FIFTEEN Filipino women were recognized on Wednesday for their transformative contributions to Philippine society through excellence, leadership and service in their respective fields.
The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (Towns) Foundation Inc. announced the 2025 Towns Awardees during a press briefing at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.
Held every three years, the Towns Awards are given to those who have shown outstanding dedication, exceptional talent and a history of contributing positively to society.
From the fields of science and technology, public service, culture and social entrepreneurship, the award celebrates women whose work had a meaningful and measurable impact on the nation.
In her opening remarks, Towns Foundation Inc. President Patricia Prodigalidad said the 15 awardees, who were chosen from almost 140 nominations, “stand as symbols of resilience, determination, innovation, leadership and the enduring power of selfless service.”
“In a time when our nation is grappling with revelations of large-scale corruption, when we witness the erosion of core values such as honesty, integrity, accountability and a genuine love of country, and when many of our institutions are being tested, and the damage caused by insatiable greed and indifference is painfully evident, these women remind us of the ideals we must hold dear. In these challenging times, they provide us with a renewed sense of hope for the future,” she said.
Prodigalidad said their stories were not just of personal success, but of dedication to the greater good.
“They embody the very best of what it means to serve, lead and inspire. Each of them is a beacon of possibility for others to follow, proving and giving us comfort that, despite the obstacles and temptations that abound, there are still many who remain steadfast in their unselfish commitment to making a positive impact on the nation such that the Philippines will not be condemned to repeat its history,” she said.
Prodigalidad reminded them that the award “is not just a recognition of your past work, but an invitation to continue your journey of nation-building, not just alone but with us.”
“As you step into this new chapter, know that we are all stronger together. And as you embark on this next phase of your journey, I encourage you to lean on one another, share your wisdom, and always remember that the work we do today is laying the foundation for a better, more just and more compassionate future for all Filipinos,” she added.
This year’s Towns awardees included Sha Elijah Dumama Alba (Peace Building and Good Governance), Jamela Alindogan (Courageous and Honest Journalism), Maria Kristina Conti (Human Rights for All), Christine Pauline Diciano (Maritime Law Enforcement and Public Service), Salve Duplito (Financial Empowerment), Decibel Faustino Eslava (Environmental Science for Local Learning Communities), Sitti Djalia Hataman (Peacebuilding, Courageous Governance and Social Economic Development), Jennie Jocson (Innovations in Teacher Education and Access), Nur-Ainee Tan Lim (Ethical Public Service, Social Services and Development), Gail Macapagal (Information Technology and Entrepreneurship), Maria Cielo Magno (Financial Accountability and Good Governance), Lorelie Osial (Business Innovation and Corporate Citizenship), Francel Margareth Padilla (Cybersecurity, Military Service and Transformative Engagement with Local Communities), Katherine Ann Reyes (Service, Research and Leadership in Public Health Delivery) and Georgina Yang (Leadership in Innovations in Local Governance and Education).
The awardees were selected through a rigorous nationwide search and vetting process led by a panel of respected leaders and past awardees.
