1Pacman calls for stronger women鈥檚 voice in Congress for聽youth wellness, sports
MANILA, Philippines – 1Pacman Party-list first nominee Milka Romero says women’s perspectives are vital to prioritize health and wellness for Filipino youth and families.
“Proper nourishment of children and our youth is an essential national concern. 1Pacman’s sports advocacy can progress faster if issues affecting children’s health and wellness are properly met,” said Milka in a recent media interview on celebrating March as International Women’s Month.
“National promotion of sports is tied together with nutrition and food security which naturally includes the lowering of food prices,” she added.
“Nakakawing sa kalusugan ng mga bata ang panatilihing abot-kaya ang presyo ng mga pagkain. Ano naman po ang idudulog ng mga ina sa hapag-kainan kung sobrang taas ng mga bilihin? Kaya’t nakatutok ang 1Pacman sa layong mapababa ang presyo ng pagkain.”
Milka stressed that immediate action has to be undertaken, especially with regards to making gender-sensitive policies that enable more women to have access to education and information on good health.
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Milka, who started with a food business at the age of 19, has much knowledge now on the food industry, as she heads the Miro Group of Companies which covers a number of food and beverage concepts in the Philippine market.
She is a sought-after inspirational speaker for women in business as well as sports. A former national football team member and captain of the Ateneo women’s football team, Milka now co-owns the Capital1 Solar Spikers which plays in the Philippine Volleyball League.
“Iba po ang pagkilos ng mga kababaihan. Mas mabilis silang gumawa ng mga aksyon para sa ikabubuti ng pamilya,” Milka recently said in an interview.
She cited the Philippine experience wherein women run households, do the budgeting, and finding resources, while many also pursue careers.
In the provinces, Milka added that women can do a lot to increase Philippine food security through education and entrepreneurial know-how.
Milka recounted that, with a prolific record of initiating and co-sponsoring 144 laws, her father, 1Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero pursued his ninth year and third term in Congress with a clear focus on poverty alleviation.
Bringing food to the dining table of Filipino families was one of the major concerns of Rep. Romero as chairman of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation.
Under his stewardship, the allocation for 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) was increased by P7.9 billion, or from P106.3 billion in 2024 to P114.2 billion for 2025.
“4Ps is really an effective poverty alleviation program as evidenced by the number of children from 4Ps households who have been assisted and who have finished college and are now working helping their parents and siblings,” Romero said.
There are multi-faceted concerns to make more of our youth shine as champions in sports, Milka said.
Foremost are the basics for food security.
Thus, 1Pacman would continue to be there to address these even as it puts forward new schemes to bring out the best of the Filipino youth as sports champions, Milka said.
