Pres. Duterte vows to uplift living conditions of Filipino women

President Rodrigo Duterte has assured that he would help uplift the living conditions of Filipino women, particularly the poor and marginalized. (Photo: KARL NORMAN ALONZO/Presidential Photo)

MANILA—President Rodrigo Duterte has assured that he would help uplift the living conditions of Filipino women, particularly the poor and marginalized.

In his message during “Digong’s Day for Women” in Malacañang Palace Friday, the President said his administration is extending livelihood assistance to Filipino women.

The funds will be coursed through and managed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“But you have to attend a seminar,” he said, noting that the DTI’s Go Negosyo offers seminars for tailoring, for instance.

At the same time, he said he has increased the budget for agriculture and education to provide more sources of livelihood to the people.

And to demonstrate that his government is pro-women, the President said he designated women leaders to be part of his Cabinet, such as Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, and National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Liza Maza.

The President said when he was Davao City mayor, he implemented policies intended to protect women. The Davao City government came up with a Women’s Code that was strictly followed.

There was also a law in the city against bigotry and discrimination to protect minorities from unfair treatment and practices, he said.

Participating agencies for Friday’s event provided several services to women, among them spa and wellness, legal consultation, distribution of medical and dental referral cards, as well as TESDA scholarships. They also had a tour of the Malacañang Museum and were given snacks and goodies.