Senator Loren Legarda
As the country celebrates National Women鈥檚 Month, Senator Loren Legarda calls on all sectors of society to turn commitments into lasting change and take decisive action to ensure that every Filipina can thrive in a society free from violence, discrimination, and systemic barriers.
鈥淭his year is an opportunity to accelerate progress,鈥� Legarda said.
鈥�2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive blueprint for women鈥檚 empowerment. This framework has expanded access to essential services, strengthened legal protections, and reshaped the conversation around gender equality. Here in the Philippines, we must not only sustain our efforts but push harder for real, measurable outcomes that uplift women in every part of the nation,鈥� she added.
Legarda emphasized that while policies play a crucial role, progress is driven by action, investment, enforcement, and accountability.
She also stressed the urgent need to enhance the implementation of existing laws, particularly those addressing gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and economic inequality.
A champion for women鈥檚 rights, the four-term senator firmly believes that empowering women lifts the entire nation.
鈥淲hen we support women, when we protect their rights, invest in their education, and create equal economic opportunities, we build a stronger and more resilient Philippines,鈥� Legarda said.
鈥淭his is not just a matter of fairness. This is about shaping a society where every woman and girl has the chance to succeed, lead, and make a meaningful impact. And we all know the immense contributions that women bring to our communities and our country,鈥� she added.
Legarda, the first woman to top two senatorial elections in 1998 and 2007, has been at the forefront of legislation advancing women鈥檚 rights.
Among the key laws she has authored and sponsored are the Magna Carta of Women, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and its expanded version, the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag Nanay Act, and the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law.
鈥淭his is a time for courage,鈥� she said.
鈥淲e possess the tools, the knowledge, and the frameworks necessary to transform aspirations into tangible outcomes. What we need now is to unify our collective strength and move with purpose. Let us make this Women鈥檚 Month a turning point through action, building a nation where every Filipina is empowered, protected, and given the opportunity to contribute and lead,鈥� she added.