THE House of Representatives on Monday celebrated the 2023 Women’s Month during its flag raising ceremony. The Committee on Women and Gender Equality chaired by Rep. Geraldine Roman (1st District, Bataan) hosted the event.
Roman recalled her start as a legislator, “I never thought that one day, a simple journalist who was leading a peaceful and quiet life would end up representing the first district of Bataan in the august halls of this Congress. Di ko po sukat akalain na darating ang panahon na isang transgender woman would be leading the Committee on Women and Gender Equality and for this, I am humbled and I feel grateful.”
Deputy Secretary-General Atty. Grace Andres of the Inter-Parliamentary and Public Affairs Department (IPAD) described the lawmaker as a remarkable leader and true inspiration to all those who dare to dream and strive for change, “As the first transgender woman elected to the Congress of the Philippines, (Rep. Roman) has shattered glass ceilings and broken barriers. With her unwavering dedication and commitment to public service, she has become a beacon of hope for marginalized communities and an advocate for equality and human rights.”
She said Rep. Roman encountered discrimination and prejudice in her journey to public office, “But Rep. Roman never gave up because she used her experiences to raise awareness, shed light to the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ Community, as well as worked tirelessly to promote acceptance and tolerance.”
Roman said that if the House has accepted a transgender lawmaker, then employees should also accept other Filipino transgenders. “It is all about what we can contribute. It is all about doing our work. It is all about serving the people trying to create a Philippines where all citizens are given equal protection and equal rights,” Rep. Roman said.
Rep. Arlene Brosas (Party-list, GABRIELA) led participating House Members, Executive Committee and Technical Working Group members of the GAD Focal Point System, as well as House staff in the One Billion Rising Dance Presentation, which sought to promote awareness of the fight against gender-based violence.
