MANILA, Philippines – September 17, 2025 — The TOWNS Foundation, Inc. (The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service) has formally announced its 2025 TOWNS Awardees during a press conference at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. Every three years, the TOWNS Awards recognize exceptional Filipino women whose work has made transformative contributions to society — through leadership, public service, culture, science, entrepreneurship, and more.
The 15 outstanding women selected this year were chosen after a rigorous nationwide search and vetting process led by past awardees and respected leaders.
Highlights & Themes
- Service rooted in vision and impact. The awardees embody the TOWNS motto: real change is possible when brilliance meets compassion.
- Addressing urgent challenges. Their work touches on peacebuilding, good governance, climate resilience, education access, cybersecurity, public health, and inclusive economic development.
- Women leading in diverse spheres. From law, journalism, local governance, to science and entrepreneurship — this year’s cohort reflects diversity in fields and geography.
Meet the 2025 TOWNS Awardees
The following women were honored for their transformative work:
- Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba – Peace Building & Good Governance (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region)
- Jamela Aisha Alindogan – Courageous & Honest Journalism
- Atty. Maria Kristina Conti – Human Rights
- Commo Christine Pauline Bergaño-Diciano – Maritime Law Enforcement & Public Service
- Ma. Salve Duplito – Financial Empowerment
- Dr. Decibel Faustino Eslava – Environmental Science with focus on Local Learning Communities
- Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman – Peacebuilding, Courageous Governance, Socio-Economic Development
- Dr. Jennie Jocson – Innovations in Teacher Education & Access
- Deputy Minister Nur-Ainee Tan-Lim – Ethical Public Service, Social Services & Development
- Gail Concepcion Cruz-Macapagal – Information Technology & Entrepreneurship
- Col. Francel Margareth Padilla – Cybersecurity, Military Service & Community Engagement
- Dr. Maria Cielo Magno – Financial Accountability & Good Governance
- Lorelie Quiambao Osial – Business Innovation & Corporate Citizenship
- Dr. Katherine Ann Reyes – Service, Research & Leadership in Public Health Delivery
- Georgina Ann Hernandez Yang – Leadership in Innovations in Local Governance & Education
Why This Matters
The TOWNS Awards have been held every three years since the foundation’s establishment. They honor women who don’t just lead — they build, they serve, and they inspire. This year’s recipients join a distinguished roster of women who have reshaped Philippine society over the past five decades.
Patricia Prodigalidad, President of TOWNS Foundation, emphasized that in a time of deep national challenges, these women offer not just hope but concrete pathways for progress. Olivia Ferry, Chairperson of the 2025 Search Committee, remarked that the stories of this year’s awardees moved, challenged, and inspired the selection committee.
 has formally announced its 2025 TOWNS Awardees during a press conference at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. Every three years, the TOWNS Awards recognize exceptional Filipino women whose work has made transformative contributions to society — through leadership, public service, culture, science, entrepreneurship, and more.){kind=link}