Tatalon women spend Valentine's for Roxas-Robredo

Over 300 women from Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City celebrated Valentine's Day at the Women's Caucus organized by Malayang Tinig ng Kababaihan sa Komunidad, Inc. (MATINIK) in partnership with Akbayan and Quezon City United.

Aptly themed, "Pakikilahok ng Kababaihan: Pagsulong Reporma sa Hamon ng Eleksiyon 2016 Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan*," the Caucus emphasized the power of women's vote in ensuring the advancement of their rights, as well as the improvement of their health.

Quezon City United's women volunteers pose with Risa Hontiveros
who arrived fresh-faced despite a very busy campaign

LP senatorial bet and known champion of women's rights and health Risa Hontiveros served as the key speaker of the event, which was also attended by several pro-women candidates from Quezon City's fourth district.

Over 300 women say YES! to Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo

It comes as no surprise that these women will go for Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo in the coming elections. Roxas is known to show respect towards women while Robredo heralds women's rights in her work as an alternative lawyer for the grassroots.

Osang Palma leads the new officers of MATINIK

Another highlight of the event was the oath-taking of the new set of officers of MATINIK, consisting of women who live up to the organization's name. Tatalon is home to feminists and activists, I learned from the story of MATINIK President Osang Palma who witnessed the torture of her mother and five brothers as a child during the Martial Law.

"Nakita ko noong ginawang ash tray  ang dibdib ng nanay ko. Lima sa mga kapatid kong lalaki ang nakita kong pinag-squat at binugbog ng mga sundalo. Ang mga talampakan nila ay plinantsa. Dalawa sa kanila ay missing hanggang ngayon**," Ate Osang recalled.

It has been 30 years since we overcame Martial Law through the People Power Revolution of EDSA. While we reap the benefits of this peaceful revolution, Martial Law survivors, victims, and their families still clamor for justice. I am alarmed that our view of EDSA and the Martial Law are being challenged by forces that are slowly rising up to power once again.

I call on everyone who reads this blog to be vigilant by making the right choices on May 9, as well as by helping mothers take a more active role in raising children who will safeguard our democracy and the freedom that we regained through EDSA.

Quezon City United flash the Laban sign in support of women's rights

*   Women's Participation: Advancing Reforms to 2016 Elections towards the Straight Path
** "I saw how my mother's breasts were used as an ash tray. I saw my five brothers who were made to squat as they were punched and kicked by soldiers; the soles of their feet were pressed by a hot iron. Two of them are missing until now."