(Right) Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar (Rep. Villar's Office)

House Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar has reaffirmed her commitment to push for the passage of several measures that aim to protect and improve the welfare of mothers and pregnant women in the country.

Villar issued this statement during the recent National Buntis Assembly, where she assured attendees of her “unwavering support” for the healthcare of mothers and their children.

“Sa lahat ng mga nanay dito, asahan niyo ang aking suporta sa pagpapatatag ng mga programa para sa kalusugan ng ina at anak,” the congresswoman said in a speech.

(To all the mothers here, you can expect my support in strengthening programs for the health of mothers and their children.)

“Sa aking trabaho po sa Kongreso, marami po akong nakahain na mga batas na naglalayong mapalawak ang access sa maternal health care para sa mga ina, lalo na po sa mga kababayan nating nasa malalayong lugar,” she emphasized.

(In my work in Congress, I have proposed many laws aimed at expanding access to maternal health care for mothers, especially for our fellow citizens in remote areas.)

Among the bills that Villar has filed is House Bill (HB) No. 10697, or the Pregnant Women Welfare Act. The measure proposes flexible work arrangements for pregnant women and postnatal mothers.

She also has HB No. 0695, or the proposed Equal Maternity Protection Act, which seeks to grant maternity benefits to women workers in the informal economy.

The Las Piñas solon is also proposing the distribution of maternity kits to low-income pregnant Filipino women to improve their prenatal care. She noted that this seeks to reduce child mortality in the country. 

In 2023, Villar filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1025 to push for an investigation into the rising number of maternal deaths from childbirth. The goal of such a probe is to enact a law that would strengthen and ensure easier access to healthcare services and programs to address maternal problems.

She has likewise introduced HB No. 5684 seeking to prohibit any health institution, hospital, or maternity lying-in from refusing to admit or give assistance to expecting mothers who are about to give birth.

“Sa ganitong paraan po, maisasakatuparan natin ang pangarap ko na ang bawat ina, bawat bata at bawat buhay ay mabibigyan ng ligtas at magandang simula,” Villar said.

(In this way, we can realize my dream that every mother, every child, and every life will be given a safe and good start.)

“Ipagpapatuloy po natin ang pagtaguyod ng kapakanan ng ating mga kababaihan para sa isang mas masiglang kinabukasan para sa ating mga magiging anak,” she added.

(We will continue to promote the welfare of our women for a brighter future for our future children.)