Marcos vows to promote women's rights
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday vowed to advocate for women's rights and "vigorously oppose anything threatening their progress," as he joined the entire nation in celebrating International Women's Day and National Women's Month. In his message, Marcos honored the Filipino women's strength, resilience and contributions to the Philippines, saying they have played a crucial role in shaping the nation's narrative. "Dynamic and ever-evolving, similar to our Inang Bayan, being a woman requires resilience and strength. Many of the developments we witness today can be attributed to the innumerable contributions of women across generations who fought, struggled and advocated for various noble causes," Marcos said. "From the babaylans, katipuneras, and Filipina guerrillas of the past to the frontliners, professional trailblazers, and visionary leaders of today, our country has produced millions of empowered women who gave their knowledge, talents, and even their lives for the sake of many," he added. The president said his administration was committed to providing full support to women in their endeavors to uplift the nation and the rest of the world. He said the government would continue "retelling the stories of remarkable women so we can inspire a new generation of young girls to make their mark on society." "As we mark this special occasion, let us recognize the significance of women as an unshakeable force that nurtures, perseveres and redefines," Marcos said. "The Bagong Pilipinas we are building will always advocate for women's rights and vigorously oppose anything threatening their progress," he added. March is observed as National Women's Month based on the annual United Nations-designated International Women's Day every March 8. Vice President Sara Duterte said the fight for women's rights is not just about economic and political gaps but also ensuring that every woman and child is protected, heard and allowed to thrive. In her message this International Women's Day, Duterte said Filipino women are at the forefront of change, leading in governance, driving innovation and strengthening communities. "Our resilience and contributions shape a more inclusive and progressive society," Duterte said. But she said that one cannot ignore the "alarming reality" that violence against women and children and human trafficking continue to threaten women's safety and dignity. "From domestic abuse to online exploitation and trafficking, gender-based violence remains a persistent barrier to women's empowerment," Duterte said. "The fight for women's rights is not just about closing economic and political gaps — it is about ensuring that every woman and child is protected, heard and allowed to thrive," she added. She urged everyone to work together to strengthen laws, improve access to justice, support survivors and challenge the "deeply rooted norms" that enable violence. Duterte said that every sector of society, including government, private institutions, civil society and individuals, must work together to break the cycle of abuse and exploitation. Meanwhile, the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates recognized the importance of women's contributions to society and the need for stronger policies to ensure gender equality and protection for women. Alyansa bets Makati City Mayor Abby Binay and Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar led the slate in extolling women for their strength and resilience, particularly in keeping the family intact while also pursuing their careers. Binay said that even if the Philippines has been doing "so much better than other countries" in terms of women's empowerment, more could still be done. She lamented that few women serve in government, and that the corporate world remains dominated by men. Binay rallied Filipino women to continue pursuing their dreams, and even cited as an example her and Villar's bids for senator in the May 2025 mid-term elections. "If we can do it, so can you.... If we are running for a national position even if we're already mothers, even if we still need to take care of our families, we can still have a career ... if we can do it, so can other women," Binay said. Villar, for her part, said that during her time as congresswoman, she offered programs that provided additional livelihoods as well as scholarships, and authored bills that give maternity benefits and equal pay for women workers. Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, whose mother, Herminia Castelo-Sotto founded the Women's Rights Program and was president emeritus of the Kababaihan Rizalista in the Philippines, hailed women for their role in shaping the country. Former senator Panfilo Lacson said women should be celebrated all year and not just for a day or for a month, as he attested to the importance of women in society. He said women are the very reason why there are laws on gender equality, equal opportunities and
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday vowed to advocate for women's rights and "vigorously oppose anything threatening their progress," as he joined the entire nation in celebrating International Women's Day and National Women's Month.
In his message, Marcos honored the Filipino women's strength, resilience and contributions to the Philippines, saying they have played a crucial role in shaping the nation's narrative.
"Dynamic and ever-evolving, similar to our Inang Bayan, being a woman requires resilience and strength. Many of the developments we witness today can be attributed to the innumerable contributions of women across generations who fought, struggled and advocated for various noble causes," Marcos said.
"From the babaylans, katipuneras, and Filipina guerrillas of the past to the frontliners, professional trailblazers, and visionary leaders of today, our country has produced millions of empowered women who gave their knowledge, talents, and even their lives for the sake of many," he added.
The president said his administration was committed to providing full support to women in their endeavors to uplift the nation and the rest of the world.
He said the government would continue "retelling the stories of remarkable women so we can inspire a new generation of young girls to make their mark on society."
"As we mark this special occasion, let us recognize the significance of women as an unshakeable force that nurtures, perseveres and redefines," Marcos said.
"The Bagong Pilipinas we are building will always advocate for women's rights and vigorously oppose anything threatening their progress," he added.
March is observed as National Women's Month based on the annual United Nations-designated International Women's Day every March 8.
Vice President Sara Duterte said the fight for women's rights is not just about economic and political gaps but also ensuring that every woman and child is protected, heard and allowed to thrive.
In her message this International Women's Day, Duterte said Filipino women are at the forefront of change, leading in governance, driving innovation and strengthening communities.
"Our resilience and contributions shape a more inclusive and progressive society," Duterte said.
But she said that one cannot ignore the "alarming reality" that violence against women and children and human trafficking continue to threaten women's safety and dignity.
"From domestic abuse to online exploitation and trafficking, gender-based violence remains a persistent barrier to women's empowerment," Duterte said.
"The fight for women's rights is not just about closing economic and political gaps — it is about ensuring that every woman and child is protected, heard and allowed to thrive," she added.
She urged everyone to work together to strengthen laws, improve access to justice, support survivors and challenge the "deeply rooted norms" that enable violence.
Duterte said that every sector of society, including government, private institutions, civil society and individuals, must work together to break the cycle of abuse and exploitation.
Meanwhile, the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates recognized the importance of women's contributions to society and the need for stronger policies to ensure gender equality and protection for women.
Alyansa bets Makati City Mayor Abby Binay and Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar led the slate in extolling women for their strength and resilience, particularly in keeping the family intact while also pursuing their careers.
Binay said that even if the Philippines has been doing "so much better than other countries" in terms of women's empowerment, more could still be done.
She lamented that few women serve in government, and that the corporate world remains dominated by men.
Binay rallied Filipino women to continue pursuing their dreams, and even cited as an example her and Villar's bids for senator in the May 2025 mid-term elections.
"If we can do it, so can you.... If we are running for a national position even if we're already mothers, even if we still need to take care of our families, we can still have a career ... if we can do it, so can other women," Binay said.
Villar, for her part, said that during her time as congresswoman, she offered programs that provided additional livelihoods as well as scholarships, and authored bills that give maternity benefits and equal pay for women workers.
Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, whose mother, Herminia Castelo-Sotto founded the Women's Rights Program and was president emeritus of the Kababaihan Rizalista in the Philippines, hailed women for their role in shaping the country.
Former senator Panfilo Lacson said women should be celebrated all year and not just for a day or for a month, as he attested to the importance of women in society.
He said women are the very reason why there are laws on gender equality, equal opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace.
Senate President Francis Escudero said the celebration of National Women's Month "reminds us of our achievements and encourages us to progress."
The Gabriela Women's Party kicked off the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8 at Liwasang Bonifacio, where other human rights groups attended to celebrate the event.
The celebration was filled with performances and calls for not only empowering women but also increasing wages and ending gender-based violence.
Performers from Sining Lila proudly performed their song "Tumindig Ka, Gabriela" (Stand Up, Gabriela), encouraging the women to stand up for their rights.
"Women are the ones who balance the budget (in their households); they are the ones who endure hunger so their children can eat," said Gabriela party-list Rep. and senatorial candidate Arlene Brosas.
Gabriela called on President Marcos Jr. to urgently address the women's agenda, particularly the skyrocketing prices of rice and basic commodities that have pushed millions of Filipino women and their families deeper into poverty.
The group also decried the many cases of abuse against women.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in 2024, one out of five women have experienced different forms of violence against women (VAW), which includes emotional, physical, or sexual violence by their partner, and 36 women experience VAW on a daily basis.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the importance of celebrating International Women's Day.
"This celebration reaffirms the Philippines' long-standing dedication to advancing women's rights and fostering inclusive development," Frasco said in her International Women's Day message.
"In the tourism sector, women stand as trailblazers, innovators, and custodians of our heritage, whether as entrepreneurs, cultural practitioners, tourism frontliners, or industry leaders," she added.
