Press Release
October 31, 2007

Villar hails outstanding Pinays in nation's service

In recognition of the achievement of women in nation-building, Senate President Manny Villar sought for the Senate commendation of this year's Ten Outstanding Women in Nation's Service (TOWNS) awardees.

In filing Proposed Senate Resolution 176, Villar said four scientists, three educators, two journalists and a business executive should be honored for their advocacy and excellence in their respective fields of profession.

"The feat of these trailblazing women, some of them have willingly given up brighter opportunities abroad for the desire to serve their countrymen, should be honored and emulated by the younger generation," Villar, a staunch supporter of women protection and empowerment, said.

The 2007 winners of TOWNS awards are: Ma. Corazon Ungria, Alyssa Peleo-Alampay, Eva Maria Cutiongco-dela Paz, Hilly Ann Maria Roa-Quiaoit, Dina Ocampo, Catherine Vistro-Yu, Glecy Cruz Atienza, Alexandra Prieto Romuladez, Maria Ressa and Elizabeth Lee.

(Scientists) Ungria, head of the Philippines' DNA Analysis Lab, is recognized for her contribution in the advancement of DNA analysis in pinning down suspects in rape, murder and other crimes. Alampay, an earth scientist, gave up her green card to make earth science education and climate research more accessible in the country. De la Paz, a medical geneticist, was awarded the TOWNS for outstanding work in the proper diagnosis, management, prevention and identification of birth defects. Quiaoit, a marine biologist, received the TOWNS award for environmental conservation for her work in saving the endangered giant clams here and abroad.

(Educators) Ocampo is a University of the Philippines (UP) Associate Professor recognized for her work in providing elementary education for children with dyslexia and related learning disabilities. Yu, a mathematician, is recognized for the adoption of Mathematics Framework for Basic School Mathematics Curriculum and the Framework for Mathematics Teacher Education. Atienza, a UP professor, is the TOWNS awardee for arts and culture for encouraging government and non-government agencies to use the arts as a means to involve the community in realizing a vision of a better life.

(Journalists) Romualdez, president and CEO of the Philippine Daily Inquirer received the TOWNS awards for her exemplary leadership in improving the quality of newspaper publishing in the country. Ressa, ABS-CBN senior vice president for news and current affairs, was recognized for her report exposing terrorism in Southeast Asia when she was a CNN correspondent.

Lee is the lone TOWNS awardee for business in recognition of her work against smuggling of used vehicles, which averted a collapse of the P98-billion local auto industry.

"These remarkable women rose from their chosen fields and become national treasures whose contributions to the country and the world, make the quest for a better life within arm's reach," the Senate president said.

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