Women lawmakers presided over the traditional all-women plenary session of the House of Representatives last Monday, March 9 in observance of National Women’s Month.

Under the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, the House held its traditional Women’s Month plenary session, and allowed female legislators to preside over the proceedings and lead discussions on issues affecting women, gender equality, and social development.

The session forms part of the chamber’s annual tribute to the vital role of women in nation-building and public service.

Rep. Ma. Georgina “Manay Gina” de Venecia of Pangasinan and Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica of Bulacan, co-presidents of the 90-member Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI), led the session along with Deputy Speaker Janette Garin of Iloilo and Reps. Maria Carmen Zamora of Davao de Oro, Maria Rachel Arenas of Pangasinan, Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar of Quezon City, Rachel Marguerite Del Mar of Cebu, Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas, and Anna York Bondoc of Pampanga, who served as presiding officers.

Assisting the plenary leadership was Rep. Alexandria “Queenie” Gonzales of Mandaluyong, who acted as Majority Leader, with Reps. Giselle Mary Maceda of Manila, Agatha Paula Cruz of Bulacan, Josefina Tallado of Camarines Norte, and Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta of Iloilo serving as Deputy Majority Leaders.

Senior Deputy Minority Leader Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima and Rep. Irine Marie Montes acted as minority leader and deputy minority leader, respectively, and delivered speeches during the privilege hour.

Also delivering privilege speeches on women’s rights, gender equality, and social development were Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla; Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula; Tarlac Rep. Maria Cristina Angeles; Ako Ilocano Ako Rep. Richelle Singson; Pampanga Rep. Alyssa Michaela “Mica” Gonzales; Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co; Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Jane Elago; Leyte Rep. Lolita Javier; Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao; and Bukidnon Reps. Audrey Kay Zubiri and Laarni Lavin Roque.

Among the matters discussed was the proposed establishment of a Resource Development and Crisis Assistance Center under House Bill (HB) No.7803 filed by Reps. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, De Venecia, and Villarica, along with six similar measures.

“These measures are vital in improving the situation of women and children, especially those who have been victims of violence and abuse,” De Lima said during her parliamentary inquiry.

Rep. Patricia Calderon, vice chairperson of the Committee on Women and Gender Equality, informed the body that a substitute bill had already been approved and transmitted to the Committee on Appropriations on March 2 for its funding provision.

The proposed measure seeks to establish a Resource Development and Crisis Assistance Center in every province and city nationwide under the management and supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in consultation with local government units.

Existing DSWD shelters, crisis intervention, and residential care facilities for women and children will be integrated into the program.

The House also adopted a resolution congratulating Filipina tennis star Alexandra "Alex" Eala for reaching a career-high singles ranking of world No. 31 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) as of February 23, 2026.

The resolution, authored by Villarica and De Venecia, recognized Eala for becoming the highest-ranked Filipino in WTA history, bringing pride to the country and inspiring women athletes.