THE Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI) of the 19th Congress, under the leadership of its chairperson, Rep. Yedda Romualdez, and president, Rep. Linabelle Villarica, proudly inaugurated its landmark project, the Women and Children Protection Unit on December 3, 2024, in Mandaluyong City. The initiative, in collaboration with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) spearheaded by Dr. Noel Reyes, aims to provide a safe space for vulnerable women and children, offering the care and protection they deserve.
The groundbreaking of the project took place on March 18, 2024, and before the year ends, the Women and Children Protection Unit officially opened to the public. The facility will serve as a crucial space for healing and support, ensuring that women and children in need of protection can access necessary mental health services and care.
Rep. Yedda Romualdez, a strong advocate for the rights of women and children, expressed her gratitude and excitement for the project’s completion, “Today marks a significant milestone in our advocacy to safeguard the rights and well-being of women and children. This Protection Unit is a concrete step towards ensuring that those who have suffered from abuse, neglect, or trauma have a place to heal and recover. No one should feel unsafe in their own country, and with this facility, we are sending a clear message that we are committed to protecting our most vulnerable populations.”
She further emphasized the importance of continuing legislative work to strengthen protections, “Our work does not stop here. We are determined to ensure that the law continues to evolve in defense of women and children.”
Rep. Yedda Romualdez is one of the champion legislators who strongly pushed for the passage of a bill on raising the age to determine Statutory Rape from below 12 to below 16, amending RAs 3815 and 7610 of the Revised Penal Code and Special Protection of Children, respectively. Likewise, she lobbied as the principal author of the bill on Magna Carta of Children, along with Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre.
In attendance at the inauguration were several distinguished members of AWLFI, including Reps. Janice Salimbangon, Lolita Javier, Boyet Gonzales, Gloria Arroyo, Emmarie Dizon, Ann Matibag, Mila Magsaysay, Anna Tuazon, Marissa Magsino, Lianda Bolilia, and Arlene Brosas.
Their presence at the event highlights the strong, united commitment of women legislators to ensure the rights and well-being of the nation’s women and children. This initiative is a testament to the AWLFI’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of women and children across the country, providing them with the protection, care, and support they need to heal and flourish.
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