From L-R: Sandy Ocampo, Girlie Villarosa, Gina De Venecia, Linabell Villarica, and Bai Sandra Sema (photo by Sandee S. Masigan)

 MANILA, Philippines – The role of women in the Aquino administration cannot be taken for granted.

President Noynoy Aquino himself assured the members of the Bulong Pulungan sa Sofitel forum (majority of whom are women columnists and editors) last Christmas that he values and encourages developmental participation of women in all aspects of Philippine society toward nation-building.

He acknowledged the power of women in Philippine society – at home, office or the professional world. He cited lady legislators in particular, who he said were super persuasive when it came to convincing their male counterparts to support their pet bills and advocacies. But they were cautious   in giving support to their male colleagues often demanding lengthy explanations as to why they should give their “yes” to their bills.

Regardless of the “double standards” lady legislators enjoy, P-Noy salutes them as valuable allies in the legislative branch.

This sentiment of P-Noy warms the hearts of the re-energized Association of Lady Legislators (ALL) especially their newly-installed president, Rep. Gina de Venecia of the fourth district of Pangasinan, their “Mommy.”

She campaigned hard for P-Noy and has rallied her colleagues to fully support him. Gina or “Manay” to her many fans outside the House, is assisted by her officers—vice-presidents for NCR, Sandy Ocampo; Luzon, Linabell Villarica; Mindanao, Bai Sandra Sema and from the party list sector, Luz Ilagan.

Secretary is Josie Joson; treasurer Josephine Calixto; PRO, Bernadette Herrera Sy, and muse, Aliah Dimaporo. The powerhouse Board of Advisers is composed of Reps. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Imelda Marcos, Girlie Villarosa, Herminia Roman and Beng Climaco.

The ALL was organized during the term of Rep. Cynthia Villar of Paranaque.  All lady legislators regardless of party affiliations are automatically members. Their goal is to work for the advancement of the Women’s Agenda in the House, Manay Gina said.

Gina is no stranger to helping people through the legislature. Nineteen years ago, with her husband, Joe as Speaker of the House, she headed the Congressional Spouses Foundation. The ladies built safe houses for battered women, abandoned babies and children and drug addicts from street children’s ranks.

“Manay” Gina was the Speaker’s “secret weapon” not only in his campaign sorties come election time; she also charmed members of Congress and the wives of the Speaker’s counterparts and other VIPs in their official travels abroad. Now she is shining on her own and “Manong” Joe is the proud and happy supportive spouse.

After Gina’s personal tragedy in the loss of her daughter KC in a fire that gutted their house a few years ago, Gina has moved on, helping other grieving mothers get over their pain with the founding of “INA” or “Inang Naulila sa Anak”, “Mothers orphaned by their children.”

This Congress, noted Gina, is historically the one with the most number of lady legislators, 64 in all (and probably from the most diversified sectors and callings). Guided by her mama Nene’s wise words that “Caring is the thing that gives life its deepest meaning,” Gina is committed to unite the ladies and be a potent force for change and reform in Congress.

Already, the ALL has several projects lined up such as a free PAP Smear program in depressed areas, preventive measures against dengue in cooperation with the DOH and private doctors livelihood training at  the North wing of the congress; to cooperate with the authorities to help improve the peace and order in their areas  and help guard the environment.

And to help revitalize pride in things Filipino, ALL members will be in Filipiniana attire every Monday. It’s a good start and they hope the men will follow in their resplendent Barong Tagalogs or in their respective districts’ attire.