Iron Ladies of Abra

First of Two Parts

The term “Iron Lady” is historically reserved for exceptional women who exhibit strength, leadership, and resilience, breaking barriers and exceeding expectations in male-dominated environments. These formidable figures face great adversities with unyielding determination and an indomitable spirit, driven by a commitment to ethical transformation. This title is a heavy crown, but not for three women leaders of Abra.

Unknown to many, while Abra earned its reputation as the “murder capital” in the early 2000s, several key women leaders have been quietly transforming the province. These women, beloved by many Abreños, do not seek the spotlight. Instead, they focus on their hard, often thankless work, paving the way for young Abrenian girls and women in development work and government service. Their efforts ensure they may be the first but will not be the last.

They are CCAGG founder and Chairperson Ms. Pura Sumangil, Abra Peace Convenor’s Group Chair and World Bamboo Ambassador Carmelita Bersalona, and election officer Mae Richelle Belmes-Chaudhary.

Ms. Pura Sumangil

Ma’am Pura is synonymous with the CCAGG (Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance), a pioneering civil society organization in Abra and Northern Luzon known for advocating social accountability through community-led government project monitoring initiatives. Although not originally from Abra, she has dedicated her life to the province. Born in Nueva Ecija in 1941, she moved to Abra in the 1970s as a Catholic nun and member of the Auxiliaries of the Apostolate, making it her home ever since.

After the fall of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986, Ma’am Pura responded to the new Aquino regime’s call for public participation by founding CCAGG. Her efforts in monitoring government projects often made her a target for local officials and their private armies. Despite the dangers, she and her team worked tirelessly with Tinguian tribes, the Church, and other organizations. Her work led to the creation of the Laymanized Manual for Monitoring Infrastructure Projects, and CCAGG became a key partner for various national and regional agencies and international bodies.

Ma’am Pura has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Aurora Aragon Quezon Peace Award in 1997, the Integrity Award from Transparency International in 2000, and the Citizenship Award from the Galing Pook Foundation in 2015. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 and honored with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by the Holy See in 2022.

While many hide in silence when challenging the violent and corrupt status quo of Abra, Ma’am Pura’s meek voice amplifies the loudest, commanding respect from even the most powerful politicians. Today, she remains a highly respected voice and moral conscience within civil society, one that no politician would dare to challenge.

Ms. Carmelita Bersalona

Ma’am Mely, as she’s affectionately known, is a leading advocate for the development of Abra, particularly through the innovative use of bamboo, the region’s primary product. While many view bamboo as a basic material, she sees it as a catalyst for economic growth. Her pioneering work with the In-HAND Abra Foundation has empowered women in bamboo weaving, innovation, and processing, providing them with sustainable livelihoods.

Her dedication has earned her international recognition, allowing her to share her expertise in community development worldwide. Inspired by bamboo success stories from countries like India and Africa, she is disheartened by the political barriers stalling similar progress in Abra. Her bamboo-built home in Linasin, Bangued, stands as a testament to her work, earning her the playful nickname “Abra’s panda.” Officially, she is recognized as the World Bamboo Ambassador by the World Bamboo Organization.

A teacher and guidance counselor by profession, she is a psychology graduate of UP Diliman. Ma’am Mely was deeply involved in the fight against injustice and violence during the Martial Law years. She served on the Citizens National Electoral Assembly from 1970 to 1976 and co-chaired CCAGG with Ms. Pura Sumangil during its formative years. In 1986, President Corazon Aquino appointed her as one of the first commissioners of the newly established Cordillera Administrative Region. Since 2011, she has chaired the Abra Peace Convenors’ Group (APCG), which includes diverse organizations such as youth groups, religious institutions, local government units, and civic organizations. She has also led the Police Advisory Council for PNP Abra since 2014.

In addition to her passion for bamboo, Ma’am Mely is dedicated to mentoring and supporting the youth. As a pioneer of the Abra Youth Organization (AYO), which we then revitalized in 2013 as the Abra Youth Organizations Society (AYOS), she consistently seeks opportunities for Abrenian youth to engage in sociopolitical issues. She also organizes travel and learning opportunities for young people to broaden their experiences and involvement.

Her bravery is evident from a 1970s incident where she narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, as the would-be attackers hesitated to harm the young people traveling with her. Now in her 70s, she remains active, managing her farm, supporting her foundation, mentoring youth leaders, and advising police and military officials.

Her integrity and resilience make her a respected leader who demonstrates that true strength comes from respect and conviction rather than force.

Ma’am Mely, serving as a voice of conscience during elections, became untouchable even to violent local politicians. She is a living testament that strong leaders need not be equally armed but must be equipped with more integrity, facing adversities with grace that even harm’s way give her the right of way.