The “Empowering Voices” special series featured tenured female legislators from different regions of the Philippines, including the National Capital Region, Region 1, Region 2, Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 3, Region 4A, Region 5, Region 6, Region 7, Region 8, Region 9, Region 11, and Region 12. Each week, the series delved into the inspiring stories of these trailblazing women and highlighted how they have been helping their constituents.
Throughout the series, the featured congresswomen were asked a single question: How can they use their voices to empower and inspire other women to become successful leaders and advance women’s advocacies using their platform as congressional representatives? The responses were insightful and empowering, showcasing the unique and diverse ways in which these women are using their positions to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Through the “Empowering Voices” series, viewers gained a deeper appreciation for the important work of these female legislators and were inspired by their commitment to creating change. It is a reminder of the power of women’s voices and the importance of having diverse perspectives represented in leadership positions.
In line with this, we compiled some of the women-centric stories during the women’s month celebration in and around the House of Representatives.
• The House of Representatives, Quezon City local government, and Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide legal, psychological, and shelter assistance to victims of gender-based violence, particularly House employees and their children. This was lauded by TINGOG Party List Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, who expressed gratitude on behalf of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for the signing of the historic agreement.
• The House of Representatives has passed a bill that allows married women to keep their maiden name. The bill garnered 277 votes in favor, showing overwhelming support for the measure. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed his approval of the bill, stating that it promotes gender equality before the law. The passing of the bill aims to institutionalize women’s right to retain their maiden name and surname, not just provide them with an option.
• The House of Representatives approved a bill on the third and final reading to rename Agham Road and BIR Road in Quezon City to Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago Avenue in honor of the late pillar of Philippine politics. House Bill No. 7413, received 283 affirmative votes during the plenary session. Santiago was a prominent Filipino politician, known for her intelligence, wit, and fearless personality. She served in all three branches of the Philippine government and recognized as one of the world’s most outstanding women in law and politics.
• And on March 13, the House of Representatives celebrated Women’s Month by having an all-women plenary session, led by female officers. Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez expressed her appreciation and recognition for the significant role of women in society. “It is an honor to be present today (Monday) with fellow women who work tirelessly to make the Philippines a better place for our countrymen. Women are powerful agents of change, and the advancement of women in the society, including increased leadership and decision-making roles, is a positive indicator of progress for all of us,” said Romualdez whom Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has designated together with Reps. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, Florida “Rida” P. Robes, Rosanna “Ria” V. Vergara, Lorna C. Silverio, Anna York P. Bondoc, Ma. Lucille L. Nava, M.D., Ruth Mariano-Hernandez, Midy N. Cua, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora, Margarita “Atty. Migs” B. Nograles as presiding officers during the groundbreaking session.
As the series comes to a close, let us continue to be inspired by these remarkable women and the countless others who are working towards a more equitable and just society. May we all be encouraged to use our voices to uplift and empower others, especially those who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.