Empowering Women, One Project at a Time - Stories of Life by the Sea

Under the dynamic leadership of President Rosemarie L. Gerdtman, Soroptimist International (SI) of Lipeñas has made powerful strides in creating a better, more compassionate world for women and girls. Gerdtman, a successful businesswoman originally from Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, now based in Lipa City, has channeled her passion for service into action—transforming lives through a wide range of community projects.

Staying true to the Soroptimist mission of empowering women and girls through education and opportunities, SI Lipeñas has accomplished several life-affirming programs in recent months, including:

🌈 Featured Projects Led by SI Lipeñas:

👣 Tsinelas Para sa mga Anghel (Slippers for Angels): Donated slippers to indigent students of Sta. Catalina Elementary School in Lopez, Quezon, giving comfort and dignity to young learners.
🎁 Handog Pagmamahal Para sa mga Lola (Gift of Love for Grandma): Brought joy to 25 elderly women at the Tanauan Home for the Aged in Batangas through meaningful gifts and personal visits.
**📚 Women’s Rights Seminar: ** An educational campaign that raised awareness on Teenage Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Anti-Human Trafficking, equipping participants with knowledge and support.
**🌳 Puno ng Pag-asa (Tree of Hope) Tree Planting Project: ** Planted 50 fruit-bearing trees at Lapantay Elementary School in Puerto Galera, with the vision of building a future source of livelihood for the community.
**🧺 Alay-Pag-asa sa Kapatid na Mangyan: ** A heartwarming outreach program that provided gifts and essential supplies to 100 Mangyan students and 70 families in Lapantay.
**💖 Gift-Giving for Cancer Patients: ** Raised PHP 50,000 to assist cancer patients at Pasig Public Hospital, giving hope during the holiday season in December 2019.

Each initiative echoes the commitment of SI Lipeñas to make meaningful contributions to society—rooted in love, compassion, and purpose.

🔍 The Soroptimist Mission: More Than Charity—A Movement

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement that champions the rights of women and girls, helping them access education, healthcare, and income-generating opportunities. Gerdtman emphasizes that education is at the heart of everything they do:

“Educated women are less vulnerable to exploitation. They are empowered to escape domestic abuse and build stronger families and communities.”

📌 A Brief History of SI Lipeñas

Chartered on October 8, 2017, SI Lipeñas began with 12 dedicated women at New Farm, Pusil, Lipa City—led by Charter President Gina Sy under the SI Mariverde District. Since then, the club has grown in strength and scope, proving what a committed group of women can do when united by purpose.

💡 The Four Pillars of Soroptimist:

Program Pillar – The soul of Soroptimist’s service, guiding clubs in impactful community engagement.
Membership Pillar – A diverse sisterhood of women from different backgrounds coming together for global change.
Public Awareness – Promoting their causes, especially Women’s Opportunity Awards and Stop Trafficking, across media platforms.
Fundraising Pillar – Empowering clubs to sustain local and international programs through innovative fundraising.

With President Rosemarie Gerdtman at the helm, SI Lipeñas continues to shine as a beacon of hope, proving that empowered women truly empower others. Through service, advocacy, and community engagement, they are not only transforming lives—they are also rewriting the future.

👏 Mabuhay ang Soroptimist International of Lipeñas!
🌍 For more information on how you can support or join their mission, visit your local SI chapter or reach out to SI Lipeñas today.