Women leaders of the House of Representatives expressed solidarity with the goals of women’s empowerment during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, which marked the start of Women’s Month celebration.
Leading the observance was Committee on Women and Gender Equality Chairperson and Laguna Representative Ann Matibag, who emphasized the continuing need for action.
“Equality is an ongoing cause. Gaps in economic participation and leadership persist, and these realities call not for rhetoric, but for sustained, thoughtful, and inclusive action—particularly from institutions entrusted with lawmaking and oversight,” Matibag said.
Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI) President and Chairperson Mary Ann Dy described the commemoration as more than a symbolic event.
“Ang selebrasyong ito ay hindi lamang paggunita – it is a call to action.”
“Ang selebrasyong ito ay hindi lamang paggunita; it is a call to action—a call for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration among government, LGUs, civil society, and communities to create real and lasting change,” Dy said.
The Speaker’s wife added that this call includes promoting gender-responsive programs and policies to ensure that women have equal access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making spaces.
“At isang panawagan na bigyang-kapangyarihan ang mga kababaihang nasa laylayan—ang mga kababaihan sa kanayunan, mga katutubo, at mga kababaihang may kapansanan—upang matiyak na walang maiiwan. Let us remind ourselves that true and transformative leadership is not about power; it is about purpose. Let us lift each other up,” she stressed.
Dy also underscored the historical role of women in pre-colonial Philippine society.
“Bago pa man ang panahon ng kolonyalismo, ang kababaihang Pilipino ay may kinikilalang papel bilang mga lider.”
“Bago pa man ang panahon ng kolonyalismo, ang kababaihang Pilipino ay may kinikilalang papel bilang mga lider—may tinig, may impluwensya, at may kapangyarihan. Namuno sila hindi sa pamamagitan ng puwersa, but through wisdom, empathy, courage, and moral responsibility,” she said.
Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI) Co-President and Bulacan Representative Linabelle Ruth Villarica reaffirmed her commitment to advancing genuine gender equality.
“Gusto ko talagang isulong ang fundamental equality sa ating mga kababaihan at kalalakihan sa ating mga batas,” Villarica said, noting that 16 years after her first privilege speech on the issue, provisions in certain laws that favor men over women remain unamended.
Citing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1981, and the Magna Carta of Women enacted in 2009, Villarica said it is time to align existing laws with these commitments.
“We cannot walk away from the fundamentally unfair gender bias that still exists in our laws. Let us live up to our leadership as Asia’s most gender-equal country, which we regained last year. Magpatuloy tayong isulong hanggang maging realidad ang fundamental equality sa ating batas,” the lady legislator concluded.
