Villar cites women’s role in nation-building

MANILA, Philippines — Women play an important role in nation-building, Sen. Cynthia Villar said yesterday as she commended the National Federation of Women’s Clubs of the Philippines (NFWCP) for helping empower them for the past 101 years.

Through the decades, Villar said the NFWCP has been at the forefront of women’s empowerment, enabling them to take a greater part in national development.

“The gender and development issues in the Philippines have made remarkable decisive steps for women’s welfare with the help of the NFWCP,” Villar said.

The Philippines ranks first among countries in Asia Pacific that promote laws on gender and equality.

Established on Feb. 5, 1921, the NFWCP has united Filipino women through the promotion of general welfare, mutual understanding and cooperation. It has around 5,000 active members nationwide.

Aside from pushing women’s right to vote in the country, Villar said the NFWCP had embarked on education for adults and children.

Since 1935, the NFWCP has been establishing nurseries and kindergartens in schools. They were also involved in putting up the Girls Scouts of the Philippines.

Villar said the NFWCP has pushed for the inclusion of women in the police force and the armed forces, and the improvement of the welfare of women deprived of liberty through the establishment of the Correctional Institute for Women. It is also at the forefront of commemorating Women’s Month.

“NFWCP shall be forever etched with the many lives that you have touched,” she said in her speech during the 101st anniversary celebration of NFWCP.

“At present, NFWCP works for environmental protection, education of the young through scholarships, and the extending credit to cooperatives,” she added.