Manay Gina moves to unite lady solons in Congress
REPRESENTATIVE Gina de Venecia of the 4th District of Pangasinan is spearheading a coalition of ‘women for change‘ in the House of Representatives following a fellowship dinner she hosted for them last August 4.
Included in the coalition are the other Pangasinan lady representatives: Rep. Rachel Arenas, 3rd District; Rep. Kimi Cojuangco, 5th District; and Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, 6th District.
Other coalition members are former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, now a congresswoman from Pampanga, Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos of Ilocos Norte, Rep. Laniy Mercado of Cavite, and Rep. Lucy Torres Gomez of Leyte.
In launching the coalition, De Venecia said she believes that a solid women’s block in the House is needed to push for their preferred reforms.
“It crossed party lines,” she said of the meeting, adding that “It was non-partisan, an evening of camaraderie of women for change. We agree to meet every month to strengthen our personal bonds and to secure our rank as a power block in Congress.”
Some of the congresswomen lobbied for their favorite bills during the meeting.
“That’s the beauty of teamwork…as individuals we can make a difference but as a group, we can make change.” Manay Gina said.
The dinner, held at the De Venecia’s ancestral residence in Valencia Street, Quezon City, was attended by some 37 congresswomen and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte.
The current 270-strong House of Representatives has a record number of lady legislators.—LM
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