A support group for abused Filipino women was recognized at the Avon Foundation for Women Global Voices for Change Awards in New York in the United States early this month. The Womenâs Crisis Center (WCC) in Quezon City received this yearâs Global Community Advocacy Champion award for its advocacy work in supporting victims of domestic violence. Serving as secretariat for the National Network of Family Violence Prevention Programs, the group aids abused women through:
crisis intervention; counseling; temporary shelter; education, and training services. WCC Executive Officer Theresa Balayon accepted the award at the Avonâs gala event in New York last Nov. 2, where other organizations from the United Kingdom, Brazil, Poland, and the United States were also hailed for their respective advocacy works. Pinay finalist Meanwhile, Joy Loriaâthe lone Filipino at the finals of the Avon Voices online singing competitionâperformed together with her fellow contenders. Loria, who joined the competition as an Avon representative, advanced to the finals last September. Evelina Anusauskaite of Lithuania and Avon representative Selena Gittens of Canada were named winners. Among the contestâs celebrity jurors was Filipino Broadway star Lea Salonga, who was also at the gala to present the award to the WCC. Joining Salonga were: Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas; renowned songwriter Diane Warren; Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield; Russian singer Valeriya; Australian Artist of the Decade Delta Goodrem; female percussionist Shiela E.; music producer and Grammy winner David Pack; Brazil pop star Ivete Sangalo; Colombian singer Maia; and Grammy nominated singer-composer Diego Torres. The eventâwhich gathered more than 800 guests and performers from 39 countriesâraised more than $2.3 million for the Avon Foundation for Women. - VVP, GMA News