Retired Professional Women Educators in Government Service and the SocioCultural Development of the Province of Zambales: A Case Study

Abstract

Women are partners of men in nation building. The study was designed to find out the contributions of retired professional women educators to the socio-cultural development of Zambales. One hundred retired women educators were interviewed regarding their participation in the socio-cultural development of Zambales. Findings of the study revealed that the respondents were involved in organizing literacy projects; acted as consultants in the different village organizations, consultants of the mayors and other elected officials in their programs and projects; acted as resource speakers in seminars related to education; wrote poems and short stories about Zambales; initiated cultural presentation that showcases Zambaleño dances, arts, music and literature during town festivals. They also continue to model to the Bayanihan (Cooperation) Spirit in times of need and in other activities. Greater contribution of women educators is needed in initiating literacy programs. The contributions of retired professional women educators had improved the socio-cultural conditions of Zambales including youth development for their increase self-realizations and self-valuing and increased women’s participation in socio-cultural development. Keywords - Social Studies, cultural development, retirement, government service, literacy project, cooperation, descriptive design, Philippines