Civic leader Samira Gutoc has been elected as a member of Aksyon Demokratiko’s National Executive Board.
Gutoc, an advocate for peace and rights of women and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), said she and the party have similar goals.
“Aksyon's focus on jobs, hunger, peace, empowerment of the masses and of the youth resonated quite powerfully with me, as these are the same objectives I have set for my work,” Gutoc said.
The civic leader added that she has always been a fan of Aksyon Demokratiko’s founder, late Senator Raul Roco, and his works.
" considered his ‘Agenda of Hope’ an inspired manifesto,” she said.
Party Chairperson Ernest Ramel, for his part, said Gutoc is a “perfect fit” for Aksyon Demokratiko, saying the peace advocate has a “solid record” in public service.
“She has initiated community projects that has helped uplift the vulnerable and marginalized. We welcome with pride a highly accomplished woman like her to Aksyon's National Executive Board,” Ramel said about Gutoc.
Aksyon Demokratiko President and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso also welcomed Gutoc to the party.
“Masaya akong maging kasapi sa Aksyon si Samira Gutoc (I’m happy to have Samira Gutoc as a member of Aksyon),” Domagoso said.
Aksyon Secretary-General and former National Youth Commission Chairperson Leon Flores III, for his part, said Gutoc will serve as the “strong voice” for Muslim and Mindanaons within the party.
Gutoc was named by The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan as among the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world. She is also co-founder and chairperson of Ako Bakwit, Inc. a group that aims to protect the rights and welfare of IDPs, particularly those affected by the Marawi siege.