Honoring Ms. Karla Aquino are Lawyer Rudyard Arbolado (left), the Inquirer President and Chief Executive Officer and Inquirer Group Chief Executive Officer Sandy Prieto-Romualdez (3rd from left), and Inquirer Associate Publisher Juliet Labog-Javellana.
DLSZ congratulates Ms. Karla Mae Aquino, Social Action Office (SAO) Minister who was one of the honorees in the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s “Women of Power,” in recognition of modern-day trailblazers and changemakers held last March 28, 2023, at Conrad Manila, Pasay City.
Ms. Aquino has been a SAO Minister for 7 years where she facilitates retreats and recollections, exposure outreach, service learning, and volunteer activities for students to bring relevance and reflection, collaboration, and compassion to the social teachings of the Catholic Church and the Lasallian core values. She is being recognized by Inquirer for her advocacy for helping special children through her volunteer work at Pedya Kamp Association, Inc.
Pedya Kamp is a non-stock, non-profit organization that advocates equal opportunities and community acceptance of children with disabilities. They provide trainings, annual camps and conduct monthly outreach programs for children with special needs including those with mental and/or physical disabilities, orphans, and street children.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition for my volunteer work in empowering women in the field of special children at Pedya Kamp Association, Inc. This experience has led me to reflect on the importance of this work – to not just advocate for children with special needs, but to uplift, inspire and empower the women who work tirelessly to make a difference in their lives,” shares Ms. Aquino.
True to her living the Lasallian values of faith, service, and communion in mission, her work is a testament to caring for the last, the least, and the lost. She believes that behind every successful special child is a woman who has put in her heart and soul to support and nurture them. She explains that many of the volunteers in Pedya Kamp are unsung heroes who may go unrecognized, but their contributions are no less significant.
“It is for this reason that I am grateful for this award, as it symbolizes not only my personal achievement but our collective commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of these children and their families,” she explains.
Ms. Aquino concludes, “as we celebrate Women’s Month, let us not forget the powerful role that women play in our society, and the resilience and strength they bring to the table, their contributions to social change especially when it comes to special children. I extend my sincere thanks to all who supported me in this advocacy. May we continue to work together toward a more inclusive and empowering future for all.”
Official Feature Article from Philippine Daily Inquirer:
To volunteer in Pedya Kamp, you may contact them at: https://www.facebook.com/pedya.kamp