President Marcos has encouraged women legislators to continue pushing for measures that safeguard women and children and efforts to open up more opportunities for them.

Marcos made the call as he expressed his alliance to the Association of Women Legislators' Foundation Inc.(AWLFI) of the 20th Congress in pursuing efforts to protect and empower women in the country.

"So, let us work together. You have me as your ally. I have – I have in my life, certainly as you all know, my history, I’m surrounded by very, very strong women and I am very lucky for it," Marcos said in his speech during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected officers of AWLFI at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, March 17.

The President said this as he was stressing that "society needs to be structured even better so that women have a greater part in the decisions that determine the lives and the careers and the future of all women."

He cited that the Philippines is actually the "best performers in this regard in Asia," but admitted that there is still much to work to do.

"Because for too many women and girls, the promise of opportunity remains distant—they are silenced by poverty, by violence, by traditions that deny women their rightful place," Marcos stressed.

"Yet we know this truth, that when woman have a chance to learn, to work, and to lead, she does not rise alone because she lifts with her, her family, her community, and that way, her nation," he added.

The Chief Executive also reiterated his statement during his speech at the United Nations last week that "women must always be included in the halls where decisions are made especially when those decisions affect women’s lives."

He further encouraged the lawmakers to carry forward the values that define true public service— excellence, integrity, and enduring passion.

"Kaya’t sa mga bagong opisyal ng AWLFI, ipagpatuloy po ninyo ang pagbibigay-lakas sa ating mga kababaihan—mga ina, mga manggagawa, guro, lider, at mga batang babae na nangangarap ng mas maliwanag na kinabukasan (So to the new officers of AWLFI, please continue empowering our women—mothers, workers, teachers, leaders, and young girls who dream of a brighter future),"Marcos said, adding that this also includes overseas Filipinos who strive and work hard for their families and for the nation.

Marcos reiterated his administration's commitment to broaden opportunities for women, ensuring that they are heard, respected, and empowered.

He also pointed out that women still remain underrepresented in governance; and women's participation in the labor force is also facing a challenge.

HE cited that as of January this year, Philippines is ranked 86th in the world in terms of percentage of women serving in national parliaments, a decline from its 82nd ranking in December 2022.

As of January this year, 50.7 percent of women were part of the labor force, compared with almost 74 percent of men, he added.

So, he emphasized that empowering women requires sustained action from expanding opportunities in education and employment to ensuring greater representation in leadership and in governance.