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Monthly Archives: March 2024

Fantastic Filipinas—International Women’s Month 2024

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This international women’s month, we honor the extraordinary legacies of Dr. Fe Del Mundo and Dr. Maria Orosa, two exceptional Filipina pioneers who have left an indelible mark on Philippine society. Their achievements and innovations are a testament to the resourcefulness, intelligence, and tenacity of Filipina women, whose contributions remain relevant and in practice today.

May we follow in their footsteps and let compassion lead the way to greatness.


Fe del Mundo (1911-2011)

a pioneer in Philippine medicine, founded the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Breaking barriers, she became the first female president of both the Philippine Pediatric Society and the Philippine Medical Association. In 1980, she made history as the inaugural woman named National Scientist of the Philippines. Her pioneering spirit extended to founding and leading the Philippine Pediatric Society, becoming the first Asian president of the Philippine Medical Association, and achieving the remarkable feat of being the first Asian president of the Medical Woman’s International Association. Dr. del Mundo fought gender inequality through academic excellence and brought much-needed medical care to women and children during World War II. She was a symbol of female empowerment in medicine, both in the Philippines and abroad.



Maria Orosa (1893-1945)

a pioneer in Philippine science and culinary arts, made a lasting impact on history through her innovative spirit and transformative creations. Known for her inventions such as calamnsi juice powder and banana ketchup, as well as her ingenious palayok oven, Orosa not only reshaped Philippine cuisine but also offered practical solutions to real-life problems, especially during times of war.

Moreover, Orosa’s ingenious palayok oven brought practical solutions to households without electricity, while her culinary expertise preserved traditional Filipino dishes like adobo and kilawin. Her legacy as a trailblazer in science, innovation, and community welfare continues to inspire generations.


We continue our celebration of International Women’s Month by remembering the contributions of Pura Villanueva Kalaw and Josefa Llanes Escoda. Their tireless advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment has had an enduring impact in the country to this day.

Let us sustain their efforts by being good leaders in our fields of influence and ensuring that all sectors of society are able to assert themselves in ways that embody the principles of a true democracy.


Josefa Llanes Escoda (1898-1945)

Revered as a Girl Scout and war hero, Escoda embodied empowerment and courage. Rising from humble origins, she demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and dedicated her life to education and social welfare, acknowledging the profound influence of knowledge and justice. As president of the National Federation of Women’s Clubs, she fearlessly advocated for women’s rights, particularly voting rights. She founded the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and mentored young women in community service, underscoring her commitment to fostering the next generation of female leaders. During wartime, she mobilized Girl Scouts and women’s clubs to care for children, cook for soldiers, and shelter war orphans. She is memorialized in the 1000-peso bill, in recognition of her legacy of empowering young girls and young women to be leaders in society, the country, and in the global community.



Pura Villanueva Kalaw (1886-1954)

As a pioneering suffragette, Kalaw made an impact on Philippije society at just 20 years old by leading the Associación Feminista Ilongga. She championed women’s rights to vote with the motto: “What a man can do, a woman can do just as well.” She participated in the first beauty pageant in the Philippines and won the title of Carnival Queen of the Orient. She used this platform to amplify her message about the importance of women’s suffrage. Through her writings, public speeches, and campaigns, she fought for three decades until Filipino women won the right to vote in 1937. Kalaw’s enduring legacy resonates today, ensuring that girls grow up empowered, knowing their voices will be heard and their votes will count, continuing the journey towards equality and justice for generations to come.


Content and posters by Jolien Monteyn

  1. Wikimedia Commons
  2. Vera Files
  3. Fantastic Filipinas: “Feeding the Fight:The Story of Maria Orosa.” Written by Ceej Tantengco and Sabrina Schnabel. Art by Alexandra, Lucas, and Leia Broekman
  4. Fantastic Filipinas: “Pediatrician and Pioneer: The Story of Fe Del Mundo.” Written by Ceej Tantengco and Sabrina Schnabel. Art by Dani Go.
  5. “Whats AP? Araling Panlipunan Rebooted” Podcast
  6. Fantastic Filipinas: Girl Scout, War Hero – The Story of Josefa Llanes Escoda, Written by Ceej Tantengco and Sabrina Schnabel, Art by Alexandra Romualdez Broekman
  7. Fantastic Filipinas: Super Suffragette – The Story of Pura Villanueva-Kalaw, Written by Ceej Tantengco and Sabrina Schnabel, Art by Georgina Camus
  8. Girl Scouts of the Philippines
  9. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections
  10. Spot.ph
  11. Her Campus

International Women’s Day—March 8, 2024

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Happy International Women’s Day!

Today and every day, OICA proudly honors the impactful work of women around the world and the institutions that support them. These include the PCW, UPCWGS, UPDGO, and OASH, which all persist with a purpose – addressing ongoing challenges and promoting gender equality. Let’s recognize the significance of their existence and unite for a more inclusive and equal world.

Together, let us inspire inclusion!

Posters and Content by Jolien Monteyne