Linda Esguerra from Rockhampton, Queensland-Australia was recently named “Living Treasure” during the celebration of International Women’s Day. She won over 4 finalists selected by Zonta International Rockhampton Branch. The coveted award is sponsored by Australia’s communications carrier, Telstra.

Linda has been an Australian for 23 years. Coming from a poor background in the Philippines, she strived to obtain proper education that propelled her career to great heights. She was accorded the honour and trust by the Philippine Government in appointing her Philippine Pavillion Manager at EXPO ’88 in Brisbane, and was Assistant to the Philippine Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Jose Concepcion, Jr. when she decided to open a new opportunity for her family by migrating to Australia.

Whilst currently engaged in a full time job, she makes time to provide volunteer work in various community organizations such as Member of Crime Stoppers Queensland, and attributed to having organized the first Walk Against Crime in Rockhampton. 

As member of the Rockhampton South Pastoral Council, Linda organized and initiated a community shared meal every third Sunday of the month at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, thus engaging and forging closer community relationship; it is through this work that she has been personally invited by Bishop Brian Heenan to join the Diocesan Pastoral Council for the Region. She is also an active member of the Indigenous Catholic Ministry in Rockhampton, and well appreciated by the Indigenous Elders for her commitment to the program. Linda is an active volunteer in 4YOU, Rockhampton’s community radio station, serving as Secretary as well as presentor and coordinator of the Ethnic Program. She is the co-organiser of the Volunteers Without Borders, a composite group of women of various discipline and background, who meet regularly once a month, to share perceptions and draw initiatives that will benefit the community. She also volunteers her time as member of the organizing committee of the Annual Multicultural Festival in Rockhampton.

Her passion for helping the poorest of the poor is reflected in her commitment to ANCOP, which stands for ‘Answering the Cry of the Poor’ a global organization that provides holistic approach to shelter, education, health, and livelihood for the less fortunate but deserving families in the Philippines. Most recently, she has published a book on prose and poetry, “Spirit Reborn”, to raise funds for this cause. Her contribution to community development was recognized when she took the Individual Achievement Award during the Harmony Day Celebration in 2010. She mentioned in her acceptance speech that the Living Treasure Award is a win for all Filipinos.

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine