message from the district governor
TRANSCRIPT
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Message from the District Governor
The Worst of Time is also the Best of Time
Dear Zontians of District 17,
Before we realize, half of Year 2020 is gone. While we were
busy with 16 Days of Activism in November last year,
COVID-19 quietly slipped into our lives, and our lives have
changed completely. Who will imagine a microscopic-size
virus can destroy the World’s equilibrium, take away lives,
make the whole World standstill.
Zontians in District 17, after the initial shock, restore to our
routine tasks. We have not forgotten our mission and vision.
We stepped up and carry on our tasks without fear. Very
quickly I see Zontians across our six area organize resources
within their clubs and start giving. In this issue of newsletter, I extract from reports received on projects
Zonta clubs conducted. We should be proud of our contributions to the communities we serve. We not only
GIVE, we also ACT. We respond to the needs by donating medical equipment, medical masks, ventilators,
hand sanitizers, food, cash…… There is no end to the list.
We ACT: Zonta Club of Cebu II supported the production of PPEs for #SOSCebu coalition to keep 120
workers employed at 7 manufacturing companies in 4 Cebu cities to produce protective clothing to medical
staff. Within one week, over 1,000 pieces are produced. Similarly, Zonta Club of Cebu I, Zonta Club of La
Union and Zonta Club of Davao II also organized production of PPEs for distribution. Zonta Club of Iloilo
City II organized female Inmates to produce face shields for distribution to local hospitals. These service
projects illustrate Zonta mission in empowerment of women, job creation and at the same time show support
and care for our local communities at times of pandemic. COVID-19’s damage to the world economy is
unprecedented. But the strength of Zontians in District 17 bring hope in the dark.
As you know, the International Convention in Chicago is cancelled due to COVID-19, but the election and
voting continue. Club Presidents received club mailings from Zonta International and must have registered
your club delegates and alternates. Between 30 June to 8 July, delegates can voice your views via
VIEWPOINTS and watch candidate videos. Delegates will receive link to vote on 3 July and can vote online
between 3-8 July. This is also unprecedented. But in Zonta, we make things workout beautifully.
A soft reminder that District 17 meeting will be held virtually on 4 July, 2020. This is the finale of the
Centennial biennium. Our International President Susanne von Bassewitz and International Liaison
Margaret Bateman will join this meeting. I shall deliver the final report of the district and President Susanne
will give her speech. Please join to show your support and witness the installation of the new District 17
Board and Nominating Committee by Past International President Olivia Ferry.
Biennium 2018-2020 is a challenging biennium but we managed to deliver our best to Zonta. Watch out for
the District Governors Report on 4 July 2020. Meanwhile, keep safe!
Teresa Lin
District 17 Governor 2018-2020
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta International President’s
recent released message
Dear Zonta members,
Who would have foreseen that, within only a few days, lives for almost of all us
have changed dramatically in order to slow down the spreading of COVID-19?
Many of you are experiencing not only shelter-in-place mandates, with all the
difficulties and sad consequences that come with them, but also much more
forceful impacts on your own health and that of your loved ones, on your
businesses and on your jobs.
While in these times of hardships and uncertainty, we are full of concerns, we
also experience heartwarming acts of solidarity. Yesterday afternoon, in the vast
courtyard behind the building I live in, a DJ performed for all of the neighbors.
And, at 6 p.m. throughout Germany, people were playing or singing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy from their
balconies or at their open windows.
This is a time for us to reach out to the people we are connected with, among them our fellow Zontians. The
idea of supporting each other is in Zonta’s and all Zontians‘ DNA. Together, we are finding creative ways to
help and encourage each other. Already, I received an e-mail with only a subject line: "How are you?". We
are called upon to open our ears, eyes and hearts to think of ways to respond to this unprecedented situation.
One example of how it especially affects women and girls is the increased risk of domestic violence.
I just wanted to let you know that my fellow Board members and I are thinking of you. We are sending you
our best wishes. Like you, we work hard to keep up with our tasks. You can be assured that we will inform
you as soon as we can about major Zonta business decisions and developments.
Warm regards, and stay healthy and safe!
Dr. Susanne von Bassewitz
President
Zonta International and Zonta International Foundation
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
District 17 Zonta Clubs’ immediate actions in the
communities during COVID-19 pandemic
Despite the hardship and the uncertainty of the fight of COVID-19 worldwide, our sister Zontians
respond quickly in servicing for the relief of the communities. This sends a lot of encouragement and
support to the people in needs. Thank you all for your dedicated work and commitment in this
challenging time.
Area 1
Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 1 donated 5
boxes of aerosol and 40 pcs. of face shields to
Pasig General Hospital
Zonta Club of Mandaluyong San Juan II
donated PPEs, face shields and alcohol to
hospitals.
Zonta Club of Marikina responded to the request of Amang
Rodriguez Hospital, Marikina for
PPEs and donated powdered milk.
Zonta Club of Pampanga & its
Environs distributed 15 intubation
boxes to 10 different hospitals.
Zonta Club of Antipolo donated a washing machine
and detergents to Antipolo
City Hospital System III.
Zonta Club of Baliuag
distributed rice and
noodles to 51 marginalized
families especially the
ones with impoverished
women and children.
Zonta Club of
Pampanga & its Environs donated
relief goods to 30
families of Brgy.
Maros, Mabalacat,
Pampanga
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Area 2
All 10 clubs in Area 2 joined hands on an Area 2 service project to sponsor COVID-19 Love Bags for
vulnerable families through Harmony House, a one-stop anti-domestic violence service agency in Hong
Kong. Special thanks to Zonta Club of Kowloon for coordinating the purchases of all supplies, the kick-off
ceremony as well as pledging a sum on par to double the number of Love Bags.
Zonta Club of Hong Kong East donated 5,000 face
masks to elderly people living alone. They also
collected 10,000 pictures of smiling Hong Kong
people as their 40th anniversary celebration activity.
The aim of the activity is to raise the awareness of
positive psychology in the community and spread
the positivity during the COVID-19 outbreak.
(https://m21.hk/zontaHKE/smile/album/)
Zonta Club of Hong Kong II delivered 43,000 surgical masks to 5 NGO partners in Hong Kong. These
supplies will be distributed to their frontline health / center workers, and also to the underprivileged
community as part of emergency support programme.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Area 3
Zonta Club of Cebu I distributed surgical
and improved face masks and (PPEs) to 3
government hospitals though its livelihood
project, which offers employment to the
sewers at Budlaan Center.
Zonta Club of Cebu I donated the essential stuff to the
frontliners of Cebu City Medical Center
Zonta Club of Zamboanga City delivered livelihood
supplies to Persons under investigation (PUIs).
Zonta Club of Cebu II supported the
production of over 1,000 PPEs’ in just 7
days and kept 120 workers employed at 7
manufacturing companies in 4 Cebu cities.
Zonta Club of Cebu II donated materials
to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in
the BJMP-Mandaue City Female Ward.
Zonta Club of Iloilo City distributed over 400 packed
meals to the frontliners of the different hospitals in the City
and adopted mothers at the Zonta Club Tilipunan Center in
Tanza.
Zonta Club of Davao City 1 served breakfast to nurses at
the hospital and lunch to police at the check points.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Iloilo City II leaded a group of
female inmates in Gen Luna to produce PPEs
(face shields). They face shildes were distributed
to different hospitals in the cities, while the
women earned a living for their families.
Zonta Club of Tacloban’s donation to frontliners of
hospitals.
Zonta Club of Davao II organized people joining
together to help providing PPEs for frontliners.
Zonta Club of Iloilo City II donated Thousands
of food packs, groceries, face masks, face shield
and PPE suits II to health care workers and
frontliners of 6 different hospitals in Iloilo City
Zonta Club of Bacolod donated PPEs Happy Coats.
Zonta Club of Cagayan de Oro 1
distributed food packs to officers at the
check points.
Zonta Club of Cagayan De Oro II donated PPEs to
different hospitals.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Area 4
Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya delivered food and
water to the frontliners of hospitals and policemen
stationed in checkpoints.
Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya delivered PPEs and
masks to health workers administering directly to
COVID-19 suspects.
Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya brought cupcakes
and porridge to frontliners in PLT Hospital as well
as those stationed in Bayombong
Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya sent face masks,
water and biscuits to frontliners in the province.
Zonta Club of Tuguegarao donated relief packs to
the mothers and the newborn during this Pandemic.
Zonta Club of Tuguegarao distributed food packs
and antibacterial materials for health workers,
tricycle drivers, street sweepers and others.
Zonta Club of Baguio offered the use of its
building as an isolation building for COVID-19
suspected patients.
Zonta Club of Baguio arranged a lecture on
COVID-19 with Baguio Medical Center.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte donated 200 face
masks to Governor Roque Ablan Sr Memorial
Hospital for the use of mothers and families in the
Zonta-adopted ObGyne Ward and paediatric ward.
Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte donated 200 face
masks to medical and health workers of Bacrra.
Zonta Club of Aparri distributed the important
goods for frontliners in Town ( Alcohols , Surgical
Face Mask , Vitamin C )
Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao distributed
food packs to selected single mothers who are in
need of help during this Enhanced Community
Quarantine.
Zonta Club of La Union produced PPEs
continuously and donated them to the frontliners.
Zonta Club of Trinidad donated PPEs and
Medical Supplies to 3 Hospitals in the Benguet
Area
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Area 5
Zonta Club of Makati & Environs donated relief
materials worth over P450,000 to more than 1,000
individuals and 1,300 families in their 19 projects.
Zonta Club of Pasig Foundation donated 170 PPEs
and P70,000 to hospitals, they also distributed food
packs to homeless individuals.
Zonta Club of Muntinlupa & Environs donated
important goods and cash to 6 medical centres.
Zonta Club of Makati Ayala donated P100,000 to the
Phil. General Hospital Medical Foundation and P50,000
worth of 100 PPEs to the Manila Health Centre in Del
Pan, Tondo City of Manila.
Zonta Club of Laguna donated more than 570
food packs, 4,600 face masks/PPEs and cash to
beneficiaries since the total lockdown of the city.
Zonta Club of Naga & Camarines Sur made cash
and in-kind donations to frontliners at the medical
centers.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Metropolitan Pasig donated face masks, PPEs and food pack worth over P1,300,000 to more
than 15,000 medicals in various hospitals.
Zonta Club of Las Pinas donated PPEs, face
shields, alcohols and food packs to various
medical centres.
Zonta Club of Makati – Paseo de Roxas gave hygiene
kits and food packs worth over P500,000 to more than
1,880 beneficial individuals.
Zonta Club of Alabang distributed 19,000
food packs and 1,000 kits of toiletries.
Zonta Club of Fort Bonifacio donated hygiene kits to 3
hospitals.
Zonta Club of Metro Ortigas donated hygiene kits, and
food packs to medical and non-medical frontliners.
Zonta Club of Metro Greenhills
provided clean food and saw PPEs to the
frontliners.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Area 6 Director Poungthong Anantanasuwong together with district 17 committee vice chair and sister
zontians from Zonta Club of Bangkok I, Bangkok V, Bangkok IX, Bangkok XI and Khon Khaen
donated cash, food and medical equipment worth in total approximately 50,500 USD to support doctors and
health workers in our fight against COVID-19. Medical equipment such as mobile ventilators, PPEs,
surgical masks, hand sanitizers, food and cash were donated to various hospitals in Bangkok and other parts
of the country, Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute and Ramathibodi Foundation was two of the
recipients.
Zonta Club of Bangkok Club VIII donated hygiene kits and food supply to ramathibodi hospital and phra
crown klao hospital.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
A Series of Activities in the past few months
Area 1 Celebrated the Zonta Rose day at Wackwack Golf and Country Club on March 8, 2020.
Zonta Club of Manila 1 hosted a gender and development seminar on January 25, 2020.
Zonta Club of Marikina hosted their 21st GMM
and installation of new member on February 11,
2020.
Zonta Mandaluyong San Juan II Health Care
project in Bustos.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Greater Rizal I joined Walk for
Life. Speakers talked on issues affecting human
life and solutions to mitigate the sufferings of
women in early pregnancy and childbirth. Natural
family planning was also discussed
Zonta Club of Mandaluyong-San Juan I
awarded project. Lectures on women rights, value
of family, knowledge and skills on how to relate
with opposite sex and defend women and girls
from violence were given to 10,851 students in 25
elementary and high schools.
Zonta Club of De Valle Verde donoted money
to purchase rice and canned foods for 200 families
of Brgy. Tandang Sora, Quezon City, a depressed
area.
Zonta Club of Marikina conducted Love
Revolution Talk to 551 students to tackle about
relationship between love and sex and
consequences associated with pre-marital sex.
Zonta Club of Singapore organized a fun run/walk with 45 participants, to create awareness about
Project Pari and its mission – to inspire and enable young women from lower-income families to attain
a positive outlook of the future and to become responsible contributors to society.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Area 2 Joint Presidents 2018-2020 & 2020-2022 meeting and Area 2 Director Lucy Wong passing the
Area 2 flag to Maria So Vice Area 2 Director.
Area 2 first ever virtual area meeting on May 30, 2020 was attended by over 110 members from Hong
Kong, Singapore, Macao and Malaysia.
Area 2 Zontians representatives at the reception lunch for China Federation of Women Delegates on
Women’s Day and CNY and Women’s Day receptions by China Liaison Office.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Area 3 held the 2020 District 17 Area 3 Meeting on February 21 to 23, 2020 at the Bai Hotel, Cebu City.
Empowered and inspired women gathered to discuss the Club's continuing and short-term projects with
the highlight on child marriage, violence against women and gender equality.
Zonta Club of Cebu I joined the Women's Month with a line-up of March activities :Rose Day awards of
Valuable Zontians, Social Networking of first Woman of Worth (WOW) awardee, and The election of the
BY 2020 - 2022 Officers.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Cebu II joined "Raise the Vibration" to celebrate Women's Day in Central Bloc, IT Park,
Cebu City. Members first read the poem, "He Gave Me Flowers Today", and distributed yellow roses to the
women in the audience, accompanied by information about Zonta International and issues related to
improvements of lives of women.
Zonta Club of Cebu II attended the Mandaue
City weekly Flag Ceremonies since it fell on the
day after Women's Day. The women
demonstrated an Equality sign, calling for
equality among genders. The men demonstrated
the sign that means: "into our hands lies he
solution to end violence".
Zonta Club of Iloilo City II in partnership with Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc & Iloilo City Police
Office launched the Sto Nino Flaglets Project where the women inmates prepared 8,000 flaglets for
Dinagyang 2020f to promote the “Women helping Women” theme.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Cagayan De Oro II celebrated Rose Day with the Philippine Island Kids Inc. (PIKI) in
Barangay Canito-an, Cagayan de Oro City.
Zonta Club of Davao City II organised a
nutritional awareness and feeding program
for kids.
Z & Golden Z Club organized Mental Health
Awareness Workshop for Grades 5 & 6 students.
Area 3’s Club officers Training In March 2020
Zonta Club of Cebu II joined the Vagina
Monologue and continued to bring the advocacy on
Women’s rights and stereotypes on stage
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte celebrated the 3rd anniversary of Usapang Babae, the partnership radio
program of Radyo Pulipinas, Inc. Members shared and discussed topics from gender equality to COVID-
19 prevention during the program.
Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte celebrated International Women Day with a “WE Make Change Work for
Women” parade together with Z Club and Golden Z Club of MMSU Lab HS and College of Teacher
Education. It was a very colorful, well attended parade, most men paraded in women’s’ attire, signifying
their love for women and their strong cooperation to end violence against them, and their will to change
the society into a happier one to live in for both genders.
Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte established their new building.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Tuguegarao held a motorcade to celebrate Women's Month 2020. After the motorcade,
Zontian Dr. Evelyn Puzon-Guzman gave free dermatological consultation and skin medications to
participating women.
Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao unveiled the
signage of the girls dormitory PENHS which they
started in 2015, and they supported the latest
construction of the dorm's division and temporary
kitchen.
Zonta Club of La Union San Fernando City
turned over the cash donation to Red Cross for
Taal victims.
Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Zonta Club of Tuguegarao and Zonta Club of Makati Paseo de
Roxas Foundation Inc. in partnership with LGU-Tuguegarao City, gave recognition to ordinary women
with extraordinary life stories that highlight the strength and the character of a Cagayan. They offered a
free bone screening to the first 100 women.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao and Zonta Cub of Tuguegarao joint celebration of Women’s day.
Area 5 held a ROSE DAY event to give loyalty awards to 10/20/30/40 /50 year members in celebrating
Women’s Day.
Zonta Club of Makati-Ayala and Zonta Club Makati & Environs sponsored the Cameleon Negros
Center to support their work for the healing and protection of young girl survivors of sexual abuse in the
provinces of Iloilo and Negros Occidental.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Makati Legaspi held a WISE caravan (well being initiatives &support for the elderly).
Workshop consisted of lectures on common ailments of the elderly ie rheumatism diabetes hypertension
osteoporosis dementia and their prevention, kinetic activities games and vaccinations were also provided.
Zonta Club of Laguna arranged a gift giving to the
abused children in Calamba Laguna to celebrate the
Women’s Day.
Zonta Club of Bangkok II, Zonta Club of Bangkok VII and Zonta Club of Bangkok XI jointly
organized a workshop on Stop Violence Against Women and Stop Teenage Pregnancy with more than 300
girls attending. It is an important campaign for a celebration of Zonta 100 years.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Zonta Club of Bangkok I visited Zonta Diary Village in Chombueng, Ratchaburi. Zonta Village is one of
the club sustainable project to introduce the occupation in raising dairy cattle to farmers. Nowadays, Zonta
Village has been able to run various activities by itself. The factory has processed raw milk delivered by
farmers to dairy products, in various forms. Moreover, they also gave 100 eyeglasses to farmers in the
village in honor of Zonta International Centennial Anniversary.
Area 6 director, Poungthong Anantanasuwong together with ZID Lalivan Karnchanachari, LtG Chavali
Osathanugrah and sister zontians congratulated Sireetorn Kuharat, 2019 Amelia Earhart Fellow as she
shared her experiences at her alma mater in Chonburi, Thailand.
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Installations of the New Officers
Congratulations to the new leaders 2020 – 2022 and a big thank you to the leaders 2018-2020 for your
support to Zonta and endorse our work with fantastic performance!
Installation of Zonta Club of Hong Kong & Zonta Club of Victoria
Area 6 organized club officers installation ceremony for the Biennium of 2020-2022 on Saturday, June 20,
2020, at The Berkeley Hotel, Bangkok
2018-2020 Biennium Issue Three- June 2020 The Voice of District 17
Condolences
Frank Lin
Frank P. C. Lin, husband of District 17 Governor Teresa Lin, passed away on 15
January 2020 after nine months of fighting to live. Mr. Lin had a successful career in
petroleum industry in North Asia. With his sense of humour and his love in writing he
became a popular blogger linking his friends and colleagues in a close group. Mr. Lin is
a great supporter of Zonta. He attended Zonta events frequently, supported donations to
Zonta International Foundation and acted like a brother to Zonta sisters. He will always
be remembered fondly by Zontians who know him.
David Leung
David Leung, late husband of Patricia Yeung, DisCon Organizing Committee chair and
father of District Secretary Esther Leung, passed away in early January 2020. A
mathematician by training, David showed an avid passion in art, music and languages.
He lived life to the fullest, enjoying good food and wine, travels and jokes. He will
always be fondly remembered as a loving and supportive husband / father and a loyal
friend to those who know him well.
Anthony Joseph
Ledesma Lim
Anthony Joseph Ledesma Lim, beloved husband of Zontian Lizette Jean F. Lim passed
away at New Year Day 2020. Lizette Lim is District 17 Area 5 Vice Chair of
Membership Committee and Vice Chair of Centennial Anniversary Committee. She is
also Incoming Area 5 Director. We wish Anthony rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
To get the latest news of Zonta visit www.zontad17.org and www.zonta.org
To get the news of ZID17 visit http://www.zontad17.org/zontad17_2016/index.html
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