Quota Int'l celebrates shatter silence week

Text and photos by Ronelo S. Ladiao

In the light of a noble campaign to protect the rights of women and children from all forms of sexual, physical, and psychological abuses, the Quota International of Iloilo headed by its prolific President Mrs. Teresita “Chic” Layson spearheads the weeklong series of events to pursue the importance of the celebration.

Quota International-Iloilo president Teresita ‘Chic’ Layson (right) with members (from left) Marilyn Salvilla and Dulce Zulueta.

Last February 20, the organization launched the Shatter Silence Week exhibit at SM City Iloilo where Mrs. Erlinda Gencaya , City School Superintendent was the guest speaker and did the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The exhibit highlight was the 53 entries for the Photo Contest open to all amateur and professional photographers with Atty. Nela Tan as the photo contest chairman.

Last February 22, a forum for Sign Language was held at exactly 2:30 in the afternoon at West   Visayas State University (WVSU) Audio Visual Room. The forum was conducted by volunteers in the Deaf Ministry of Archdioceses of Jaro with Mrs. Marilyn Salvilla as chairman for community service and Atty. Aila Endonila as chairman for Deaf Awareness. Last February 23, a symposium on anti-violence against women and children in connection to the celebration of Shatter Silence Week every February at 2 pm. the venue of the symposium was St. Anne's Parish Convent at Molo , Iloilo City. Atty. Emerald Contreras was the guest speaker of the symposium that fearlessly tackled and discuss the importance of knowing the women and children's rights against any form of violence and abuses such as physical, sexual, psychological and even economic threats from irresponsible men.

A whole-day free hearing test was conducted at SPED school by the organization last February 24, 2005 then finally, on February 25 at exactly 5:30 p.m. the culmination of the weeklong event will be highlighted at Al Dente Restaurant at Sarabia Manor Hotel. During the culmination there will be an awarding of prizes for the winners of the Photo Contest of the exhibit from SM City Iloilo. Presently the Quota International has 36 dynamic and hardworking members that pursues   their various objectives in social service for the society.