WFWP Arizona Honors Women Behind Project J.O.Y. at HerStory Award Program
Dr. Priscila Ho and her daughter Jenny Ho-Vijungco
On August 25, the Arizona chapter of the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) hosted a special HerStory Award ceremony during the dinner reception of singer Marcelito Pomoy. The event was dedicated to recognizing the remarkable contributions of two women who have played pivotal roles in the success of Project J.O.Y., an organization dedicated to transforming healthcare and providing shelter for homeless families in the Philippines.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Mrs. Rhia Nkulu, a member of WFWP Arizona and the emcee of the event. She expressed her gratitude to the co-hosts and introduced WFWP's mission and co-founders. "The Founders of WFWP recognized the value of women in the realization of world peace," Mrs. Nkulu stated, highlighting the organization's commitment to empowering women as peacemakers. She then introduced the HerStory Award, which celebrates the achievements and stories of women who have made significant contributions to their communities and the world.
The first recipient of the HerStory Award was Ms. Jenny Ho-Vijungco, the founder of Project J.O.Y. In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ho-Vijungco shared the inspiring journey that led to the creation of the organization. For over 35 years, her parents led medical missions to the Philippines, and before her father passed away, he asked her and her mother to continue this vital work in his honor. In January 2018, Ms. Ho-Vijungco fulfilled her father's request by organizing a mission that treated over 10,000 people and donated over $15 million worth of medical equipment. This experience inspired her to establish Project J.O.Y., with the goal of transforming underprivileged hospitals in the Philippines into leading medical centers.
Ms. Ho-Vijungco spoke candidly about the challenges she faced in executing the project, including the meticulous planning and coordination required with local authorities in the Philippines. Despite these obstacles, the project has had a profound impact, touching the lives of thousands of people. She also expressed her deep appreciation for the partners, family, and friends who supported her along the way, particularly her husband and children, whom she referred to as her "blessings." The crowning achievement of her efforts is the Project J.O.Y. Village, which provides shelter and stability to homeless families, embodying her commitment to sustainable change and community support. Ms. Ho-Vijungco concluded her speech with the powerful words, "Be the change, be the hope, one village at a time."
The second HerStory Award was presented to Dr. Priscilla Ho, in recognition of her work alongside her late husband and her role in raising daughters who have continued the family's legacy of community service. Dr. Ho expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be a mother and shared how she has always strived to instill in her daughters the values of kindness, determination, and the importance of serving others. "Seeing them grow into the strong and passionate women that they are today, my heart is filled with immense pride," Dr. Ho remarked, as she reflected on the joy and fulfillment she finds in her daughters' accomplishments.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt message from the Executive Producer of Zone 35 Productions, who expressed how deeply inspired he has been by the work of Project J.O.Y. and how honored he felt to recognize the extraordinary women behind this life-changing initiative.
The HerStory Award program not only celebrated the remarkable achievements of Ms. Jenny Ho-Vijungco and Dr. Priscilla Ho but also underscored the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have in their communities and beyond. Through their unwavering commitment to serving others, these women exemplify the values that WFWP seeks to promote in its mission to realize world peace through the empowerment of women.
