It seemed like a quiet evening at the Apo View Hotel on August 18 but on this occasion, the atmosphere was festive. The tension arose from the fact that everybody was looking forward to who will nail the title of ‘Mutya ng 4L ng Compostela Valley‘ province for 2017.
And like contenders to a beauty pageant, the three remaining contestants each took their turn at the bat so to speak.
It boiled down to one question and the ‘Mutya’ will be named.
The question when it came was no surprise: “Are you in favor of changing the name of Compostela Valley province to Davao de Oro and why? If not, why not?”
I thought Laak municipal councilor Anna Ayessa Arambala had the edge. She was clearly a favorite and was stunning in an outfit slit just above the knee.
But when her turn came, she lost the handle when she tried to frame her answer in English. Nabunturan’s IPMR (indigenous people’s mandatory rep) Jenyrose Maluca answered in the vernacular but not everybody appeared pleased.
The one who reaped the most applause was the 33-year old Michelle Lim, a barangay kagawad of Mainit, Maco.
In Cebuano, she says it is only appropriate that the province gets to be named Davao de Oro because one of the major pillars of the economy is mining, with gold as a major product.
Second, the name Davao de Oro will enhance the province’ capacity for growth and development, especially now that the Philippine president, Rodrigo R. Duterte, himself comes from the Davao region.
It proved to be clincher.
“I know I am also confidentially beautiful,” said the mother of one, adding it was no surprise she won.
The Mutya contest proved to be one of the highlights of the Lady Local Legislators’ League (4L) of Compostela Valley province congress.
“The membership has doubled and the members have become very active,” said 1st district Rep. Maricar Zamora as she recalled how the 4L was formed way back in 2008. Today, it is arguably one of the country’s most active 4L chapters.
She said the congress was established as a venue for women legislators to get more specific and specialized inputs outside of those they get to encounter in their official functions.
In this occasion, she shared with the members important tips on how the individual members can enhance their performances through the acronym BITCHES.
“In a way I told them to go BITCHES,” she said, adding the acronym stands for Bloom (in your career), Increase (your knowledge), (don’t forget your) Target, Choose your battle, don’t hesitate to ask Help (as it does not make you less of a person), maintain Energy, and avoid Slowdown.
This year’s congress was organized by Sanguniang Panlalawin member Vivencia ‘Vinsay’ L. Secuya in her capacity as 4L chairperson of the Compostela Valley chapter.
“The Congress sought to provide an opportunity for the 4L members to their knowledge and skills while at the same strengthening their friendship and camaraderie,” she said.
True enough, the congress invited experts and speakers that discussed beauty, grace and essence of a lady legislator, revenue-generating powers of the barangay, as well as on the lady legislator (A sound mind and sound body).
This year’s congress attracted more than 300 participants from the 11 municipalities, including members of the barangay council.
Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga of the 2nd district, praised the organizers for this year’s congress, saying it provided a rare opportunity for all 4L members to bond together.
“It is a time to heal and to rejuvenate (considering the) humans that we are,” he said.
He said the 4L has become a model worth emulating in how to keep alive an organization.
BM Secuya said the 4L membership has since looked forward to the holding of the congress as an annual activity considering the package it offers to its members in terms of enhancing capacities.
“It is also an avenue to enhance gender and development,” she said, adding that the congress is held in partnership with the provincial chapter of the Department of Interior and Local Government headed by PD Noel C. Duarte.
Board member Arturo T. Uy praised the 4L congress for its active membership.
“They are very united and very supportive of all programs of the provincial government,” he said.
“I am impressed that they are no longer looked upon as second class citizens but as responsible public servants who are committed to helping serve the people,” he said.
Compostela mayor Lema Bolo congratulated the 4L on its 17th congress, saying “they deserve to enjoy.”
For her part, Nabunturan mayor Chelita Amatong congratulated the officers and members for a successful congress.
“Let us indeed enjoy and celebrate,” she said.
In addition to BM Secuya as president, the other 4L officers included: Joanna Aileen a. Gentugaya (VP for district 1), Hajarah Ranain-Divinagracia (VP for district 2), Marie June M. Fuentes-Lopoz (secretary), Anna Ayessa Arambala-Pelovello (treasurer), Ma. Cecilia C. Neri (auditor), Nena G. Atamosa (PRO), Keith B. Yanong (business manager for 1st district), Kristine Caballero-Ranon (business manager for 2nd district), with Merymarlith D. Balbin, Charlita A. Sacayan, Luchayhua L. Limlao, Elfa P. Digaynon, Cherly A. Trinidad, Alena Theresa C. Cabal and Madel Malone-Cervantes as directors.
