President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
December 12, 2023

“Let us embrace the commitment to conduct fair and gender-responsive programs in your respective localities so that we can broaden the growth opportunities and enhance the role of women in our society,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated, underscoring the important role of women in the crucial task of nation-building.

The President made these remarks during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected National Executive Board and Regional Presidents of the Lady Local Legislators League of the Philippines, Inc. (Four-L Phil’s), where he urged them to continue efforts in championing and protecting the welfare of women, children and families.

“I have high hopes that you will work towards the passage of more local legislative measures aimed at improving the lives of our people, especially the vulnerable,” President Marcos Jr. conveyed.

“Most importantly, create a conducive and nurturing environment for women and girls to participate freely and equally in our political, social and economic spheres,” he continued.

The Chief Executive reassured the Administration’s commitment in safeguarding the rights of women in the country, especially the steadfast implementation of the Magna Carta of Women at all levels of government. He stated that the Philippines attained a rating of 79.1% in gender parity this year, which improved the country’s ranking in the Global Gender Gap Index of the World Economic Forum (WEF) to 16th among 146 countries.

“Let us aim to eradicate prejudice and discrimination against women in every facet of our society so we can build a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ that empowers women to be the best that they can be,” he said.

The Four-L Phil’s, an all-women organization, is composed of incumbent officials from the local government units (LGUs) across the country. The organization aims to promote responsive and effective legislative measures in all localities, anchored in a mutual passion for a just, peaceful and humane society. It pushes for policies and programs that benefit communities from all regions, especially focusing on the rights and welfare of women, children and Filipino families.

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