Filipina - Boholana, Part IV

ESTER COFRAZON JAMISOLA GALBREATH
Third Congressional District, Provincial Board Member


Ester Corazon Jamisola Galbreath is a native of Bilar born to Dionisio Cadelina Jamisola of Jagna and Crescencia Macalolot Ampon of Bilar who were both educators. She finished high school at the young age of 14, graduated Bachelor of Science in Home Economics at 18, then Elementary Teacher Certificate at 19 in the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.

At 20, she already started teaching in Bilar Central Elementary School and later, she was promoted as School Head Teacher after completing the academic requirements in Master of Arts in Education.

After fifteen (15) years of teaching in the public schools, she got married to Eugene “Jack” Galbreath, a retired US Military man. She resigned from her teaching job in Bilar to join her husband who was then working as a civilian employee in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After seven (7) years there, they came back to Bohol to settle down for good in Bilar and she decided to try politics.

She was elected as Municipal Mayor of Bilar for three (3) consecutive terms of nine (9) years from July 1, 1992 to June 30, 2001. In the May 2001 election, she won as a member of the Provincial Board representing the 3rd District of Bohol.

She is the Chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism and Committee on Zoning, Rural and Urban Development, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Arts as well as Committee on Women and Family Affairs; a member of the Committee on Health and Public Safety and the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

In May 2004 election, she won handily as a member of the Provincial Board representing the 3rd District of Bohol for her second (2) term. She Chairs the Committee on Tourism and Committee on Education., Vice Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Arts as well as Committee on Zoning; and member of the Committee on Health and Public Sanitation; Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and Committee on Women & Family Welfare.

Aside from her political career, she is also active in both the Girl and the Boy Scout Movement as well as the Tagbilaran City Host Lions Club of which she is the President at present.

Filipina - Boholana, Part III

MA. FE CAMACHO-LEJOS
Second Congressional District, Provincial Board Member

The new board member is a beauty and got the best life can offer. She is the youngest child from a brood of nine of Engineer Magdaleno T. Camacho, Sr., once Bohol’s District Engineer who hails from Getafe and a retired public school principal of Chinese descent from Tubigon, Filomena Tan. Her eldest sister, Victoria is an OB-GYNE consultant, also owns a clinic in the U.S. Next is, Cecilio, also a general surgeon in the U.S. Her other sister Carmen, is a nurse in the U.S.
while brother Jessie, is a manager of a firm there. Another brother, Feliberto, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy Class 65, who retired as colonel (pilot) of the Philippine Air Force, is now a successful enterpreneur in Canada.

Before her is her brother Cariso who was mayor of Getafe from 1992-2001. He is now ABC President there and subsequently Bohol’s ABC Vice President. His wife Theresa, who followed suit, is now on her second term as mayor of Getafe, Bohol.

Another brother Magdaleno, Jr., was a philosophy professor of Adamson University in Manila. Unfortunately, God took his life earlier so with another brother Thomas Dewey. Hon. Maria Fe Camacho-Lejos or simply MAFE as her friends fondly call her, was born on March 23, 1957. She finished her elementary grades in Getafe in 1968. She pursued her secondary course at Holy Spirit School, Tagbilaran City and graduated in 1972. Not certain yet in which way to go through as a profession, she took up Bachelor of Arts at Velez College, Cebu City and finished it in 1976.

Finally, MAFE chose to be a nurse, which she studied at the University of Bohol, Tagbilaran City and completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1981.

MAFE’s leadership potential was discovered as early as during her student days when she became the Class President of U.B.’s Nursing Students’ Association from school year 1979-1981. She also became the President of the Quezon Institute Nurses’ Organization from 1982
to 1986 while working there as an O.R. staff nurse. MAFE has been likewise an active member of the Philippine Nurses’ Association and Alliance of Health Workers as its National Secretary from 1984-85.

Working abroad for dollar also attracted the young MAFE like most of our brother Filipinos at that time, when in 1986, she accepted an overseas employment as staff nurse of the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia until 1996. She, again, worked as chief nurse of Marzouk Primary Health Care Center, Al-Baha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1996 to 2004.

MAFE comes from a family of politicians. Her grandfather was once a long-time mayor of Getafe, Bohol in the 20’s and 30’s. An uncle also became a board member of Bohol during the stint of Carlos P. Garcia as governor. A brother as mentioned above has been a successful politician.

But, MAFE has never had a dream of becoming one. If not probably for an ailing cousin, the late Estanislao Camacho, Board Member of the 2nd District of Bohol, who withdrew his bid for reelection in 2004, MAFE could not have ran in his stead and won as Board Member of the Province of Bohol.

The new Board Member is dynamic. She is output-oriented. MAFE is religious too. Her being a nurse makes her an ideal surrogate mother to all her constituents.

Being a working mother is already a tough task. Being a politician at the same time multiplies the challenge quadrofold. But effective time management can allow her to be an efficient wife, mother and public servant at the same time.

MAFE is happily married to Mr. Cristopher O. Lejos, a businessman from Capiz, who also once an oversea worker and they are blessed with two children, Kevin, who is now in his second year college in political science at the University of Bohol and Kristofferson, a high school sophomore of Holy Name University.

Filipina - Boholana, Part II

This blog item features the Boholana lawmakers. They are indeed heroines. They do away with personal intentions but are doing things for the welfare of the Boholanos. Praises to our Boholana lawmakers.

AMALIA REYES TIROL


Dr. Amalia Reyes Tirol,Board Member,2nd Congressional District, Province of Bohol.

“The 1st Lady Is now a Lawmaker”

There is the widely acknowledged dictum that “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”. Although this line should not be taken literally, it connotes the power of a mother in bringing forth to this world high-caliber leaders who decide on most pivotal issues. Dr. Amalia Reyes-Tirol, Ph.D. is an accomplished woman, wife, mother and grandmother. Never the type to stay in the background, even when tending to her husband whose political career was highlighted by his being the Governor of the Province of Bohol, or nurturing eleven children, ten of whom are highly successful professionals, she was always been at the forefront in social concerns. As destiny would have it, she metamorphosed from being the First Lady to becoming a Board Member, the only Boholana accorded such exemplary feat.

Mally was born in San Pascual, Ubay, Bohol on July 10, 1933. She studied at the San Pascual Elementary and graduated with honors in 1949. She was First Honorable Mention in her fourth year class at Ubay Public High School in 1953. That same year she took BEED at Divine Word College, then finished CSS at Rafael Palma College in 1955 and BSC in 1957. In the same institution she graduated BSHE as Cum Laude in 1959, ETCHE as Cum Laude in 1960, and BSEED-HE as Magna Cum Laude in 1961. RPC became University of Bohol where she finished her Master’s Degree as Magna cum Laude in 1965 and Ph.D. also as Magna Cum Laude in 1967.

From 1958 to 1997, a continuous period of 39 years, she worked at RPC/UB as Professor in Typewriting and Stenography; Business Management Professor in the College of Commerce; Professor of the College of Home Economics, while concurrently working as Dean of Men and Women; Head of Home Economics Department; and Head of Alumni and Extension Services. She has been very active in civic and community activities. She is a Board member of the PNRC-Bohol Chapter and now member of the Philippine Gift of Life; Board Member and Auditor of Tagbilaran Puericulture Center and maternity House; Member of the Board of the Bohol Foundation of the Deaf (1982-84); Secretary, Balikatan Sa Kaunlaran (1980-82); Vice President of the same organization from 1982 to 1984; President Tagbilaran City Host Lions Club (1982-84) District Governor district 301B Lioness Club. Board Member of the Girls Scout of the Philippines (1965-1980); Vice President, Girl Scout of the Philippines (1980, 1994, 1997, 2003); President Girls Scout of the Philippines (1994-1997); President National Federation of Women’s Club (1985-2003) member, Congressional Foundation, Inc. (1986-92); and she was the founder and President of Bohol Official Ladies Foundation, Inc. Bohol Chapter (1992-1996).

She was instrumental in organizing the Cortes Official Ladies Cooperative, Trinidad, Food Processing, Duero Official Ladies Cooperative, San Pascual Cattle Dispersal Cooperative, and San Isidro Basket Waivers Cooperative. She is the adviser and consultant of the Bohol Official Ladies Foundation, Inc.2001 up to the present.She is a member of the Treasurer of the Philippine Home Economics Association Region VII (1986-1994). Chairman, Council of Deans and Heads of Home Economics of the Philippines (1993-1994).

Not only is she dynamic in the socio-civic activities, she is also excels in her religious affiliations. She was Member, Our Lady of Lourdes (1949-1957); member Catholic Women’s League (1970-present); vice President, Catholic Women’s League (1988-90); President, San Roque Chapel Organization in Socn-oc, Ubay, Bohol (1988-90); and Adviser of the San Roque Chapel Organization from 1990 to 1995.

With her efficiency as a public servant she acquired various awards and citations. A plaque of Appreciation was given to her being the Outstanding GSP Chairman of the Ruby Jubilee Celebration; awarded as Outstanding Mother of Tagbilaran City by the Tagbilaran Women’s Club in 1994; recognized by the national Chairman of the Council of Heads and Deans of Home Economics in the Philippines by DECS Secretary Ricardo Gloria in 1994; was also recognized for her commitment in maintaining excellent standards in Home Economics Education; honored for being a Nutrition Coordinator by Dr. Florentino ANP Director, Manila; distinguished of her valuable contribution to the success of 74th Town Anniversary Foundation of Trinidad, Bohol (2001); a plaque of appreciation was given to her as the Lioness district President 301B in 1994 and as President of the Tagbilaran City Host Lions Club (2001-02); Outstanding Educator in the field of Education on May 31, 2003 in Cebu; also recognized by the Bohol Provincial Board Member League of the Philippines (2003); Institute of Cultural and Arts Management; TESDA; Philippine Gift of Life; Sunshine Home and was given certificate as 10 years of successful service to the Lions Club International.

In government service she also keeps interest busy with her volume assignments. She was Legislative Assistant (1986-92). Chairman, Committee on Culture and Arts and Committee on Government Properties, Enterprise and Related Undertakings; Vice Chairman, Committee on Public Utilities and Committee on Social Services and Population Development; Member on Committee on Tourism, Committee on Good Government and Committee on Appropriation, Budget/Finance.

Though her life is occupied both socio-civic and government drudgeries she still have time to promote the family’s interest like gardening and food production; mango production; cattle dispersal, which they have been doing since 1965; rice and corn crop production and aquamarine farming.

The greatness of a mother is manifested through her children. The eldest of her 11 children is Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, a Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Head NICU at Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital. David Rey Tirol finished BS Commerce and Master in Business Administration; he is in the construction business. Engr. Carpo Tirol is a Manager of Australian Aluminum Factory, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Ammon Denis Tirol is a CPA and Master in Business Administration and he is the Budget Officer of the University of Bohol. Honor R. Tirol finished Bachelor of Laws. Dalia Melda Tirol-Magno is a Certified Public Accountant, Realtor and also works as Registrar of UB. Apolo Marco Tirol who finished Bachelor of Science in Nursing and engaged in business. Homer Ariston Tirol works as Administrative Assitant of the UB President. Reyna Catherine Tirol-Clavano is a Registered Nurse now based in New Zealand. David Tirol III is a BS Economics graduate, licensed Respiratory Therapist and he is now based in California, USA. The youngest Cindy Tirol is registered nurse.

Next to be featured: JOSEPHINE SOCORRO JUMAMOY, MA. FE CAMACHO-LEJOS, ESTER CORAZON J. GALBREATH, ASTER L. PIOLLO, FRANCIS BOBBITH R. CAJES.

Filipina - Boholana, Part I

Filipina is a female Filipino. Filipinas and Filipinos are citizens of the Philippines.

Boholana is a female Boholano. Boholanas and Boholanos are citizens of the Republic of Bohol, Philippines. (The name Republic of Bohol has another story)

A Boholana is also a Filipina.

This blog series will feature Boholanas who has made a mark in the local, national and international scene in different fields. They are women who deserves to be phrased and looked up to for what they have done and for what they are.

This series is an entry to my friend Janette Toral's invitation to join "Filipina Writing Project". .

SONIA MALASARTE ROCO
A true-blue Boholana, Sonia was born (July 20, 1944) to then Congressman Pablo Malasarte of Bilar and homemaker Petra Cubillo of Calape, Bohol. A consistent honor student from elementary to college, she was awarded the "Most Outstanding Student of the Philippines" in 1964, placing first (future husband Raul placed second) among all college students ranked on the basis of academic excellence, leadership abilitiy, and special achievement. Sonia was also a recipient of the Cardinal Santos Leadership Award, having served as President of the Student Catholic Action (SCA) and the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), a national student organization founded by future Philippine Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban.

Sonia holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Saint Joseph's College, Quezon City, a Master of Arts in Communication Arts and a Master of Arts in Social Psychology from Ateneo de Manila University. She has also taken courses at the Child Development Center of the University of the Philippines.

As a devoted wife to Raul, Sonia actively supported her husband in all his roles as lawyer, congressman, senator, Secretary of Education, presidential candidate, and international parliamentarian. The couple has six children and five grandchildren. They were bestowed the Golden Parents Award for 1995. In both 1998 and 2004 Philippine presidential campaign, Sonia actively campaigned for her husband and was described by local media as very well-prepared to be a First Lady of the Philippines.

Sonia is active in educational, social, cultural, and environmental causes. As past president and founding member of the 20-year-old Women in Nation Building (WIN), she is a sought-after resource person on women's issues. In healthcare, she is a frequent guest speaker owing to her first-hand experience as primary caregiver to then ailing husband Raul. Sonia co-founded Saint Michael's Hospice in 1996 to help the poor and terminally ill. She maintains active relations with the Student Catholic Action Leadership Foundation, an organization which strives to revive the SCA among the contemporary Filipino youth.

During the May 14, 2007 elections, Sonia ran for Senator but unfortunately lost in the over-all count but she scored well in Bohol. Afterall, she is a Boholana and is also loved by the Boholanos.