More changes needed to achieve gender equality in Philippines —Palace

Malacañang on Tuesday said much more needs to be done to achieve gender equality in the Philippines even as it hailed the contributions of Filipino women to the nation.

In his message ahead of the International Women’s Day celebration on March 8, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said one “cannot quantify the contributions of Filipinas in the political, social and economic growth of the Philippines.”

Panelo also said the Duterte administration has made “significant strides” to empower Filipino women including giving them more financial, health and medical benefits or assistance, better work opportunities and improved working conditions.

“There are, however, changes that still need to be implemented to further empower the Filipinas of today, as well as to encourage an environment where substantive equality thrives,” he said.

“Hence, we urge each one to help one another to motivate Filipinas in reaching their full potential, especially in nation-building. This government will continue its advocacy for women’s rights and women's empowerment.”

The Palace has repeatedly said President Rodrigo Duterte is not anti-women despite the chief executive’s frequent misogynistic remarks. — BM, GMA News