SBMA’s Eisma receives woman-leader, CSR awards
By Nate C. Barretto
A woman of essence in the person of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma was hailed as this year’s recipient of the “Woman Leadership Award” at the World Women Leadership Congress held recently at the Dusit Thani Manila hotel in Makati City.
But that’s not all for Eisma who, on the same night last June 7, also received the “CSR Leadership Award” from World CSR Day.
The two awards were presented to Eisma by Dr. R. L. Bhatia, who had founded the World CSR Day and is now drumming up participation for the 7th World Women Leadership Awards set for February 2020 in Mumbai, India.
The Women Leadership Award recognizes the profound role played by women as leaders, executioners, and decision makers, in shaping the future of the region and nation.
Organizers said the lady lawyer was a top-tier choice for both awards, having been the first lady CEO of Subic and for championing the cause of a healthy corporate social responsibility (CSR) ecosystem.
In accepting the Woman Leader Award, Eisma paid tribute to her mother Clarita, whom she described as “the one who stands out the most” among her mentors that included Sen. Richard Gordon, the first SBMA chairman.
“She taught me that there is no such thing as short cuts; that success and leadership is all about hard work and setting an example. And she did just that: she worked hard and lived a life that is an example and an inspiration,” Eisma said.
“I wish to continue to make her proud and hope to lead a life that is an example and inspiration to others,” she added.
In a statement sent to THEPHILBIZNEWS, the SBMA said the Woman Leadership Award is the latest in a string of recognition bestowed upon Eisma after her appointment as SBMA chief in 2017.
“In July last year, she received the JCI “Pinay Power” Award from the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines for efforts to provide economic development to the community and to help others succeed in business,” the SBMA said.
“In November 2018, she received two awards: one for International Public Service during the Chicago Filipino Asian-American Hall of Fame Awards in Chicago, Illinois, and another for ‘Female Executive of the Year’ in a government or non-profit organization category, which earned her a silver Stevie statuette during the 15th annual Stevie Awards in New York City,” it added.