MANILA -- Malacañang on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, paid tribute to the important role of women at homes and in society as the nation observes International Women’s Day.

“Kinikilala po natin ang nakapahalagang papel ng ating mga kababaihan hindi lamang sa ating tahanan, kundi pati na rin ang kanilang konstribution sa ating lipunan,” said Presidential Communications Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Martin M. Andanar during his press briefing.

Secretary Andanar then cited some of the most important pieces of legislation signed during the Duterte Administration which aim to improve women’s rights and welfare.

One of these laws is Republic Act No. 11148, or the “Kalusugan at Nutrition ng Mag-Nanay Act,” which scaled up the national and local health programs through a strengthened integrated strategy for maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life.

The Palace official also mentioned Republic Act No. 11210, or the “Expanded Maternity Leave Act,” which increased the maternity leave period to 105 days for female workers adding that these are all paid leaves.

Also signed during the Duterte Administration is Republic Act No. 11648, which increased the age for determining statutory rape to 16 years old.

“We are pleased to inform everyone that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has congratulated the Philippine government for this milestone as it fulfills the children’s right to protection, which according to UNICEF, is enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child to which the Philippines is a signatory," Andanar underscored. (OPS)