President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday sought closer cooperation with female lawmakers to advance women’s rights and promote gender equality.
During the oath-taking of the newly elected officers of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI) of the 20th Congress, Marcos acknowledged that Filipino women remain underrepresented in governance and the labor force.
“So, let us work together. We’ll have me as your ally. 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. So, let us continue to encourage that continuing aspect of Filipino life in Filipino culture,” Marcos said in a speech delivered at Malacañan Palace in Manila.
Marcos noted that as of January 2026, the country suffered a drop to 86th from its 82nd worldwide ranking in December 2022 in terms of women serving in national parliaments.
He added that only 50.7 percent of women were part of the labor force, lower than the 74 percent participation rate among men.
“These realities remind us that empowering women requires sustained action—from expanding opportunities in education and employment to ensuring greater representation in leadership and in governance,” Marcos said.
“With this in mind, this Administration has vowed to broaden opportunities for women—ensuring that you are heard, that you are respected, and that you are empowered in society.”
Marcos said his administration would continue implementing programs aimed at advancing Filipino women’s welfare and protecting them from any kind of violence.
He added that women would receive capital assistance, skills training and employment facilitation through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Marcos stressed that collective efforts to advance the rights and welfare of women are contributing to national progress.
He recognized the AWLFI’s crucial role in promoting gender quality and women’s empowerment, citing the organization’s composition of female leaders across all political affiliations.
“Here, advocacy has risen above partisanship. It becomes a space where collaboration flourishes, shared values guide action, and meaningful solutions emerge for the benefit of our people,” Marcos said.
“Through your work, women and the youth gain support to develop their potential, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to society,” he added.
The AWLFI is a non-partisan organization composed of all women legislators in the House of Representatives, working to advance the women’s legislative agenda and lobbying for the passage of legislative initiatives to strengthen women’s and children’s welfare.
These include the Magna Carta for Women, Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. (PNA)
