PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN VANCOUVER CONGRATULATES “LAGUNANAY” CONG. ANN MATIBAG FOR RECEIVING THE PRESTIGIOUS ZONTA EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AND ADVOCACY AWARD DURING THE 67TH ZONTA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN VANCOUVER AND TWO-TIME AWARD-WINNING ZONTA INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINE DELEGATION

VANCOUVER, CANADA, 15 July 2026 — The Philippine Consulate General congratulates Congresswoman Ann Garcia-Matibag, Representative of the First District of Laguna and Chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality for being awarded the prestigious Zonta Excellence in Service and Advocacy Award during the 67th Zonta International Convention in Vancouver from 11 to 14 July 2026. She is accompanied by Judge Maika Malamug, RTC Branch 93, Atty Jeamie Salvatierra, Ms. Susan Lim, District 17 Lieutenant Governor, Ms. Lordes Almeda Sese, District 17 Golden Z and Z Club Committee Chair, Ms. Eleanor Soriano, Area 5 Director, Ms. Ma. Victoria Vergel de Dios, District 17 Finance Committee Chair, Ms. Armita Rufino, Advisor, Ms. Marides Almendras, Ms. Jennifer Dipton Angeles, Dr. Carmie Oyales and Ms. Arlene Lotilla Dotillo.

The delegation is currently in British Columbia to participate in the 67th Zonta International Convention, held at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver from 11 to 14 July 2026. Out of 72 nations represented at the global assembly, District 17—which spans the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong—proudly celebrated monumental back-to-back victories for the Philippines under the leadership of Area 5 Director Eleanor Soriano and District 17 Lieutenant Governor Susan Lim.

Congresswoman Matibag, known fondly in her district as the "LaguNanay" for her deep policy focus on the protection and welfare of women and children, visited the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver together with the other members of the Zonta District 17 on 13 July 2026 and called on Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin to explore avenues of cooperation between the House of Representatives, civil society, and the foreign service.

The Zonta Club of Laguna, under the stellar leadership of its President, Cong. Ann Matibag, clinched the Zonta Excellence in Service and Advocacy Award focusing on Climate Justice. The club was recognized globally for its sustainable initiative, "Build a Better World through Solar Water Systems," which successfully installed a solar panel-operated water pumping system providing reliable clean water to more than 300 households. The initiative demonstrated that climate justice is inseparable from gender equality, liberating local women and girls from the grueling daily task of collecting water so they can focus on education and personal advancement. This marks a proud repeat global victory for the lawmaker, following previous global accolades received in Yokohama.

Sharing the global stage was the Zonta Club of Naga and Camarines Sur, which won its own Zonta Excellence in Service and Advocacy Award for its youth empowerment program, "Rise to the Top: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Innovators & Entrepreneurs." By launching the Youth Zummit, the Naga-based club successfully strengthened girls' leadership and decision-making skills, equipping Z and Golden Z members with the confidence to become impactful community advocates.

During the meeting, Consul General Jamoralin lauded the delegation’s global triumphs and aligned the Consulate's active Gender and Development (GAD) calendar with the delegation’s legislative and grassroots strengths.

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