DAGUPAN CITY -- Fourth District Representative Ma. Georgina "Manay Gina" de Venecia gathered all women legislators in her residence in Valencia Street in Quezon City to strengthening their bloc in Congress.
"It crossed party lines. It was non-partisan, an evening of camaraderie of women for change. We agree to meet every month to strengthen our personal bonds and to secure our rank as a power block in Congress," De Venecia said.
The fellowship was attended by some 37 congresswomen, including former President Gloria Arroyo, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, movie star Lani Mercado and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte.
Also present were Representatives Kimi Cojuangco and Marilyn Primicias-Agabas of the fifth and sixth districts of Pangasinan.
De Venecia has stated that a solid women's block in the House of Representatives is a necessity for pushing their preferred reforms that will bring about change that the Filipino people need and deserve.
Accordingly, a number of congresswomen lobbied for their favorite bills during the meeting.
"That's the beauty of teamwork," Manay Gina remarked.
"As individuals we can make a difference but as a group, we can make change," she said. (LCMY/Sunnex)