27 May 2022, Milan

      The Consulate General of the Philippines in Milan successfully held the launching of the book entitled Ho Una Vagina (Ako ay May Kiki), a trilingual book written by Glenda Oris and illustrated by Beth Parrocha, that educates readers on the importance of health and well-being and raises awareness on gender-based violence. Ho Una VAgina, originally written in Filipino was translated to Italian to reach out to the Filipino-Italian speaking members of the Filipino community.

      The event was attended by the Honorable Diana Alessandra de Marchi, First Councilor of the City of Milan, who commended the Consulate and said that the book was “revolutionary”. She said that the Consulate was light years ahead in implementing gender and development concerns. Also in attendance was the honorable Renata Rossi, Chief Welfare Officer of the Comune di Milano. Filipino Community leaders of Northern Italy who attended the event were invited to sign the commitment board towards promoting and protecting the rights of children.

       Also joining the event, from Manila, via zoom, were the creators of the book, Glenda Oris (writer), Beth Parrocha (illustrastor), Carmina Bautista (translator) and Jun Matias (publisher).

      This project was launched on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Philippine-Italian relations and as a joint project of the Gender and Development (GAD), ATN and Cultural Section of the Consulate.