Philippine women lawmakers visit China

MANILA, Philippines - Amid the tensions between the Philippines and China stemming from the Scarborough standoff, several women legislatros met with Chinese officials in China.

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said a 14-women legislators, led by Pangasinan Rep. Georgina De Venecia, arrived in Beijing last April 19 on an official visit to Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai upon the invitation of the Communist Party of China.

The visit was part of the two countries’ celebration of 2012 and 2013 as the Years of Friendly Exchanges (YFE).

De Venecia was joined by the following members of Congress: Representatives Janette Garin, Mercedes Alvarez, Nancy Catamco, Rachel Marguerite Del Mar, Daisy Avance-Fuentes, Ana Cristina Go, Bernadette Herrera-Dy, Josefina Joson, Linabelle Ruth Villarica, Emmeline Aglipay, Bai Sandra Sinsuat Sema, Cinchona Cruz-Gonzales, and Abigail Faye Ferriol.

On April 20, the delegation met with National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Vice Chairperson Chen Zhili. Vice Chairperson Chen is also the President of the All China Women’s Federation (ACWF). The ACWF is a mass organization dedicated to the advancement of Chinese women.

During the meeting, De Venecia and Chen exchanged views on the significant achievements the two countries have made in promoting women’s rights, advancing women’s status, and ensuring the active participation of women in the political, economic and socio-cultural spheres at the local, national and even international levels.

Both delegations agreed on the importance of promoting women’s exchanges between the two countries, particularly the two legislative bodies, as both sides believe that there is a lot to learn from each other, particularly in the promotion of women’s issues.

Noting that bilateral relations between the Philippines and China have developed steadily, Chen stated that “the friendship between the two countries has lasted for thousands of years.”

The delegation is also scheduled to meet with representatives from ACWF, China Association of Women Entrepreneurs, and the International Department of the Communist Party of China. The delegation will proceed to Chengdu and Shanghai after their visit to Beijing.

As part of the activities commemorating the declaration last year by President Benigno Aquino III and President Hu Jintao for 2012 and 2013 to be designated as Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges (YFE), the visit of women legislators from the Philippines aims to enhance and promote further exchanges between the two countries’ parliaments as well as encourage other people-to-people exchanges.

The YFE was launched in Manila last March 20 at the Department of Foreign Affairs and in Beijing on April 11 at the Peace Palace of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Manila and Beijing are presently engaged in a standoff at the Scarborough Shoal, called Panatag Shoal in the Philippines and Huangyan Island in China. The two countries are both claiming ownership over the territory.