Filipina lawmakers to attend UN women's rights session

MANILA, Philippines – Two Filipina lawmakers are set to represent the Philippines in the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women from March 14-22 at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Rep. Ann Matibag (San Pedro, Laguna) and Rep. Geraldine Roman (1st District, Bataan) will fly to the United States to attend the women’s rights meeting as they continue to pursue their gender equality advocacy.

“The City of San Pedro is very supportive to women and gender equality and we’re very proud that it is also supported by our national government,” said Matibag, adding that women continue to excel in different fields locally and globally.

“Known not only for beauty and brains, Filipino women also have the guts, courage, will and leadership to make everything better,” she added. “We are proud to announce with our fellow world leaders that women in our country are being well-respected, equal and honored.”

Roman and Matibag, chairperson and vice chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, respectively, have been are assigned by Congress as delegates for the bilateral meeting with Members of the European Parliament from the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender.

Known for her projects in San Pedro since 2022, Matibag has empowered the city through her continuous scholarship programs, various livelihood projects, infrastructure projects, and medical missions and assistances aside from her principal authored bills. 

In terms of public service, she also thanked other women government officials who have been actively serving the country from the city and barangay councils, mayoralty, House of the Representatives, Senate and up the executive branches of the government. 

Matibag said the likes of female Senators Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Cynthia Villar, Pia Cayetano, Risa Hontiveros, Nancy Binay and Grace Poe have continuously inspired and motivated them to do their jobs as public officials.

“It’s really an honor to represent our country in the UN. Women in our country have excelled not only in leadership but also in other fields like fashion, music, arts, entertainment and sports. They are too many to mention but all of them have brought pride and glory to our nation.”