THE House of Representatives (HRep) capped off its 2025 Women’s Month celebration Tuesday with a parade declaring the institution’s solidarity with efforts to promote gender equality and women empowerment in the country.
The parade, which had the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” was spearheaded by the HRep Gender and Development – Focal Point System (GAD-FPS).
HRep Secretary General Reginald Velasco, GAD-FPS chairperson, described the parade as a form of unity towards building a better society that upholds women’s rights and safety.
House female employees set off from the South Wing Annex (SWA) building, while their male counterparts began their walk from the Ramon V. Mitra (RVM) building, and converged at the HRep flagpole in a symbolic show of solidarity.
House GAD-FPS Alternate Chairperson and Legal Affairs Department Deputy Secretary General Atty. Annalou Nachura, explained that the initiative highlights the importance of unity in pursuing GAD goals.
“Bawat hakbang ay pagkilala sa katatagan ng bawat babae, at hakbang patungo sa pagkakapantay-pantay sa katarungan at kaligtasan para sa lahat ng kababaihan,” she said.
The HRep also launched the “Men Opposed to Violence against women and children Everywhere” or MOVE.
Led by Administrative Department DSG Dr. Edgardo Pangilinan, the movement brings together House male employees who have committed to taking a stand against violence, challenging discrimination and promoting respect and equality.
DSG Nachura stressed that this initiative is not just a step forward, but a reminder that ending violence is a shared responsibility.
“MOVE HREP represents the movement that challenges harmful norms and behaviors, and shows that real change can only happen when all voices, especially those of men, join to fight for women’s rights and dignity,” DSG Nachura stated.
Secgen Velasco asked everyone to continue working together and “support HREP Gender and Development Initiatives. Sama-sama, tulong tulong sa pagsulong.”
Highlights of the activity included the performance of the “One Billion Rising” dance, which seeks to to end violence against women and children, and spontaneous singing, accompanied by the Metro Manila Development Authority Drum and Bugle Corps.
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