IN observance of National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day, the House of Representatives has recognized women’s pivotal role in nation-building amid the Covid-19 pandemic as lawmakers also called for the passage of measures that would bring about change and equality for the benefit of Filipinas.
“In the past year, Covid-19 has changed the world and affected us all, but the impact of the crisis has been particularly significant for women,” Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said.
“As we continue to face the worst public health crisis in a generation, let us pause for a moment to pay tribute to all the women of this country for their resilience and invaluable contributions to society and nation,” the House leader added.
In the Senate, meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed Senate Bill 2088, otherwise known as the Gender Responsive and Inclusive Pandemic Management Act of 2021, on International Women’s Day to create programs and protocols that address the unique needs of women during disasters and public health emergencies.
Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, thanked her fellow women Senators Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, Leila de Lima, Imee Marcos, Grace Poe and Cynthia Villar for coming together as fellow authors of the bill. She said this is a perfect example of “how important it is for women to look out for each other.”
“I am grateful to my fellow women colleagues who, by supporting this bill, make the voice for women louder in government. Ito ay pakikiisa at pakikibaka para sa mga kapwa Pilipina namin. We are a proud united front in the fight for women,” she said.
The Gender Responsive and Inclusive Pandemic Management Act of 2021 aims to enforce access to social protections and safety nets, involve women in the formulation of guidelines in the national management of the pandemic, ensure access to and the continuous functioning of gender desks and health services, and appropriate funds to secure these programs, among others.
For her part, House Committee on Women and Gender Equality Chairman Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba, said women must take on more leadership roles in society as she encouraged them to speak out boldly wherever they are.
“We, women, should lead not only at the top levels of government, but also in communities and in our own homes. These are where a lot of decisions are made. It is through making decisions that we can effect positive change. We should never be afraid to speak out. Huwag tayong mananahimik. We have our own voices. We should never lose them,” she said.
Acosta-Alba then urged her fellow women leaders in communities and in the government to work together toward making a difference in the country by helping women, especially those who have gravely suffered due to the pandemic.
“Despite all of the challenges we face, huwag tayong panghihinaan ng loob. We, women, are naturally strong and resilient. Kakayanin natin ang mga problemang ating haharapin. The first step is for us to know our worth. We are very capable. Hindi tayo babae lang. Babae tayo,” added Acosta-Alba.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy called for the commitment of the House members and work force to expedite the passage of measures ensuring equality of men and women.
Moreover, at present, women make up 48 percent of the House work force.
Records from the chamber’s Human Resource Management Service show that out of the 4,037 members and employees of the House, 1,941 are women.
The women representation in the House is broken down as follows: 85 legislators, 649 Secretariat employees, 940 congressional staff members, and 267 co-terminus and contractual workers.
The House currently has eight female deputy speakers.
Speaker Velasco said “the strength, fortitude and resilience of the House as an institution is truly a reflection of the many women that make it strong, while giving it a heart.”