Region III, also known as Central Luzon, plays a significant role in the Philippines. It holds the distinction of being the largest rice producer and is one of the leading growth regions in the country, thus allowing Filipinos to benefit from its strengths. The region is 66 kilometers from Manila, making it the gateway to Northern Luzon. It has seven provinces: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Central Luzon also has a vibrant history, including an established rapport with seasoned lady legislators who led their constituents to greater heights by providing them with their wants and needs through proper representation in Congress. These lady lawmakers remain an inspiration and beacon to the Filipinos.
In the meantime, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) boasts of its rich, ancient culture and thriving communities. It also has several agricultural and mineral products that benefit Filipinos’ everyday lives. CAR has six provinces, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.
The vibrant heritage interweaves with modern elements, creating a hub for continuous growth through tourism and other activities.
HON. GERALDINE B. ROMAN
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(Bataan, First District)
“As the first transgender woman elected to Philippine Congress, I will use my voice and platform to protect members of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination and fight for the rights of women, children, and other marginalized and underserved sectors, and work tirelessly to ensure that they have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. I will continue to address the challenges faced by these communities, and push for legislative measures that will expand access to healthcare, promote equal rights and opportunities, and improve education and job opportunities to create a more inclusive and equitable society.”
HON. GERALDINE B. ROMAN
As the first transwoman person elected to the Philippine House of Representatives, Roman defied several odds and achieved milestones in Congress. She comes from a political family and boasts a progressive view from experience. She’s a courageous champion of equality for all, especially against gender bias.
She’s a prime mover of the sexual orientation, gender identity expression, and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) bill and the chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality. Roman seeks the SOGIESC Bill to “protect Filipinos, whether straight or of the LGBTQ+ experience, from discrimination.” Roman also filed the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 2022 to resolve unlawful employment practices or discrimination.
Roman also highlights Bataan’s tourism industry to encourage local and foreign tourists to visit and sample their hospitality while putting the province on the global map.
HON. LORNA C. SILVERIO
(Bulacan, Third District)
“As a woman legislator, I have remained steadfast in using my voice and platforms by supporting laws that will recognize, protect, fulfill, and promote the rights of women through education, empowerment, and enabling opportunities meant to uplift their social and economic conditions.”
HON. LORNA C. SILVERIO
The province of Bulacan has several opportunities and challenges for growth. Nestled between the bustling city and the mountains, it’s brimming with potential. Leading the region to achieve significant milestones is Silverio, who has represented the province’s third district since 2016. Silverio deeply considers the safety and welfare of her constituents, making her active and ever-present when distributing aid and support during natural calamities.
In the House of Representatives, Silverio also advocates various projects in Bulacan, including establishing local government units and infrastructure for sectors like education, health, and more. She also pushed for lowering the optional retirement age of government workers from 60 to 56.
She remains present in her district to encourage and guide the people to carry out their responsibilities.
HON. LINABELLE RUTH R. VILLARICA
(Bulacan, Fourth District)
“For women to say without flinching, ‘politics fits me,’ then we have to live it to be it. Decision-making is where we are and must be to ensure that women are neither hidden nor an afterthought in this nation’s development. I adhere to my Alma Mater’s banner call: ‘Kung hindi tayo, sino? Kung hindi ngayon, kelan?’”
HON. LINABELLE RUTH R. VILLARICA
Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica of Bulacan’s Fourth District, a women-advocate from the ranks of civil society for two decades prior to becoming Meycauayan’s first-ever Congressional Representative in 15th Congress, rose to become Bulacan’s first ever House Deputy Speaker in the 17th Congress.
Her developed civic skills honed to attach much importance to serving the public interest as a personal life goal drove her legislative workload to expand from Chair of the House Committee on Women & Gender Equality in the 16th Congress, to Chair of the much-coveted House Committee on Foreign Affairs in the 17th Congress, which she would later yield upon her election as House Deputy Speaker. Presently, she is an elected Member of the House Contingent in the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal in the 19th Congress. Landmark legislation in these roles include passage of the Anti-Mail Order Spouse Act, and the extension of the validity of the Philippine passport to 10 years, among others.
Beyond legislation, her political activity included serving as President of the Central Luzon Bloc twice. Significantly, as reflective of her roots, she was also twice-elected President of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc., (AWLFI) where she sustained projects benefitting children and women with cancer, widows of fallen soldiers, drug reformists, as well as survivors of natural calamities in the 17th and the 19th Congresses.
HON. ROSANNA “RIA” V. VERGARA
(Nueva Ecija, Third District)
“Prior to being elected into public office, my husband and I set up “Tahanan ni Maria” in Cabanatuan City which served as shelter for battered women and children. We built and donated this home to the City Government of Cabanatuan in 2014 which is now managed by the city’s DSWD. As a Congresswoman, I actively supported and co- authored bills to protect women’s rights which have become Laws, specifically RA 11648, AN ACT PROVIDING FOR STRONGER PROTECTION AGAINST RAPE AND SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE and RA 11596 or AN ACT PROHIBITING THE PRACTICE OF CHILD MARRIAGE. During my first term as a congresswoman, I implemented a medical program where district funds are downloaded directly to national hospitals. In the past, patients needing assistance would write letters requesting for medical help to the district representative and only after the office approved the request, would funds be downloaded. This streamlined and fast tracked the process making it more efficient and timely. These funds helped patients seek treatment for breast cancer, heart surgery, metal implants, diabetes, to name a few, at national hospitals in Metro Manila and Cabanatuan city. Healthcare is very expensive in the Philippines so this was and continues to be one of my priority areas of concern. Women, especially those who are pregnant and those suffering from cancer and other serious ailments/disabilities, are the major beneficiaries of this heart care program. On a personal level, I believe that engaging and communicating with young women is crucial in inspiring them to dream of becoming leaders someday in their chosen fields – whether in NGOs, business or even government service/politics. There is a book entitled “Attack of the 50 Ft. Women: From Man-made Mess to a Better Future – the Truth about Global Inequality and how to Unleash Female Potential” that I encourage all women to read. One does not have to be in public service to help others. All women can have an impact and make a difference wherever they are – such is the power of women. Personally, when my actions are guided by faith and high moral principles, they become part of a noble endeavor that uplifts the lives of the people I serve. My genuine concern and compassion for my constituents has made me a better leader and a better woman”
HON. ROSANNA “RIA” V. VERGARA
Change and progress. These are the two primary drivers of the lady lawmaker in public service. The main thrusts of her legislative agenda are food security, farmer’s well- being and providing Filipinos with opportunities to learn new skills to help them have a better future. Vergara is also passionate about safeguarding the most relevant industry in Nueva Ecija: agriculture. She’s pushing to establish a bill to establish an Onion Research Institute to address the problems of the onion industry.
Vergara’s other efforts in Congress include strengthening traditional and complementary medicine systems, fortifying mental health services in state universities and colleges, and providing for hazard pay to disaster responders.
She remains an ally to the underrepresented communities as she continues to fight for their rights to a safer and more productive future.
HON. GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
(Pampanga, Second District)
“As the country’s chief executive then and as a lawmaker now, I remain committed to advancing the empowerment of our women. We, the women of the Philippines, must work harder to break the remaining myths that relegate our women to being second-class individuals. Let us show everyone that recognizing the full rights of women will result in a dynamic and equitably progressive Philippines.”
HON. GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
Almost every Filipino knows who Arroyo is from her previous office as the 14th president of the Philippines from 2001 until 2010. She has always exhibited her passion for public service as she took on different responsibilities within the Philippine government. In 2002, she supported the Framework Plan for Women, which promotes women’s economic empowerment, protects their rights, and strengthens gender-responsive governance.
In the 19th Congress, Arroyo sits as Deputy Speaker, again highlighting her political prowess. Besides holding significant responsibilities, she also authored several bills, like establishing a hospital for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), exploring nuclear energy, and creating different government agencies for specific functions, especially for underestimated industries.
The lady politician has overcome numerous challenges throughout her time, only to emerge unfazed and ready to continue what she started.
HON. ANNA YORK P. BONDOC
(Pampanga, Fourth District)
“Women are like water—they are essential and they give life. We, women, have several roles in life: women, moms, wives, daughters, workers, professionals…and we tackle all of these with grace and beauty. I became a Congresswoman to lead with the same values as I fulfill my roles in my life.”
HON. ANNA YORK P. BONDOC
Bondoc, a proud Capampangan, loves gardening and plants vegetables which her family consumes in her house in the rural town of San Luis, Pampanga.
Besides being a politician, she is a medical doctor, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, and an internist from the University of the Philippines. She is a Psychologist and she authored in Congress the law for the Psychology Board Exam.
She has been doing Libreng Konsulta online via Facebook live and Youtube channel live stream since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. For this, she was named by TV station ABC 5 as “Covid Hero”. Her FB page Dr Anna York Bondoc garnered 3.5 million views for the viral video #BanRapid. She is also very popular in Tiktok. The lady solon uses her knowledge and platforms to give Filipinos inside and outside her district a brighter future by promoting the country’s quality of health for women, children, and everyone.
Her proposed bills include establishing the Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute, constructing satellite specialty hospitals in Central Luzon to provide specialized medical care, and instituting a policy on bloodborne viral hepatitis and screening. The Congresswoman also values education hence why she offers scholarships to her constituents.
Dra Anna. is also a floral stylist and a businesswoman. She is the wife of 6-termer incumbent Mayor Jayson S. Sagum of San Luis, Pampanga, himself a medical doctor and a farmer. Most importantly, she is mom to 10-year old Benjamin Jayson S. Sagum.
HON. FLORIDA “RIDA” P. ROBES
(San Jose Del Monte City, Lone District)
“As a woman legislator, I also give special attention and care to the women of San Jose Del Monte, empowering them in the process. My project Tindahan Ni Maria provides women with additional capital that will eventually give them sustainable livelihoods as entrepreneurs. Students are our future leaders, our hope. As a leader, it is also my duty to make sure that their mental health is taken care of. So we always have counselors that will be there to talk to them, to help them, and to give them counsel through my One Like For Life project. Physical health is also of prime importance, so we have our Bonggang Kalusugan delivering medicines door to door. To augment the health program, our Kusina Ni Ate Rida never stops its feeding program providing nutritious food for the health of everyone. One way of having a healthy citizenry is by making the surroundings and environment clean. We encourage people, to practice cleanliness in our program Kalat No Way. The high inflation is no joke so we are always there to help households in securing their needs. Through our Piso Mula Sa Puso, they can buy their groceries for only Php1.00. Our beloved city of San Jose Del Monte is dubbed as the rising city. As the city rises to new heights, we, the people, with special emphasis on women, also rise.”
HON. FLORIDA “RIDA” P. ROBES
Many words describe the congresswoman, who’s passionate about many things but prioritizes public service. People know her as a vibrant leader, an efficient communicator, a keen organizer, and a dedicated worker. With her at the helm, San Jose Del Monte is always bustling with various projects to improve the quality of life.
Other than her numerous ongoing projects in her district, she also authored several bills in the 19th Congress, like establishing an elderly care and nursing complex in San Jose Del Monte and declaring the city as a human resource capital.
Although a public figure, Robes also presents herself as a sisterly figure to give a sense of approachability as she offers them the best through her political platform.
HON. ELEANOR C. BULUT-BEGTANG
(Apayao, Lone District)
“I am greatly blessed to have been given the privilege to represent our people again in Congress. I will use this platform to continue advancing the empowerment of women from all walks of life by working with my fellow legislators in crafting measures that would advance the rights and welfare of women and children. I will continue to use my voice not only as an elected official but also as a mother, sister, or friend to instill among women and girls their important role in nation-building, and in the process, I hope to inspire future women leaders believing that women can work for change and change work for women.”
HON. ELEANOR C. BULUT-BEGTANG
Fondly called Leah by her family, the congresswoman is the first woman representative of Apayao, a position she held for three consecutive terms from 2010 to 2019 before becoming Provincial Governor from 2019 to 2022. She rose above all challenges because of her strong character and determination to get the job done.
Bulut-Begtang champions welfare and protection. She also rallies to establish a one-stop-shop assistance for women and children who are victims of violence in Apayao. As the daughter of educators, the lady solon strongly believes that education is vital in uplifting her constituents’ lives. She created programs such as Apayao Student Assistance Program to assist the youth in their educational journey.
Some of her contributions to the 19th Congress include establishing evacuation centers in every city and municipality, creating the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and institutionalizing the transition of the national government to e-governance in the digital age.
