TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, March 25 (PIA) — Tonight, 10 Cagayano women will take their bow in recognition to what they have done to their communities in a fitting award ceremonies at the Victoria Hotel, this city.

The recognition, called 2013 Iddu Women Honor Roles Awards, is a project of the Philippine Information Agency region 2 and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Cagayan as part of the Women’s Month celebration this year.

PIA Director Purita S. Licas said this year’s recognition is an off-shoot of last year’s activity when the agency selected 10 women, and published their stories in a simple agency-produced magazine distributed to the public.

Dr. Mildred Abella, Provincial Agriculturist of Cagayan and one of the 10 honorees last year said it is but fitting that this year’s awardees be given a formal recognition.

“I decided to tie-up with PIA in the region for this purpose. I want our honorees to feel their importance as they go on with their daily routine of providing service to our people,” Abella said.

Director Licas admitted that while the agency is not an award-giving body, it is likewise appropriate to give recognition to these women who have been covered by the agency for so many years.

“We simply knew their contributions as we have been witness to most of their activities. It’s time to give them a breather,” Licas said.

The honorees and their respective sectors included 1) Ma. Belen Barias-Lim, media, publishing; 2) Dr. Rosalinda PeBenito Valdepenas , Education; 3) Dr. Chita C. Ramos, Culture and the Arts; 4) Mayor Lolita Garcia, Local Governance; 5) Josephine Decena, Enterpreneurship; 6)Alejandra L. Correa, Rural Development; 7) Dr. Blessida G. Diwa, Tourism Promotions; 8) Dr. Isabel Taguinod, Financial Management; 9) Dr. Corona C. Borja, Women Empowerment; and 10) Edna T. Junio, Social Services.

In an interview, honoree Josephine Decena said her experience is the same experience any woman can get and achieve.

“There are times you get hurt but you have to sacrifice your personal gains for your love ones,” she said.

Director Licas in a text message to both the Northern Digest and Northern Forum said the agency is contemplating on having a similar recognition for the male population in the province next year.