In the world of sports, arts, science, and various other categories, women have been trailblazing and defying odds.

“Women’s History Month” is commemorated every March as a tribute to the women who had significant contributions to the development of society and the improvement of the individual quality of life.

Here are nine Filipinas who have gained significant recognition in diverse fields in the Philippines in the recent years.

Apo Whang-od

The 107-year-old tattoo artist based in Kalinga, known for her Batok tattoo style, has piqued the attention of the locals and the foreigners willing to endure at least 12 hours of travel just to get inked.

Whang-od, who recently received the Presidential Medal of Merit, uses a thorn stick from a citrus tree to apply the tattoo. The batok tattoos signify beauty, strength, and courage.

Hidilyn Diaz

The Zamboanga-based weightlifter made history in 2020, ending the 97-year drought for an Olympic gold during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Diaz lifted 127 kilograms during the clean and jerk, putting her first over the Chinese silver medallist, Liao Qiuyun. Throughout the competition, she raised a total of 224 kilograms.

May Richell Cestina-Parsons

A Filipino-British nurse based in the United Kingdom, Parsons made her compatriots proud as the world watched as she administered the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine.

Parsons received a presidential citation in Malacañang for “bringing honor and prestige to the Philippines.”

In 2003, Parsons flew to the United Kingdom to work for the National Health Service in 2003. She is a nursing graduate of the University of Santo Tomas.

Margielyn Didal

Margielyn Didal’s charm and glamor caught the attention of her fans locally and internationally as she brought the country’s skateboarding into the limelight during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Despite falling short during the finals, Didal made headlines with her cute photobombs during interviews with the other skateboarders and her other stolen snaps showing her big smiles — just plain happiness to be there and to represent her home country.

Sarina Bolden and the Filipinas      

The Filipinas have defied all odds — pulling an upset during the World Cup qualifiers and even the prestige event itself.

Qualifying after pulling a close win against Chinese Taipei, the Filipinas entered the world stage as an underdog.

Sarina Bolden made a remarkable legacy after scoring a header during the 24th minute against New Zealand — one of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosts, leading the Philippines to a victory.

Despite booting out of the tournament early, Sarina Bolden and the Filipinas made the world know that the country can gear up for a good fight against the top teams in football.

Ana Patricia Non

Ana Patricia Non, also known as “Patreng,” showed that the Filipino trait of bayanihan can still be displayed despite the threat of getting affected by Covid-19.

On April 14, 2021, Non opened up a cart filled with vegetables, fruits, and other food items, a community pantry where people experiencing poverty can get their stomachs filled with food for free.

Non’s idea of a community pantry served as an inspiration, leading to the creation of bigger community pantries in other areas of the country that catered to people experiencing poverty.

Catriona Gray

After winning Miss Universe in 2018, Gray continued her advocacy to improve the quality of life of Filipinos.

Before her Miss Universe campaign, Gray has been eagerly promoting to raise awareness and treatment against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Additionally, the 2018 Miss Universe also supports promoting lifestyle in rural areas, such as bringing water filters to far-flung places.

Dolly De Leon

Dolly De Leon shows that Filipinos can display real emotions on a bigger stage, as she earned accolades in her acting career last year.

Dolly De Leon has been nominated for the 80th Golden Globes Best Supporting Actress Award. In Sweden, she emerged victorious as the Best Supporting Actress in the Guldbagge Awards.

She was also nominated for the 2023 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards.

She recently starred in the Triangle of Sadness, where she won her international awards.

Gina Lopez

A staunch environmentalist, Gina Lopez made a legacy for her fearless fight against destructive mining practices in the country.

During her short term as an environment secretary, she promised to hunt down illegal mining companies and to track down violators. Lopez also vowed to promote and protect the Philippine biodiversity.

She also starred in her TV series, G Diaries, where she promotes environmental protection and ecotourism.