Leody de Guzman calls for support for rural women amid climate crisis

In celebration of the 116th International Working Women’s Day, senatorial candidate and labor leader Ka Leody De Guzman underscored the often-overlooked struggles of rural women, highlighting their economic hardships and the worsening effects of the climate crisis on their daily lives.

Speaking at an event in Misamis Occidental, where he is campaigning alongside fellow candidate Luke Espiritu, De Guzman stressed the need for urgent government intervention to address the unique challenges faced by women in rural areas.

“Madalas nakakaligtaan ang pinagdadaanan ng mga kababaihan sa kanayunan, kailangan na itong pagtuunan ng pansin. Yung kawalan o kakulangan ng social mobility, job opportunities at sustenableng kabuhayan ay pinalalala pa ng hindi aksesibleng social protection programs ng gobyerno," De Guzman stated. 

(The struggles of women in the countryside are frequently ignored, and this must change. The lack of social mobility, job opportunities, and sustainable livelihoods is further exacerbated by the inaccessibility of government social protection programs.)

He said underdevelopment in rural communities leaves women with fewer resources and opportunities compared to those in urban centers. Many are forced to endure financial instability due to the effects of extreme weather events.

“Lalong pinabibigat ng krisis sa klima ang pinapasan ng mga kababaihan sa kanayunan. Ang mas matitinding mga bagyo, pagbaha at tagtuyot ay banta sa kanilang kabuhayan. May mga araw, linggo, umaabot pa nga minsan ng buwan na wala silang kinikita at walang option kundi mangutang, lalong nagiging bulnerable ang kanilang mga pamilya.”

(The climate crisis adds to the burdens of rural women. Stronger typhoons, floods, and droughts threaten their livelihoods. For days, weeks, and even months, they have no income and are left with no choice but to take on debt, making their families even more vulnerable.)

De Guzman reaffirmed that his platform aims to empower rural women economically and politically, ensuring that they receive the support and opportunities they need to improve their livelihoods and communities.

Espiritu, meanwhile, campaigned at the Aloran Public Market in Misamis Occidental where he spoke with several vendors and locals. 

According to his media team, Espiritu discussed about power and water rates, support to agriculture and MSMEs, and anti-political dynasty agenda while in the town.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News

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