Iloilo Vice Governor Christine Garin Recognized as Empowered Lady Elected Official by Comelec
Iloilo City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has honored Iloilo Vice Governor Christine “Tingting” Serag Garin with the Pura Villanueva Kalaw award, in recognition of her role as an empowered woman elected official.
Garin, who is currently serving her second term as vice governor, received the award from Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, Commissioner Socorro Inting, and Commissioner Nelson Celis on November 24 in Metro Manila. She was recognized for her unopposed candidacy during the 2022 national and local elections.
In a statement, Garin expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating, “I am honored to be given the Pura Villanueva Kalaw award.”
The Comelec Gender Development Focal Point System awarded Garin for her significant role as the vice president for the Visayas of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines. This recognition is particularly meaningful to Garin as Pura Villanueva Kalaw was an Ilongga who fought for women’s rights and led the movement throughout the country, enabling women to vote in 1937.
Pura Villanueva Kalaw, born in Iloilo in 1886, was not only a feminist but also a journalist, writer, and beauty queen. In her honor, a seven-foot statue was unveiled at Molo Plaza in Iloilo City earlier this year.
The award recognizes Garin’s dedication to serving as an empowered and influential figure in Iloilo’s local government, and her commitment to empowering women in leadership roles.
