Proceedings of the first Independence congress : held in the city of Manila, Philippine islands, February 22-26, 1930 / Published under the direction of Dean maximo M. Kalaw, executive secretary, University of the Philippines.

WOMEN'S SECTION

287

We must realize that once independence is granted conditions
are bound to be different. There will be a time when we
shall be called upon to face far greater problems than we discuss
today. If independence is granted during our lifetime, we
shall have the responsibility of setting on its feet a new nation
among nations. During the difficult years when the Philippine Republic is in its infancy, we shall be called upon to make
sacrifices, perhaps even greater sacrifices than the men. We
must be prepared for this because unless we are ready now for
what is to come in the future, we may be caught unawares,
and God only knows what the outcome will be.
In the bewilderment of works that is my lot to perform
every day I confess to you, my dear ladies, I felt I did not know
what to do. My first thought on which I immediately acted
on was to go to the different persons who I thought could give
me suggestions as to what particular activities our men wish
us to cooperate with them in securing our freedom and getting
prepared to assume the responsibility that will be all ours when
our independence is given us.
The next speaker was Miss Paz Gloria-Canave.
She delivered the following speech:
ADDRESS OF MRS. PAZ GLORIA-CANAVE
MADAM CHAIRMAN AND LADIES OF THE CONVENTION:
I was hesitating to take part in the program because I cannot
think of novel suggestions on the subject, "The Part that
Women Should Play in Promoting the Movement for Independence."
My brief remarks will stress only the following points:
1. To encourage writing on subjects concerning the culture,
progress and civilization attained by this country which entitle
her to demand her independence.-It has been shown that
women are not behind men when it comes to the use of the
pen. The Filipino women could do much to acquaint other