More work has to be done to promote women empowerment in the country, President Duterte said Wednesday.

In observance of the National Women's Month, the President said the government has taken steps to advance the welfare of women but will need the cooperation of the public to sustain such an endeavor.

“I join the entire nation in celebrating the Women’s Month. The government recognizes the role of women in nation-building and upholding the fundamental equality before the law of both genders," Duterte said in a pre-recorded message during the Philippine Commission on Women’s virtual launch of the 2021 National Women's Month celebration Wednesday, March 3.

“But our work is far from over thus I urge the people to participate in advocacies and activities that promote women empowerment," he said.

He said the government has worked "relentlessly to ensure women would have equal access to education, economic opportunities, health care and social services, and growth opportunities.

“Let us all work hand-in-hand to address the needs of women and honor their immense contribution to society," he said.

The President affirmed his comment to protecting and advancing the welfare of women even though he drew a deluge of criticisms for his previous misogynistic jokes and comments.

Early this year, the President was in hot water again when he commented the presidency was no job for a woman supposedly due to emotional differences with men.

Duterte made the comment in dismissing rumors that his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio would run for president.