Alma Bulawan, who worked in "A Bars" outside the former Subic Naval Base, is a champion and role model for Filipinas in prostitution and the sex industry who see a better life for themselves and their children. She is currently the President of the Buklod Center, in Olongapo, Philippines, which she helped start in 1987 as a drop-in center for women in prostitution and their mixed-race children fathered by US servicemen. She is a board member of CATW Asia Pacific and a member of the International Women’s Network against Militarism. In 2004, she ran as a progressive candidate for the Olongapo City Council. That year Buklod convened the first Philippine national conference organized for and by women in prostitution. In 2009, Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region awarded her the Unsung Women Heroes prize.
In behalf of my family, allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who made this award possible for me. To Ms. Margo Okazawa-Rey, Suzuyo Takazato-san, and Ms. Jean Enriquez for the nomination -- you have created a very wonderful person out of me. Thank you so much. It is heartwarming to know that there are people who recognize my efforts in advancing women’s rights and welfare.
To my Buklod family and co-survivors, I could not thank you enough for all your help and encouragement. Without you, and without Buklod, this award will just be a dream. I am very fortunate indeed, that I have become part of this family. So, to all of you, this award is for you. I have become what I am today, because of you.
This Yayori award is for everyone, not just for women advocates like me. It is for every woman too, that they may choose to come out of their comfort zones, speak up and act on our collective dreams of a world free from discrimination and violence.
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