By Billy Begas
The Commission on Appointments (CA) adopted a resolution recognizing Filipino women’s indispensable contributions to nation-building as part of the annual celebration of National Women’s Month.
CA Resolution No. 19-2023-001 was adopted during last Thursday’s plenary session.
Senator Risa Hontiveros and Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla co-sponsored the resolution.
Hontiveros lauded all “great women” of the country, including women in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the country’s diplomatic corps, Secretaries, and heads of agencies.
“These women’s commitment to service and dedication to our nation’s interest is a source of inspiration for everyone,” Hontiveros said. “Hindi maliit na bagay ang magtagumpay sa pagdaan sa Komisyong ito. Malaki ang aking kagalakan tuwing mayroong kabarong na-aappoint at naco-confirm dahil sila ay patotoo sa kahusayan, tapang, giting, galing, talino, at talento ng Pilipina.”
Mercado-Revilla meanwhile noted that Filipino women have always been at the forefront of nation-building.
She challenged all Filipino women to rise above challenges just like Esther in the Bible, a Jewish woman in a male-dominated Persian empire who chose to act amidst her fears and courageously prevented the genocide of her people.
“Because we have been born for such a time as this, and placed in this position of influence. Woman, your voice matters. You matter and never let anyone tell you any different,” said Mercado-Revilla, chairperson of CA’s Committee on Transportation.
Mercado-Revilla also acknowledged the crucial role of 1.1 million women Overseas Filipino Workers who kept the country’s economy afloat during the COVID pandemic.
“A Filipina imprint is marked and scattered all over the world. Indeed, a modern Filipina is confident, empowered, and makes a lasting impact wherever in the world she goes,” the lady solon from Cavite added.
Under Resolution No. 19-2023-001, the CA expressed all-out support for the government’s mandate to pursue and promote gender equality, civil liberties, and equal rights, protection, and opportunities for Filipino women as enshrined in Article II, Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
“The Commission on Appointments upholds gender-mainstreaming activities and the implementation of gender-responsive policies to ensure the promotion of gender equality, women empowerment, social inclusivity in all its programs and services in the pursuit of its constitutional mandate,” the resolution read.
Proclamation No. 227, series of 1988, declared the month of March as the National Women’s Month to pay tribute to the historical contributions of Filipino women. While Republic Act No. 6949 established March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day in commemoration of the struggle of Filipino women for national freedom, civil liberty, equality, and human rights.
The CA is composed of the Senate President as ex officio Chairman, 12 Senators, and 12 members of the House of Representatives.
