Elevating the spirit of womanhood and national pride, this month’s flag raising ceremony is a standout event. The Stop and Salute Flag-Raising Ceremony is a monthly program of the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) and Salute To A Clean Flag Movement, in cooperation with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other government agencies and private organizations.

On March 4, 2024, as a kick-off event to Women’s Month, MTF Managing Partner, Atty. Euney Marie Mata-Perez, along with other women in business and honorees who have contributed to the nation’s social, cultural, economic, and political development, participated in the flag raising ceremonies at Independence Flagpole in Rizal Park, Luneta., and was able hold and raise the biggest flag on the tallest flagpole in the country.

Present in the event were women representing the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN) which is a coalition of five women organizations that are pushing for reforms for gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and diversity and inclusion in partnership with policy-making bodies like the Philippine Commission on Women, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  The member organizations of PhilWen are Business and Professional Women (BPW) BGC, Filipina CEO Circle (FCC), Network for Enterprising Women (NEW), NextGen Organization of Women Corporate Directors (NOWCD), and the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK). Atty. Mata-Perez is a member of NOWCD.

PhilWEN co-hosted the said event together with the Salute To A Clean Flag Movement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Parks Development Committee,  the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Pronove and Tai to reignite love of country, to remind citizens of their civic duties, and to inspire the youth to push for change.

The ceremony also recognized the first three Filipino women who raised the Philippine flag at the summit of Mt. Everest, namely Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Carina Dayondon, Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class Noelle Wenceslao Penetrante, and Ms. Janet Belarmino Forney who was represented by Dr. Ted Esguerra, their expedition physician.

Witnessing these women unite has showcased the strength and capability of womanhood. The ceremony brought emphasis on the importance of women supporting each other, fostering strength and unity. This remarkable moment underscores the resilience and determination of Filipino Women.

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