By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
Malacañang said that it will continue to promote equality among all Filipinos as the country bags the recognition of being the most gender equal nation in Asia.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo (OPS / MANILA BULLETIN)elo
Presidential Spokesperson Salvadaor Panelo made the statement after the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index placed the Philippines at the top of the said list.
In his statement, Panelo said that the Palace welcomes the recognition, saying the Dtuerte administration continues to aspire for a society that is inclusive and equal for both men and women.
"The Palace welcomes the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Global Gender Gap Index placing the Philippines as the most gender equal nation in Asia," he said.
"The Philippines continues to aspire for inclusive development where there is equality and genuine collaboration between men and women, and we are honored that our efforts have been given global recognition," he added.
"The President and this administration have always believed in the competence and capability of women, and we commit to further promote substantive equality in our society as we maintain to uphold the rights and dignity of women," he continued.
The Philippines received high Global Gender Gap scores in the areas of educational attainment where it ranked first; political empowerment, rank 13; and economic participation, and opportunity, rank 14.
According to Panelo, these rankings prove that the government is committed to recognize Filipino women and their contributions to society.
"These findings highlight the government’s commitment to give Filipino women the recognition that they properly deserve, particularly their contributions in the home, in the workplace, in the community, and in nation building," he said.
President Duterte was labeled as a misogynist by some of his critics because of his penchant to make jokes and tease women in his speeches. The President was also criticized when he said that female communist rebels should be shot in the vagina so they cannot get pregnant anymore. This year, Duterte was also criticized for kissing a married Filipina in Seoul, South Korea.
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