8th General Membership Meeting & Election
The 8th General Membership Meeting of the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation, Inc. (ZCME) was successfully held on February 24, 2026, at Milky Way Café. The meeting was presided over by President Joanne Zapanta Andrada, with a quorum duly established.
The highlight of the meeting was the keynote address delivered by Conchita Carpio-Morales, Former Ombudsman and Associate Justice, who spoke on the timely and powerful theme: "Social Justice Under Pressure: Upholding Accountability in an Age of Normalized Impunity." Her presentation emphasized the importance of ethical leadership, institutional accountability, and the role of civil society in safeguarding democracy and human rights.
An engaging Question-and-Answer session followed, allowing members to reflect on the challenges of promoting justice in contemporary society. President Joanne Z. Andrada and Past International President Olivia A. Ferry formally presented a Certificate of Appreciation and token to Justice Carpio-Morales.
The gathering was honored by the presence of distinguished guests including Area 5 Director Susan Lim and former ZCME member Vicky Wieneke, whose attendance reaffirmed the strong bonds of fellowship and sisterhood within Zonta.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of nominees and the conduct of the election for the Biennium 2026–2028. The official results were announced: President: Marcy Kohchet-Chua; President-Elect: Stella L. Cabalatungan; Vice President: Ina Magpale-Asirit; Corporate Secretary: Ivi C. Valera; Treasurer: Teresa C. Tan. Board Members: Melissa Asuncion, Suyin Liu, Maritoni Tordesillas, Vikki Yu.
ZCME proudly recognized members celebrating milestone years of dedicated service in 2026: 10 Years of Service – Martina Santos; 30 Years of Service – Fanny Blanco; 40 Years of Service – Georgitta Puyat.
Members were informed of the upcoming Zonta International Convention scheduled on July 11–14, 2026, in Vancouver, Canada. The Club will also submit nominations for the District 17 Governor's Awards in categories including Best Advocacy Project, Best Service Project, and Top Club in Membership Growth.
Treasurer Stella L. Cabalatungan presented the Cash Position Report as of January 31, 2026, and announced the start of collection for membership dues. The Club received an overwhelming 250 virtual entries nationwide for Sining Filipina 2026, including 20 entries from the Women's Correctional Institution in Mandaluyong.
The 8th General Membership Meeting was both reflective and forward-looking—honoring justice, celebrating service milestones, electing new leaders, and strengthening commitments for the upcoming biennium. With renewed enthusiasm, strengthened sisterhood, and collective optimism, ZCME transitions into Biennium 2026–2028.
