14 March 2005 – The Philippine Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that in celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2005, Ambasador Farita Aguilucho-Ong presented a symbolic Filipino gift to Timor-Leste’s declared Woman of the Year, Ms. Helen P. Maya during ceremonies at the garden of Poy Cholor.

Ambassador Aguilucho-Ong presented Ms. Maya, a 35-year-old newly widowed mother of five children, the youngest being only six months old, a banig as a symbolic gift “to represent the Filipino’s rites of life – the joy of birth, the innocence of childhood and youth, the mellowness of age and the finality of death.” The Ambassador added that she was quite sure that her children will enjoy being cuddled in this bedding.

The Philippine Embassy also presented the bamboo dance, tinikling, performed by a Filipina-Timorese dance group in the reception organized by the lady Ambassadors of Great Britain, Australia, Ireland and the Philippines, in collaboration with the Alola Foundation.

In coordination with the Alola Foundation, the four lady heads of diplomatic mission in Dili pooled resources for a training course in sewing to establish livelihood for the orphaned family of Ms. Maya. The Alola Foundation, chaired by Ms. Kristy Sword Gusmao, wife of President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, is devoted  to promoting women and children’s welfare in Timor-Leste. END

/jay