Manila: Women members of the House of Representatives met with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez late Monday to advance their advocacies on healthcare, education, livelihood, and the protection of women and children — issues that they stressed must remain central to the work of Congress.
According to Philippines News Agency, the legislators presented their priority measures, emphasizing that protecting mothers and children, strengthening education, and expanding opportunities for women are all vital to uplifting Filipino families, according to a press release on Tuesday.
Among the advocacies advanced were expanding healthcare access for women and children, including maternal health and nutrition programs; strengthening protections for children against abuse, exploitation, and trafficking; ensuring inclusive education reforms for students in underserved communities; promoting livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and families; and mainstreaming gender equality and women’s representation in governance.
Romualdez welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed the House leadership’s resolve to push forward with the legislative mill despite the current political noise surrounding the institution.
‘The wisdom and leadership of our women legislators inspire balance and fairness in the work of Congress. Their voices guarantee that the concerns of mothers, daughters, workers, and families are always heard in the halls of power,’ Romualdez said.
‘These advocacies are not just women’s issues — they are national priorities. While others focus on distraction and division, the House is committed to fast-tracking laws that matter to families: protecting children, improving healthcare, strengthening education, and empowering women in livelihood and business. We will not allow political squabbles to stall our work for the people,’ he added.
He stressed that the integrity of the House rests not only in confronting allegations with transparency but also in ensuring that Congress continues to deliver, adding that every day lost to politics is a day lost for Filipino families waiting for real solutions.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Speaker and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, Bataan Rep. Angela Garcia, House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima (ML Party-list), Albay Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman, Tarlac Rep. Maria Cristina Angeles, Surigao del Norte Rep. Bernadette Barbers, Pangasinan Rep. Ma. Georgina de Venecia, Cebu Rep. Patricia Calderon, Sultan Kudarat Rep. Ruth Sakaluran, Negros Oriental Reps. Ma. Isabel Sagarbarria and Janice Degamo, Malasakit at Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Girlie Veloso, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao.
They pledged to work hand in hand with him to ensure that responsive and inclusive measures are prioritized.