Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
In celebration of Women’s Month 2026, Sintang Paaralan hosted a forum titled “Mga Batas para msngsa Kababaihan: Tagumpay, Hamon, at Susunod na Laban!” on March 5, 2026 at the PUP Gymnasium. The event gathered members of the PUP community, senior citizens, and barangay officials from Sta. Mesa and Pandacan to discuss key legislations that promote the protection, empowerment, and welfare of Filipino women.
The activity was organized by the Gender Equity and Diversity and Social Inclusion Office (GEDSIO), in partnership with the Ang Ina ng Bayan Brotherhood Foundation for Community Development and the College of Law, under the theme “Kababaihan ng Maynila: May Boses, May Lakas. Panalo!” The forum aimed to highlight women’s achievements while recognizing the continuing challenges faced by women in society.
Present during the event were PUP President Manuel M. Muhi, Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin, Vice President for Research, Extension and Development, Dean Gemy Lito Festin of the College of Law, former Representative Sandy Ocampo from Manila’s 6th District, and Judy Miranda of the Ina ng Bayan Brotherhood Foundation. The gathering was also attended by members of the PUP community, senior citizens, and barangay officials, reflecting the strong collaboration between the university and local communities.
The highlight of the forum was the keynote address delivered by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who emphasized the significance of celebrating women’s achievements while recognizing the daily realities many Filipino women experience. She noted that while milestones for women deserve recognition, many Filipinos continue to struggle with basic needs and survival.
As she shared in her speech, “Deserve natin ipagdiwang ang tagumpay ng kababaihan, pero para sa nakakaraming Pilipino, ang usapin ay hindi naman ambisyon—ang usapin ay paano ba makatawid sa araw-araw.” (“We deserve to celebrate the achievements of women, but for many Filipinos, the issue is not the ambition—it is how to get through everyday life.”)
The senator further emphasized how women often bear the brunt of systemic problems, particularly in times of poverty and inequality. She highlighted that women’s labor—especially unpaid or unrecognized work—remains undervalued despite its crucial role in sustaining families and communities.
She explained, “Tayo ang mga kababaihan ang sumasalo kapag pangit ang sistema. Mas malalim at mas matagal ang tama ng kahirapan sa kababaihan—hindi dahil kaunti ang ambag natin, hindi dahil kaunti ang trabaho natin, kundi dahil napakarami sa trabaho ng babae ang hindi nakikita at hindi kinikilala.” (“Women are often the ones who absorb the impact when systems fail. Poverty affects women more deeply and for longer—not because we contribute less or work less, but because so much of women’s labor remains unseen and unrecognized.”)
During her address, Hontiveros also highlighted several landmark pieces of legislation that support the welfare and protection of women and families. These include the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which provides longer maternity leave benefits for working mothers; the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) that protects individuals from gender-based harassment in public spaces; the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which strengthens assistance and benefits for solo parents; and the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act, which combats online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Hontiveros likewise expressed her commitment to improving public health services through the continued strengthening of the Universal Health Care program. She also shared updates on legislative initiatives aimed at supporting senior citizens, including the proposed Philippine Geriatric Center and a bill that seeks to provide an additional ?1,500 monthly pension, along with free vitamins and supplements for elderly Filipinos.
In closing, the senator called on the public to continue advocating for policies that protect women’s dignity, security, and well-being, emphasizing that the struggle for equality and justice remains ongoing.
As she concluded her message, “Kaya ngayong panahon ng kababaihan, hindi lang tayo magdiriwang—mananawagan tayo para sa dignidad, seguridad, at higit sa lahat ginhawa ng lahat. Hindi pa tapos ang laban.” (“This Women’s Month, we will not only celebrate—we will also call for dignity, security, and above all, a better quality of life for everyone. The struggle is not yet over.”)
The forum reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering conversations that promote gender equity, inclusive governance, and community empowerment. By bringing together policymakers, academic leaders, and local communities, the event strengthened efforts to advance women’s rights and recognize their vital contributions to society.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the activity supports SDG 5: Gender Equality, which promotes the empowerment of women and girls and the elimination of discrimination and violence against them. The discussions on healthcare access and social protection also reflect the principles of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, while initiatives addressing social disparities align with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Through initiatives like this forum, the university continues to contribute to national and global efforts toward building a more inclusive and equitable society.
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