Press Release
April 16, 2016

POE PLANS TO ASSEMBLE 'COUNCIL OF WOMEN' IN BARANGAYS

In support of women empowerment and people participation in government, independent presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe is assembling a "council of women" in the country's barangays to monitor the progress of government projects.

Poe said her "Gobyernong may Puso" will encourage women to sign up and be part of nation-building. The women's council will be composed of women volunteers who will report project delays and other irregularities in the government's projects.

"Ano ang magiging trabaho ninyo? Hanggang sa barangay level, isusumbong lang ninyo kung ano yung mga proyekto na hindi tinatapos," Poe said in a campaign sortie in Pili, Camarines Sur Thursday.

"Bibigyan ko ang mga kababaihan ng listahan ng lahat ng mga proyekto ng gobyerno na dapat tutukan kasi minsan kapag malayo ka na sa Malacañang hindi minsan napapaabot sa iyo. Aba, yung pag-aaspalto pa lang ng isang barangay tatlong taon na hindi pa tapos, ang mga babae'ng gagawa niyan. Kukuha tayo ng mga kababaihan na nirerespeto," she said.

Poe had a full day in the province, bringing her campaign to Iriga where she was welcomed by Liberal Party Mayor Ronald Alfelor before she addressed students at the University of Saint Anthony.

Poe also met with local officials, seeking their support in the May 9 elections. She was accompanied by Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Miguel R. Villafuerte III and his father, former governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte, who have declared their support for her presidential bid.

The lady senator, who topped the 2013 senatorial race and made history as the national candidate who garnered the highest number of votes in Philippine elections, said women in government have proven their integrity and efficiency in various fields.

Poe also highlighted her achievements as a legislator.

"Sa aking maikling panahon ng paninilbihan ipinakita ko naman po ang aking dedikasyon at ang aking pagiging seryoso sa trabaho, kaibigan man kita o kaaway, ang aking loyalty una muna ay sa taumbayan," Poe said.

She also said that her being a mother is an advantage.

"Bilang isang nanay, kahit na minamaliit nila minsan ang babae, sa tingin ko ang isang pamilya ay hindi magtatagumpay kung hindi dahil sa ating pagkalinga at pagmamahal. Ang mga babae mapagmahal, ang mga babae mapagtimpi, pasensyosa. Pero kapag tayo ay sinubukan, hindi tayo umaatras hindi ba?" she said.

Poe has also said that at least one-third of her Cabinet will be filled with women of competence and integrity, which adheres to the widely accepted 30 percent benchmark on women's representation in government as encouraged by the United Nations.

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