BAGUIO CITY – In a stirring tribute to the invaluable contributions of women to society, Dr. Rufina C. Abul was honored as an Outstanding Woman Leader during the 2024 Kababaihan Festival, held at Malcolm Square, Baguio City, on March 8th.
This prestigious recognition, bestowed upon her in celebration of National Women’s Month under the theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” serves as a testament to Dr. Abul’s unwavering dedication to her community and her exceptional leadership in the field of mental health and academia.
In her heartfelt message during the festival, Dr. Abul expressed profound gratitude for the acknowledgment of her contributions to society, despite her modest origins and the quiet manner in which she has conducted herself. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, echoing the sentiment of countless women whose efforts often go unnoticed or underappreciated.
Dr. Abul’s dedication to uplifting others was perceptible as she emphasized the importance of creating experiences that increase the value of individuals within society. “I feel honored that despite my humble beginnings and my silent actions, my contributions to this society are validated and valued. May more women create experiences that increase the value of others. Let us value each other because when women are valued, they become more efficient.”
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the awards committee, her family, colleagues, patients, and students, Dr. Abul humbly credited their support for her achievements. She recognized the nurturing environment provided by institutions such as Saint Louis University (SLU) and the Cordillera Regional Health Research Development Consortium, along with the camaraderie of her fellow Outstanding Women Leaders.
Dr. Abul’s advocacy extends beyond personal accolades; she is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. Her message encapsulated the essence of this year’s National Women’s Month theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” Her call to action resonated with the audience, urging for a more inclusive and just society where women are valued, respected, and supported.
In her reflections on the challenges faced by women, Dr. Abul addressed the metaphorical “glass ceiling” that inhibits their progress. She identified financial difficulties as a significant barrier, emphasizing the need for economic opportunities “When we say glass ceiling for women, I think very important there is, aside from the equity that we provide. I think one of the most important factor kasi that I have seen when working with women is financial difficulties. So if we provide more opportunities for women to gain more income in the financial.”
Dr. Abul’s insights shed light on the systemic issues that perpetuate gender inequality and the importance of collective action in dismantling these barriers.
“I know it could be an illusion, if there is no action, it remains an illusion. So when women will act together to assert their rights, then I think pwede natin ma-achieve yon.” she said
Throughout her address, Dr. Abul exuded a sense of optimism tempered with realism. While acknowledging the complexities of societal change, she emphasized the transformative power of women’s collective action. Her vision for the future is one of equality and empowerment, grounded in the belief that meaningful change is achievable through concerted effort and determination.
She imparted a powerful reminder to not allow past hurts to hinder personal growth. Drawing from her own experiences, she encouraged individuals to embrace challenges as opportunities for self-improvement and resilience. Her words resonated as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to overcome adversity and strive for a brighter, more equitable future.
“As I mentioned earlier, yung mga difficulties and mga challenges natin, we use them as stepping stones to prove ourselves and to further develop our potential.” she stressed.
In celebrating Dr. Rufina C. Abul as an Outstanding Woman Leader, the Kababaihan Festival not only honors her individual achievements but also symbolizes the collective strength and resilience of women across the Philippines. Dr. Abul’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of empowerment, reminding us that every voice, no matter how silent, has the potential to spark meaningful change in our society. By Jackielyn Reyes
