial Law period.

Area 5 Director Susan Lim spearheaded this event together with the presidents of the different organizations of the area.

15/03/2026

🤝 The Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, club president represented the club at the United Nations for International Women’s Day and continues to amplify women’s voices in their own community by strengthening partnerships with barangay leaders and local organizations.

🔗 Read more about how the club is advocating for women and girls at home and on the global stage here: https://bit.ly/40uAqrM

Zonta Club of Laguna

08/03/2026

04/03/2026

https://www.thediarist.ph/because-mangyan-women-need-their-water-too/

Can you imagine waking up each day knowing that every drop of water your family will use must be carried on foot for an hour from a distant spring, across steep and rocky terrain? The...

02/03/2026

Inviting you all

11/02/2026

Golden Z Club of the University of Makati Officially Chartered

The Golden Z Club of the University of Makati (UMak) was formally chartered on February 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Multimedia Room 901, under the sponsorship of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME).

The ceremony opened with an overview of Zonta International and the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation, Inc., presented by Ms. Maritoni Tordesillas, Chairman of the Z/Golden Z Club Committee. She emphasized Zonta’s global presence in 61 countries with 31,000 members worldwide, united under the mission of building a better world for women and girls.

ZCME President Ms. Joanne Zapanta-Andrada delivered an inspiring message underscoring the strong alignment between UMak’s mission and Zonta’s advocacy, particularly in advancing gender equality, leadership development, mentorship, and service aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Installation of Officers and Board of Directors

A key highlight of the program was the formal installation of the Golden Z Club of UMak Officers and Board of Directors.

The following students were officially installed:

President
• Shawn Michael V. Caliboso

Vice President
• Luis C. Mercado

Secretary
• Freshkie Jen Diza B. Preagola

Finance Officer
• Liana C. Limpiado

Board of Directors
• Roshiana Babe S. Garcia
• Michelle D. Adorna
• John Denver B. Napay

During the installation rites, each officer solemnly accepted their duties and responsibilities, pledging to uphold the democratic principles, integrity, and service-oriented mission of the Golden Z Club. The members likewise affirmed their commitment to support their newly installed leaders.

Notably, the club proudly announced that both the President and Vice President are gentlemen—an embodiment of gender equality in action, reflecting Zonta’s advocacy that leadership and empowerment are inclusive and open to all.

The success of the chartering ceremony was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Ms. Jocel Labrador, ZCME Golden Z and Z Club Co-Chair. Through her hard work, careful coordination, and commitment, the event was executed smoothly and meaningfully, creating an inspiring and memorable milestone for the newly installed officers and members.

The ceremony concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Mr. Michael Robert Alviar, former Zonta Club of EDSA (Area 1) member and Adviser of the Golden Z Club of UMak. He encouraged the officers and members to lead with integrity, compassion, and steadfast commitment to service.

The chartering of the Golden Z Club of the University of Makati marks an important expansion of Zonta’s mission in cultivating young leaders dedicated to service, advocacy, and global citizenship. Through strong mentorship and partnership between ZCME and UMak, the future of empowered leadership continues to grow.