Soroptimist International of the Americas
Philippines Region (A Foundation),Inc.
About
Soroptimist International of Ortigas and Environs
Chartered October 10, 2001
Soroptimist International of Ortigas & Environs (Club # 170215) was chartered
on 10 October 2001 at the Edsa Shangri La Hotel, Mandaluyong City and was sponsored by Soroptimist International of Makati. SIPR Gov. Teresita B. Choa officiated the chartering of Soroptimist International of Ortigas & Environs, installed its first set of officers and directors with Enriqueta "Baby" V. Doble as Charter President and inducted 19 Charter Members.
The chartering of Soroptimist ORTIGAS started as a dare among 6 friends: Norma Co, Baby Doble, Grace Fernandez, Malou Fernandez, Baby Lirio and Olive Ramos. Missing the projects they do, Norma broached the idea of chartering a new club to Baby. Aware
of the difficulties in sustaining a club, she challenged her to scout for the required 15 members. For Norma, it was a breeze having recruited her closest of kin. For months, the group met and discussed plans. There were times when the conditions did not seem perfect but there was a common thread that connects them, their desire to serve the marginalized women of our society. They were united to take on the challenge to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. For Baby Doble, there was no turning back. She became the Charter President of Soroptimist Ortigas. (continue..)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS FOR 2025-2026
Congratulations to the newly elected officers of SIOE for 2025-2026. March 10, 2025 marked the beginning of an exciting journey as the new officers took on the leadership roles of SI OE. The installation ceremony was preceded by the Induction of three (3) new members . The event was held at Club Filipino , Greenhills and was graced by our Honorable Gov. Marivic DS Paras, IPG Gigie Penalosa and PG Joy Valdez. We are extremely proud of each and every newly installed officers for stepping up and accepting the challenge of leading the SI OE. With the members dedication, passion, and commitment, club teamwork, spirit of collaboration , SIOE will continue to strive to create positive change, organize impactful events, strengthen further the bonds among our members with excellence integrity, and respect to make a difference in the lives of women and children. Together, the Club will continue to support the Biennium thrust of Go green and Empowering Girls and Women through Education.
Club Officers Biennium 2024-2026
Elizabeth Florentino
President
Veronica Velasco
Vice-President
Charisse Roldan
President Elect
Norma Co
Treasurer
Agnes Macasaet
Auditor
Cecilia Oebanda-Pacis
Public Relations Officer
Marilex Mendoza
Secretary
Directors
Enriqueta Doble
Charter President
Ann Christine Palisoc
Adviser
Mary Gaw So
Adviser
Florenda Tan
Director
Emeline Uy Tesy
Director
Rosario Del Rosario
Director
Programs
FOOD FOREST PROJECT
SIOE partners with Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc. (FEED), a non-profit in the Philippines, to support sustainable community projects. In May 2025, SIOE collaborated with FEED to plant a "Food Forest" and donate a BIG (Better Investment for Growth) Kit to a school in Hagonoy, promoting environmental stewardship and food security.
Key details of this collaboration include:
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Food Forest Project: SIOE and FEED worked together to establish food forests, which align with both organizations' goals of environmental protection and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
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Educational Support: The project included donating a BIG Kit to Hagonoy School, focusing on educating children about the environment and sustainability.
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Environmental Action: The partnership is part of broader efforts to restore biodiversity and improve food security in the region.
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Community Focus: This initiative combines SIOE's focus on empowering women and girls with FEED's mission to foster education and environmental development through "ridge-to-reef" programs.
This collaboration aligns with the broader goals of both organizations to foster sustainable development and community growth in the Philippines.
TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY
SIOE participated in the tree-planting activities at the Ipo Dam watershed organized and led by WACOAL. Wacoal Philippines, along with the Soroptimist Metro Manila South East District, as part of its environmental conservation efforts in collaboration with This initiative is part of broader efforts to reforest the Ipo Watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan, which is critical for protecting the water supply for Metro Manila. It supports environmental sustainability in collaboration with various groups. Gov. Marivic Paras and District Director Ann Palisoc led the group in the said tree planting. The Ipo Watershed is a major focus for reforestation in 2025, with Maynilad’s "Plant for Life" program targeting 180,000 native trees to be planted there and in other watersheds.
HIGHSCHOOL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGAM
The Soroptimist International of Ortigas and Environs celebrated its first batch of Highschool scholars under its Highschool Financial Assistance Program (HFAP) which was last June 29, 2025. 80% of the 20 Highschool graduates of 2026 from PLARIDEL INTEGRATED NATIONAL graduated with honors and commendation.
ESSAY AND DRAWING COMPETITION
Today, we celebrate not just artistic talent, but the passion for dignity and equality shown by our young participants. The drawings and essays we are honoring today prove that human rights is alive, vibrant, and in good hands with our new generation. Congratulations to all our winners—you have inspired us all! ✨ Winners - SIOE Human Rights Essay Competition 2026 ✨ Grade 4 Category: Ma. Lens Rica Punay, Yukos Elementary School Grade 5 Category: Alexa Nicole Asingayan, Yukos Elementary School Grade 6 Category: John Maverick Torres, Yukos Elementary School Grade 10 James Lian Felizar Mora, Los Banos National Highschool The contest was organized by Soroptimist International of Ortigas and Environs (SIOE) aiming to foster human rights awareness among youth. 🏆 Awarding Ceremony • Date: March 27, 2026 • Context: The winning pieces were inspiring reflecting human rights themes. Thank you Yukos Elementary School , Dr. Joy Sacluti, Los Banos National High School and Dr. Mercy Pabico, for your active participation. To our esteemed judges Mesdames Marietta Gorrez, Prima Guipo- Hower, Gina T. Legaspi and Carina Barlis, our sincere gratitude for serving as a Judge for the Soroptimist of Ortigas and Environs Human Rights Drawing and Essay Writing Competition. Your expertise and dedication in evaluating the students' perspectives on Human Rights have been invaluable in inspiring the next generation of advocates.
A MILESTONE WORTH MARKING
Ahead of our 24th Anniversary, Soroptimist International of Ortigas and Environs proudly unveiled a marker along the Palayan National Highway in Laguna — a lasting symbol of our commitment to empower women and girls through education and opportunity. 🌸💪
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