PHILIPPINES

Among the most passionate and energetic advocates for the rights and empowerment of women and girls is the Reverend Rebecca Sienes of the Philippines. For many years she was the President of the UU Church of the Philippines, working tirelessly for the healthy future of the church and the many justice programs they embrace. Closest to her heart, though, were her efforts to advocate for human rights and the empowerment of Filipinas. She created her own non-profit called Buhata Pinay, Inc. (Do it, Lady!) to focus on educating rural women on their rights and helping them to become strong, independent and resilient, especially those who were victims of domestic abuse.

Rebecca has been involved with ICUUW since its very beginning in 2009 and throughout the years has served in various capacities, including as a Director on our Board. In 2013 our founding President Barbara Kres Beach presented her with the Annie Margaret Barr Award for her visionary leadership and tireless fight for equality, justice, and human rights for women.

A year and a half ago, Rebecca and 26 others who were once part of an organization called CERNAT or Community Empowerment Resource Network, Inc., were accused of giving 2012 financial support to a communist group operating in their region of the Philippines. That group has been designated as a terrorist organization now. Rebecca is not aware of ever being involved in financing any terrorist organization and indeed, there are concerns that the government crack down on members of NGOs with a mission to help empower the poor and underserved is their method for weakening Civil Society efforts to give voice to these groups.

Since being charged and arrested on terrorist financing charges, she has been involved with numerous hearings and there is yet another one scheduled for July 31. These legal proceedings have been extremely stressful and her legal expenses have been quite high. The government is pushing hard to convict all the defendants and put them in prison.

In addition to the unjust legal persecution, her health has been failing dramatically. A couple years ago, she had the first of several strokes which have left her very frail and with limited speech. In recent months she has been either in bed or in a wheel chair and now can only eat puréed food which is fed to her. She has difficulty swallowing and a couple days ago, her doctor diagnosed her as being in acute heart failure. Elvie Sienes, Rebecca’s daughter-in-law, a minister,  and friend of ICUUW, is now her full time caregiver and has been sharing updates regarding Rebecca’s situation. Many of you have reached out to the family with comfort and overwhelming support for which they are deeply grateful! They have found strength and love to help them through these very troubled times.

Once an energetic advocate for Women’s rights, Rebecca now needs our gratitude and support.

If you would like to share your concern and caring with Rebecca, you may email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will pass along your message. If you would like to assist the family with financial support to help with her legal expenses and her many medical expenses as well, you may contribute to Elvie’s Paypal account - email us and we will give you the address.

Rev. Sienes served on the ICUUW Board 2012 to 2016. In 2013 ICUUW honored Rebecca with the Rev. Annie Margaret Barr Award. Barbara Kres Beach, our founding President, gave her the award with the following words:

A visionary leader and tireless fighter for equality, justice, and human rights for women

You have dedicated your life to serving people and in that service and have become a visionary leader and fighter for the empowerment of women in the Philippines. You took risks because you understood that without confronting an unjust power structure there would be no lasting change. 

In following the footsteps of your father, The Reverend Toribio Quimada, you continue to preach and build the faith that he planted. As a survivor of domestic abuse, you understand that only education achieves change for women. You teach them to say no to abuse and inspire them to lead. You founded Buhata Pinay – a women’s empowerment initiative that provides women with the skills and knowledge they need to stand up for themselves, as well as offering microcredit and human services for women. You started livelihood programs to teach women how to become economically productive and better able to contribute to the well-being of the family and the society. 

The lives of Filipino women, for generations to come, will be enriched by your relentless efforts. Your strength, courage, and determination are beacons of hope and promise for all women. You inspire us and remind us that women do change the world.

We treasure your dedication and service to the ideals and principles of Unitarian Universalism. With utmost respect and deepest gratitude we present this award to you.