CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – A gender and development advocate from Laguna is calling on 2025 national and local elections candidates to implement and spearhead more women-initiated programs if elected in the May elections.
Karen Mercado, a Philippine Commission on Women National GAD Resource Pool member and Los Baños, Laguna, GAD officer, emphasized the significant role women play in nation-building and economic development. She urged aspiring public officials to craft policies that support female entrepreneurs, provide accessible health care for women and promote education programs tailored to their needs.
“In terms of education, health and anything else, the value of women should be seen, especially now that the elections are approaching. I hope women’s concerns will be included in the promises, in the platforms, of the next leaders,” Mercado said.
The call aims to promote gender equality, empower women in leadership roles and address issues that disproportionately affect women in marginalized communities.
Mercado emphasized that policies must go beyond token representation and should actively support women’s economic participation, health and safety.
“That’s why we really want to get the true situation of women so that those who will sit in our government, whether nationally or locally, can consider it,” Mercado said.
The municipality of Los Baños continues to go grassroots to better assess the situation of women, engaging with local communities to assess their needs and challenges.
Strategies being implemented by the local government include consultations and community-driven initiatives to craft effective policies that directly address women’s concerns and ensure their voices are heard and rights are upheld.
Programs addressing maternal health, reproductive rights, gender-based violence and equal economic opportunities are seen as critical components of any forward-thinking governance plan, Mercado said.
She added: “Today’s celebration of Women’s Month is a way to see how these politicians can include women in their platforms so that Juana’s concerns and agenda can be truly put forward, strengthened and placed on a solid foundation.” (AM,CH/PIA-4A)
