Vice President Leni Robredo, the only female presidential candidate in the May 9 elections, committed to protecting women’s rights, empowering women, and addressing serious issues faced by Filipino women by signing a covenant with member organizations of the Robredo People’s Council Women on the eve of International Women’s Day.
“Sana dumating ‘yung oras na hindi na natin kailangan ipaalala sa mundo na mahusay ang mga kababaihan,” Robredo said during the covenant signing on Monday, 7 March, at the Leni-Kiko Volunteer Center in Quezon City. “Paminsan, meron lang tayong isang buwan saka isang araw para ipaalala sa kanila ‘yung kakayahan natin bilang kababaihan.”
The presidential aspirant added that she looks forward to the day when women no longer need to prove anything just so they are seen and treated as equals.
“Ang ating pinagtatrabahuhan ngayon, papunta doon sa panahon na hindi na natin kailangang ipagtanggol ‘yung sarili natin, hindi na natin kailangang magbigay ng ebidensiya na malakas din tayo, hindi na kailangan na dadating ‘yung eleksyon na may magsasabi pa, ‘Hindi ako sa kanya boboto kasi babae siya’,” Robredo shared.
Robredo likewise said that she hopes the day will come when women are given equal opportunities, saying: “ ‘Yung ating pinapangarap, isang mundo na kinikilala ang kababaihan hindi bilang katunggali ng lalaki, pero isang mundo kung saan sine-celebrate ‘yung kahusayan din natin bilang mga babae.”
The covenant Robredo signed with various organizations that are advocating for women and women’s rights, and are protecting women from abuses, discrimination, and harassment, details her plans, programs, and commitments for women if she is elected President in the upcoming May 9 elections.
“At ‘yung pipirmahan natin ngayong hapon, isa itong pangako na pag tayo ang binigyan ng pagkakataon na mamuno sa ating bansa, ito ‘yung ating magiging programa para sa mga kababaihan,” Robredo said.
The signing at the Leni-Kiko Volunteer Center was hosted by Saab Magalona-Bacarro and Candy Gamos, members of the Filipino band, Cheats. They both described themselves as “big fans” of Robredo.
Artist and singer Bayang Barrios, who is of Manobo heritage, provided delightful performances of some of her songs, including the iconic “Bagong Umaga”, which symbolizes hope, mirroring how many see Robredo as a hope for the country.
“[M]ahirap man ‘yung pinagdaanan natin, andito tayo at handa tayong makipaglaban para sa iba,” Robredo said.
Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH
