Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo joined thousands of Bulakenyo mother leaders and Lingkod Lingap sa Nayon volunteers from Districts 1 and 2 in celebrating International Women’s Month during their assembly held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city last Saturday, March 5.

Robredo was welcomed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Board Member Alexis Castro at the Provincial Capitol.

Robredo, who was accompanied by Bulakenyo legislator and re-electionist Sen. Joel “Tesdaman” Villanueva, likened her duty as a mother to her mandate in the Office of the Vice President. She also honored the sacrifices of the mothers, who, according to her, relate to her experience of working 18 hours a day.

“Tayong mga nanay, 'pag umaga tayo ang pinakaunang gumigising para siguraduhin natin na 'yung mga anak at mga asawa natin bago pa man magsimula ang araw nakahanda na ang lahat para sa kanila,” (We, mothers, are the very first to wake up early in the morning to make sure that before the day starts, everything is ready for our children and husband)," she said.

Fernando praised the volunteers for the major role they are playing in the province’s fight against COVID-19.

“Kayo ang ating mga buhay na bayani. Ako po ay lubos na humahanga sa inyong dedikasyon at sakripisyo lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya. Walang kapantay ang inyong ipinamamalas na pagganap sa tungkulin bilang volunteers and frontliners ng ating lalawigan sa maraming hamon na ating pinagdaanan,” (You are our living heroes. I admire your dedication and sacrifices in times of pandemic. The services you have rendered as volunteers and frontliners are beyond measure)," he added.

Fernando also promised to push for women’s rights and include them in the agenda of the provincial government.