Cooperatives in the entire world recognize the significant contributions of women who serve as members, officers and staff in various capacities. As the concept of gender and development had been embraced by cooperatives, equality in the treatment of men and women in the cooperative movement had been highlighted in various occasions and researches that feature the important roles women play in the advancement of government policies and programs toward sustainability.
Moreover, Section 14 of Article II of the Philippine Constitution states “the State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.”
As Mother’s Day is fast approaching, I thought of expressing some unforgettable memories I had with my Mother who passed away years back. It might not be an accurate account but hopefully it can leave some messages to those who failed to recognize the importance of having a mother or woman in the family. Mothers may be biological or not. The act of raising children (even not offspring) denotes motherhood as it encompasses the show of affection in making children realize the value of having parents especially mother.
I can still recall my elementary days, wherein the means of knowing information in far flung areas was through the radio. TV sets then are enjoyed by sons and daughters of mine workers who enjoy the benefits of being gainfully employed in mine sites with electricity. During those years, poor families like us rely on transistor radio broadcast as sources of information, as our homes were not energized. Through the public service portion, upcoming activities are often aired over famous radio stations like DZWT. One of which is the annual recruitment of prospective high students to enroll at the Mountain State Agricultural College High School now called BSU Secondary Laboratory High School. I owe my current status in life because my mother was attentive especially on current events. She passed the information obtained from broadcast media that enabled me to take the qualifying examination in the said school. Though my mother was illiterate, she used her common sense that inspired me to level up my educational attainment without much explanation. I can still remember how she said it in our dialect “ Ay laydem man-eskwela ed Baguio, doy waday ibagbaga da sin ladio (radio)?” Upon hearing such information, I eagerly awaited the detailed announcement the following day. The situation reminds me on the importance of listening as a skill and a tool for development. In 2001, I saw the wonderful smile of the great woman of my life as she joined us celebrate our church wedding. Later, she further revealed her true love as a mother when she patiently accepted and took care of her grandchildren while we were at work with my wife. Not only that, she used to bring and fetch our children from school without any complaints at the same time cook food for the family.
Finally, remembering the great things my mother shared to us reinforces the true meaning of love. A great mother who cares for her family will always find ways to sustain life by sacrificing her time, talents and treasures to ensure happiness in the home. Whether she is educated or not, she knows how to act and bring the best service to the members of her family and the community. To all mother out there, we love and care for you. I might not have written or uttered the best words to describe you, but truly we are proud of you. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!