The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) 2016 Award

Eight exceptional women from various fields are recipients of the prestigious The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) 2016 Award presented by TOWNS Foundation and co-presented by BDO. The TOWNS Award is conferred to outstanding Filipinas who have served as catalysts, role models and are making a positive impact on national development. The eight awardees join the ranks of past recipients including Leticia Ramos-Shahani, Flerida Ruth Romero, Esperanza Cabral, Lilia de Lima, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Teresita Ang See, Nieves Confesor, Cheche Lazaro, Lea Salonga, and Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno.

TOWNS received over 60 nominations that were thoroughly reviewed by two (2) screening committees and the Board of Judges chaired by the Supreme Court Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno. The Award places primary importance on how nominees have brought pride/recognition to their community and/or the country, demonstrated pioneering zeal in their work, focused on the undeserved sectors of society, introduced innovations that benefit the public, and go beyond their sphere of influence. The 2016 batch of awardees will work together on a significant project to promote the mission of TOWNS Foundation - to harness expertise to influence national issues and nurture young women leaders.

Top Left to Bottom Right: Aisa Alvarez Mijeno, Patricia Chanco Evangelista, Cherrie Atilano, Hidilyn Francisco Diaz

The TOWNS 2016 Awardees include Cherrie De Erit Atilano for social development, Hidilyn Francisco Diaz for sports, Patricia Chanco  Evangelista for Media, Luisa Mercedes Paez Lorenzo for arts,  Marissa Arlene Andres Martinez  for government service, Aisa Alvarez Mijeno for social enterprise, Lou Sabrina Saavedra Ongkiko for education, and Jocelle Batapa Sigue for information and communications technology.

Top Left to Bottom Right: Jocelle Batapa Sigue, Lou Sabrina Saavedra Ongkiko, Luisa Mercedes Paez Lorenzo, Marissa Arlene Andres Martinez

TOWNS Foundation, Inc. is a national organization of women who by their common shared activities help transform the lives of Filipinos. The TOWNS Awards are given every three years following a year-long nationwide search. Once selected, recipients are expected to continue their excellent work as leaders in their respective fields. Since its inception in 1974, TOWNS has cited 158 women.