Security Bank Corporation (SBC), in partnership with Zonta Club of Makati & Environs, paid tribute to Filipinas across different walks of life through the fourth Bravo Empowered Women Awards, which was held virtually for the first time on July 29, 2021.
The Bravo Empowered Women Awards recognizes female trailblazers who have achieved success in their careers and personal advocacies. The distinctions are given to Filipinas who drive social change in the country and actively work to uplift the lives of the less fortunate.
“Oftentimes, the role of women in recovery, peace and community-building are overlooked, much like their roles in the household or the workplace. Through initiatives like the Bravo Empowered Women Awards, women are not just acknowledged but celebrated and brought to the forefront. Thank you, Zonta, for providing the platform to amplify the invaluable work of these amazing women, which is integral to our economic and social progress,” says President and CEO of Security Bank, Sanjiv Vohra.
The awardees for this year’s Bravo Empowered Women Awards are Yvette Marie Celi-Punzalan for Business, Dr. Pauline Ferraris Convocar for Science & Technology, Meri Ann Geli Bulaong for Sports, Michelle Krystle Dy-Ong for Media & Public Affairs, Dr. Emily Miralles-Arangote for Education, Maria Carolina Rodriguez-Dawonlay for Arts, Culture & Heritage, Dr. Angelita Sievert-Fernandez for Social Services, and Reggie Aspiras for Culinary Arts.
Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz, was also feted by the Bravo Awards for her excellence in weightlifting, which allowed the Philippines to receive its first gold medal. The Bravo awards recognized Diaz for her strength, courage, resilience, and heart as a Filipina.
The awardees are recognized for their various advocacies such as environmental protection, assistance for sexual abuse victims and the fight against online trafficking, mental health, disaster recovery, pandemic assistance for front-liners, women’s reintegration into society, and activism against gender-based violence.
Former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary and Ambassador Delia Albert, who serves as Chair of the Bravo Board of Judges, discussed her Bravo Empowered Women Awards experience during the event.
“The Board recognized not only the successful practice of the nominees in their respective professions but above all, the dedication and passion in serving the community that the judges unanimously agreed upon. Like the other nominees, the winners are sterling examples of strong-willed women, truly selfless, hard-working and certainly catalysts for change. They all made us proud as Filipino women,” says Delia Albert.
The Bravo Empowered Women Awards is aligned with Security Bank’s mission to enrich lives, empower businesses, and build communities.