Small, but Mighty: SI/Angat, Philippines
Angelita De Guzman joined SI/Angat, Philippines (Philippines Region), at the club’s founding without knowing much about Soroptimist. She had met the members while filling in for her husband, one of the member sponsors. Angelita stepped in, demonstrating a true Soroptimist trait, before knowing the positive impact that joining would have on her life!
For the past 14 years, SI/Angat, a club in a rural community in the Philippines, has remained small but mighty, with a current roster of 13 members. Although there are many barriers involved in membership for the club, their dedicated members are making a huge impact! Angelita says that SI/Angat’s members are “equipped with a big heart and strong desire to help others.”
Their efforts are not unnoticed. SI/Angat is known in their local community for their successful Live Your Dream Awards program. Since 2014, they have consistently won at the district level. As of February 2023, they have had nine Bulacan North District winners, three Philippines Region runner-ups, two Philippines Region winners, and one Soroptimist International of the Americas Federation winner. Among their nine award recipients, five have graduated from college with their support and are now working in their own respective fields. These women were either survivors of domestic violence and abuse or living at the poverty level while continuing to dream and hope for a better future. These women are now emotionally and economically empowered, supporting not only themselves but their own families as well.
“It really warms our heart to see these families and know that SI/Angat, that we, that I was part of their journey to a better life. These families are living proof that Soroptimists are true to their mission of giving women and girls access to education to achieve economic empowerment.”
Angelita went from not knowing what Soroptimist was when she signed up to changing lives in her community. She has served as the club’s secretary for the last several years and previously served as the treasurer. One of her favorite memories is when her colleagues convinced her to be the club representative during the Soroptimist International of the Americas Philippine Region United Nations celebration in October 2010. With the theme “Celebrate Asean,” Angelita won the Miss Asean title!
SI/Angat has overcome many challenges throughout the years, narrowly avoiding dissolving. Angelita believes without the “sisterly bond, SI/Angat would have been history. SI/ANGAT—UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.” She appreciates the bond, friendship, and camaraderie between and among the club’s members. To encourage that sisterhood, they gather to celebrate the birthdays of each member at local restaurants and coffee shops. They spend time together on an out-of-town trip at least once a year!
Prior to Soroptimist, Angelita had never joined any organization before. Now, she credits Soroptimist for helping her realize there is joy in giving. “There is beauty in helping others. There is a sense of fulfillment in knowing you help make the life of another woman better or the future of a girl brighter.” SI/Angat, small but mighty, proves that an impact can be made, no matter the club size when motivated by the mission to help women and girls.
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