Manila: In observance of National Women's Month, the House of Representatives, under Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III, will hold a special plenary session on Monday, allowing female lawmakers to preside over proceedings and lead discussions on issues affecting women, gender equality, and social development. This initiative highlights the chamber's annual tribute to the role of women in nation-building and public service.
According to Philippines News Agency, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos of Ilocos Norte emphasized the significance of this Women's Month session in recognizing the vital role women play in shaping laws and strengthening institutions. The session, scheduled for 3 p.m., will see female members of the House taking the lead in presiding over the plenary and delivering privilege speeches centered on women's rights, gender equality, and social development.
Deputy Speaker Janette Garin of Iloilo, along with several other female representatives, will serve as presiding officers. The assisting team will include Reps. Alexandria 'Queenie' Gonzales of Mandaluyong City and others, ensuring a smooth session. The program will commence with the call to order, followed by the national anthem and an invocation by Rep. Monique Yazmin Lagdameo of Makati City.
During the privilege hour, lawmakers will address key issues affecting women and society. Topics include 'Women, the Middle Class and the Cycle of Generational Scarcity' by Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, indigenous women's rights by Akbayan party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula, and women's empowerment through financial independence by Tarlac Rep. Maria Cristina Angeles. Additionally, Rep. Audrey Kay Zubiri of Bukidnon will tackle human trafficking, while Rep. Richelle Singson of Ako Ilocano Ako party-list will discuss the care economy and child protection.
Other notable discussions will feature topics such as 'Babaylan Rising: The Mother of All and the Soul of the Earth' by Bukidnon Rep. Laarni Lavin Roque, teenage pregnancy by Pampanga Rep. Alyssa Michaela 'Mica' Gonzales, and the state of young women students by Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co. Gabriela party-list Rep. Sarah Jane Elago and Leyte Rep. Lolita Javier will address women's economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, respectively.
Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao is also set to speak on the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women's rights in the Philippines. Furthermore, the House will consider Committee Report No. 112 or House Bill No. 7704, which aims to expand prohibited acts of discrimination in employment against women and on the basis of gender. The measure, authored by Cavite Reps. Bryan Revilla and Ramon Jolo Revilla III, among others, will be sponsored by Trabaho party-list Rep. Johanne Monich Bautista.
Additionally, the House will adopt a resolution congratulating Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala for achieving a career-high singles ranking of world No. 31 in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). Authored by Villarica and De Venecia, the resolution acknowledges Eala for becoming the highest-ranked Filipino in the WTA, bringing honor and pride to the country and inspiring women athletes.
