Text by: Bridget Anne C. Caraig, Katrina Lilliana P. Covar, Aleanna Antoinette C. Tengco, Rose Abigail E. Duarte, and Emerito Jose A. Faraon

Three undergraduate students from the UP Manila College of Public Health participated in the Women’s Month Leadership Forum organized by the American Chamber of Commerce Healthcare and Wellness Committee (AmCham Philippines) on March 4, 2024 at the AmCham Philippines head office in Taguig City.

Aleanna Antoinette Tengco presented the interim outcomes of her study titled “Investigating Public Commute Patterns and Social Jetlag among UP Manila Employees,” while Katrina Lilliana Covar delved into her research titled “Perceived Quality of the First 1000 Days Program – Adequate Nutrition Component Service Delivery among Program Beneficiaries in a Selected Barangay in Manila City.” Similarly, Bridget Caraig explored the “Analysis of Occupational Safety and Health Policies for Motorcycle Taxi Application Riders in Metro Manila.”

Following the presentations, a panel discussion was led by the following accomplished women leaders from the healthcare industry: Carmie Pascual de Leon (Country General Manager of Radlink Philippines), Jannette Jakosalem (Market Managing Director of Zuellig Pharma), and Sobee Delez (Distribution Head of Pacific Cross Philippines). Discussions primarily revolved around navigating their roles in traditionallymale-dominated fields, in addition to their responsibilities as mothers, focusing largely on the significance of achieving work-life balance.

In the event, Dr. Jaemin Park, AmCham Philippines representative and adjunct professor of the Department of Health Policy and Administration at the College of Public Health, talked about the unique strengths of women based on the popular adage, “Anything a man can do, a woman can do too.”

The forum encouraged critical reflection on ingrained ideas that hinder empowerment and gender equality. It highlighted the power of embracing femininity, not as a weakness, but as a source of strength, empathy, and the ability to foster positive environments. It also served as an inspiring and empowering experience for the students who will navigate their paths after they finish the degree. ■