There is nothing like the courage of a Filipina, and Quezon City 5th district Rep. PM wants to honor them by putting up a National Museum of Filipino Women.

Vargas, a deputy majority leader in the 20th Congress, is seeking this via House Bill (HB) No.3399.

The second-time legislator explained that Filipinas’ heroism extends beyond the pages of history books. “They are the nurses and doctors and who stood as frontliners during the pandemic, the millions of solo parents, who carry families on their shoulders, and athletes like Hidilyn Diaz, who brought home our first Olympic gold medal,” Vargas said.

“The courage of Filipina is timeless. From heroines of revolutions to women who fight poverty, lead households, care for communities and raise the Philippine flag on the global stage, their heroism is as real and relevant today as it was centuries ago,” he said.

Through his bill, Vargas urged his fellow Filipinos to recognize and celebrate the timeless heroism of Filipinas.

The proposed measure recognizes that while landmark legislation such as the National Museum Act of 1998 (Republic Act No. 8492) and the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (RA No.10066) preserve and enrich Filipino culture, they do not sufficiently highlight the historic and contemporary roles of Filipinas.

“National Heroes Day (Aug. 25) reminds us that heroism comes in many forms- not only on battlefields, but also in classrooms, households, and communities where Filipinos quietly fight for justice and dignity. Yet, in our textbooks and museums, women are underrepresented," said Vargas.

“HB No.3399 seeks to correct this imbalance by institutionalizing a museum dedicated to Filipinas who shaped our nation," he noted.

The proposed museum will be established and administered by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), in coordination with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the Department of Education (DepEd).

It will honor heroines such as Gabriela Silang, and Maria Josefa Llanes-Escoda, as well as modern champions of democracy, gender equality, and social justice.

Vargas says that the measure is not only about honoring the past but also inspiring future generations.

“When our daughters and sons visit the museum and see Filipinas who led revolutions, defended democracy, and pioneered reforms, they will know heroism is within their reach. This is how we pass on the legacy of courage- by making sure it is remembered, taught and lived," he added.