Behind every great man, there is a great woman.” This old proverb is shown to be true between Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Lambino and his wife, Atty. Melanie. Both of them work to make a difference, although they are in different fields such as politics or public service and community service or non-government organizations. It is sometimes an overlooked fact that, as much as we give respect and honor to the places where leaders try to make a difference, it is often the untold stories of the people who stand beside them that deserve equal recognition.

Atty. Melanie has undoubtedly contributed significantly to Vice Governor Mark’s success with her persistent support, efforts, and accomplishments. Atty. Melanie is a director at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), a business economist, and a lawyer. She and Vice Governor Mark have a son named Luke, who is an inspiration to both of them for why they are working hard to serve the communities they chose to work for.

Atty. Melanie is also an advocate of community involvement and women empowerment which she practices in the Women’s Club Pangasinan (WCP) as its president. WCP is an affiliate of the National Federation of Women’s Clubs of the Philippines (NFWC) that was established on September 8, 2019.

It is during hardships and trials that women and mothers are always the last people to give up, and they are the ones that will inspire others to see light in every darkness. This is what WCP showed during the height of the global health crisis—COVID 19. The group showed the rest that the pandemic is an opportunity for women to show they care for society. WCP has successfully conducted several projects and programs, such as the distribution of face shields, hygiene kits, school kits, and grocery packs, for the past four years. The COVID-19 pandemic motivated WCP to set up a multi-faucet hygiene facility in David Elementary School, Mangaldan, Pangasinan, to ensure the safety of students and teachers. This project is in partnership with Manila Water Philippine Ventures, the Department of Health (DOH), and the local government of Pangasinan under the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program. WCP also conducted a PWD (Persons with Disability) treat, set up a community pantry for Pangasinenses, and hosted online activities such as the Facebook Live Game Show and online raffles. PWDs from different municipalities were given wheelchairs, a simple gesture of affection that brought so much happiness not only to the PWDs but also to the WCP members.

AWARDS

Still under Atty. Melanie’s superintendence, WCP was recognized by the Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) and given the Ang Susi Awards 2022 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City for its best community service. Complementing this are her efforts to preserve and protect the environment particularly to protect marine life and resources. She spearheaded the use of recycled materials to design and decorate the WCP float for the Pistay Dayat 2023. The WCP float topped the contest as the “Best Float” during the Grand Float Parade last May 1, 2023 at Lingayen, Pangasinan.

WO M E N ’ S C LU B PA N GAS I N A N H O ST E D N AT I O N A L F E D E R AT I O N O F WOMEN’S CLUBS OF THE PHILIPPINES ANNUAL MEETING 2023

As president of WCP, Atty. Melanie led the hosting of NFWC Pangasinan National Annual Meeting at the Monarch Hotel, Calasiao, Pangasinan on May 26 to 27, 2023, highlighting the theme: “Challenge: Women’s Well-being and Economic Resilience Amid COVID Impacts.”

This momentous gathering was graced by Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos of Ilocos Norte as their guest of honor and speaker, and Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino of Pangasinan as the inspirational speaker.

“We pray as we go back to regular life, we remember what we went through, and may we be a little bit kinder and may we be compassionate as people, as women... being compassionate, being nurturing, being loving and being caring to other people,” Cecilia Araneta-Marcos emphasized during ner keynote speech.

Part of this two-day event also was a church tour in Señor Divino Tesoro Shrine and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, and Bella’s Puto Factory in Calasiao, Pangasinan which delegates truly enjoyed. The said activities showcased the tourism industry of Pangasinan specifically in the Municipality of Calasiao.

The NFWC National Annual Meeting aims to reunite the members and renew their camaraderie and fellowship, establish networking, experience new places and cultures and to simply enjoy a wonderful time with their fellow women.

An estimated 180 delegates from the various affiliated clubs and federations of NFWC from different parts of the country gathered together during this significant event.