Women and Mar Roxas

Women come up to Mar Roxas for hugs and selfies which Mar welcomes with respect

As I studied the life and work of Mar Roxas in the last few months, I uncovered a side of him that I find no other word to describe but endearing. In every photo, article, interview, and candid moment or recollection of one who has encountered Mar Roxas, Mar's deference for women, as well as for children and the elderly, manifests.

Mar shared a peculiar moment with one of the elderly attendees of the Makati City's International Women's Day Celebration yesterday. The old lady approached him and stroked his nape - as one would do on a Buddha, Mar jokingly said - when he met with the huge crowd that gathered in the Makati Coliseum. The woman then held his gaze as she implored, "Huwag mo kaming pababayaan."

These four words touched Mar's heart. People close to him have repeatedly described Mar as someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. There are also these little stories that explain the reasons that prompted Mar to courageously, in his own distinct way, take measures to protect the rights of the "little ones". In his initiatives such as the legislation of the Cheaper Medicines Bill and the imposition of tighter regulation for preened companies, there is a face behind them: an ordinary person; a marginalized member of the society; a woman.

Mar anchors his plans for the advancement of women's rights and welfare on inclusivity, which is aligned with this year's National Women's Month theme, "Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda!"

1. POVERTY REDUCTION - Further expand 4Ps, which offers beneficiaries cash grants so long as they meet requirements (family development sessions, pre- and post-natal care for pregnant women, check-ups and vaccines for children, school enrolment, and at least 85% class attendance per month for school-age beneficiaries). Widen its coverage to cover near-poor families to prevent downward slide to poverty. Recalibrate program to allow families to transition to decent jobs and to extend investment in health and education. (Source: @AskMar)

2. WOMEN'S HEALTH - Universal healthcare. Continue the establishment of PhilHealth-accredited women and child centers in isolated barangays. Proper implementation of RH Law.  (Source: @AskMar)

3. BOTTOM-UP BUDGETING - Local women’s groups may partner up with local government to choose projects, development programs they want implement in their area.  (Source: @AskMar)

Mar Roxas' inclusive approach to women empowerment traces back to his immediate environment, being surrounded by strong women and raised in a family where women are treated as equals. Consistent with Mar's reason for being a public servant, Mar intends to level the field of opportunities for women in recognition of their capabilities.

They say that we can judge a man's character with the way he treats women. Consistently, Mar Roxas has been unafraid to break alpha male or macho stereotypes that Filipino politicians commonly employ. Mar Roxas won't use women for soundbites or publicity. He accords women with respect and great importance--whether it is to grant his beloved some moral advantage or to uplift a woman from her disadvantaged status.

"Half the sky is held up by women."
- Paraphrased by Mar Roxas from a popular quote

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This Women's Month, I shall feature some of the strong women who I have met as a volunteer in the campaign of Mar Roxas. Among them are Leni Robredo, Leila de Lima, and Risa Hontiveros who joined the International Women's Day Celebration with Mar Roxas.

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More updates and information at:

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Twitter: @BayangMatuwid
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