"Resilience is the perfect word to describe a Filipina. We’ve seen this among mothers and women who are rebuilding their communities after Typhoon Sendong or Typhoon Ondoy."

"Resilience is the perfect word to describe a Filipina. We’ve seen this among mothers and women who are rebuilding their communities after Typhoon Sendong or Typhoon Ondoy."

In 2007, 27-year-old Aliah Dimaporo Cimafranca found herself in New York as Executive Director at the World Youth Alliance Foundation (WYA Foundation) which meant having consultative status to the United Nations.

It was here that Aliah was invited to run for Congresswoman of the 2nd district of Lanao del Norte. Though returning to the Philippines meant giving up her executive position at the WYA Foundation, it was not a difficult decision to make. After years of working abroad, Aliah knew in her heart it was time to serve her countrymen.

Aliah admits it was living away from home that brought her closer to her Filipino roots. As one of the youngest ones sitting in Philippine Congress, this Maranao Muslim beauty realized that for the Philippines to move forward, it was vital for young leaders to understand each other’s cultures and differences. Realizing the beauty in diversity, which the Philippines is so rich with, will then serve as inspiration for other young leaders to take ownership of this and come together to champion the Filipino people - very much similar to how she did.

“The WYA Foundation was more than willing to sponsor my green card. And I just said, I can’t. I have to go back to the Philippines. I’ve been championing the dignity of the person for other countries. This is an opportunity for me to directly champion the dignity of the Filipino.

"Resilience is the perfect word to describe a Filipina. We’ve seen this among mothers and women who are rebuilding their communities after Typhoon Sendong or Typhoon Ondoy… we see this in our daily lives where the modern Filipina is caring for her family and at the same time working.”

ALIAH IN ACTION

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Aliah with co-interns from World Youth Alliance in New York in January 2008

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Aliah with former President Benigno Aquino III and the 65-strong Association of Lady Legislators of the House of Representatives in March 2011