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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lady solons take centerstage in women's session; here's what happened 

Lady solons take centerstage in women's session; here's what happened 

Published Mar 6, 2024 08:26 am

At A Glance

  • The House of Representatives held its traditional all-women's session on Monday afternoon, March 4, as the first major event of the chamber's celebration of Women's Month. 
  • This year's celebration carries three theme, "Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan." 

FB_IMG_1709713309084.jpgBulacan 4th district Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica (Facebook)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The House of Representatives held its traditional all-women's session on Monday afternoon, March 4, as the first major event of the chamber's celebration of Women's Month. 

This year’s celebration carries three theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan.” 

“This meaningful celebration demonstrates our solidarity with women all over the country in honoring women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality,” Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez said. 

Romualdez is the chairperson of the 86-strong Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI), which leads the annual Women’s Month celebration in Congress. She is the wife of House Speaker Martin Romualdez. 

The annual women's session is when the female House members take centerstage and lead plenary proceedings. 

The particular session was presided by Bulacan 4th district Rep. and AWLFI President Linabelle Ruth Villarica as the acting Speaker. 

“The high point of the Women’s Month celebration for us is the fulfillment of our long-held dream to put up the Women and Children Protection Building for the healing clients of the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City, which is scheduled to break ground on March 18," Villarica said. 

“Through this project, the AWLFI of the 19th Congress reiterates our support to the Philippine Mental Health Law," she noted. 

Aside from Villarica, and pursuant to Section 15 (H) IV of the rules of the House of Representatives, Speaker Romualdez designated Committee on Women and Gender Equality Chairperson Bataan 1st district Rep. Geraldine Roman, Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, Pangasinan 3rd district Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas, ALONA Party-list Rep. Anna Marie Villaraza-Suarez, Caloocan City 2nd district Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, Pangasinan 6th district Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Malabon City Rep. Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel, Bukidnon 4th district Rep. Laarni Lavin Roque, and Zamboanga del Norte 2nd district Rep. Glona Labadlabad as presiding officers. 

Meanwhile, Bataan 3rd district Rep. Maria Angela Garcia acted as House majority leader, while Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera was the House minority leader.   

Designated as deputy majority floor leaders were BHW Party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co, SAGIP Party-list Rep. Caroline Tanchay, Leyte 2nd district Rep. Lolita Javier, Southern Leyte 1st district Rep. Luz Mercado, and Cebu 1st district Rep. Rhea Mae Gullas 

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro acted as deputy minority floor leader. 

Apart from Roman, 11 other women solons delivered speeches Monday to highlight ongoing and emerging women’s issues. These were Reps. Maria Fe Abunda, Richelle Singson, Ma. Cynthia Chan, Maria Jamina Katherine Agarao, Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Amparo Maria Zamora, Kristine Alexie Tutor, Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino, Charisse Anne Hernandez, Ma. Alana Samantha Santos, and Arlene Brosas. 

Rep Ching Bernos led the invocation, while Rep. Sittie Aminah Dimaporo served as over-all floor facilitator. 

Adopted during the session was House Resolution (HR) No. 1608. Authored by Rep. Christopher de Venecia and other congressmen, the measure commends the AWLFI’s exemplary dedication to the cause of women and children since it was founded in 2011 by then-congresswoman Gina de Venecia. 

As a follow-through activity, a forum organized by Gabriela Women’s Party will be held on March 13 to discuss the alarming trends on gender violence.  

 

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