Kababaihan Partylist #128: Championing Women’s Rights and Empowerment

by dotdailydose April 15, 2025, 10:58 PM 33 Views 17 Comments

Serving as the party’s first nominee, Kate Galang-Coseteng is a three-term Quezon City Councilor and the current Minority Floor Leader. Her experience in local governance spans over a decade, with a previous stint as a three-term councilor in Valenzuela City from 2004 to 2013. Her deep understanding of legislative work is evident in her authorship of several key ordinances.

Women comprise half the Filipino population, but they’re often underrepresented in political leadership. Reason why a women’s partylist is important. It helps amplify women’s voices and address gender-specific issues in politics and governance — especially in contexts where women are underrepresented or marginalized.

The Kababaihan Partylist #128 is a women’s sectoral group in the Philippines aiming to secure a seat in the House of Representatives through the 2025 elections. Its primary goal is to represent and advocate for the rights and welfare of Filipino women, particularly those who are marginalized or vulnerable: solo parents, mothers, marginalized workers, and women in rural areas.

As the 2025 elections draw near, the Kababaihan Partylist emerges as a strong and credible advocate for Filipino women, particularly those who are often unheard. Running under the banner “Kakampi ng Kababaihan”, the partylist aims to bring critical women’s issues to the forefront of national policy.

The party’s first nominee is Quezon City Councilor Kate Galang-Coseteng, who brings experience in local governance. As a city councilor, Kate has positioned herself as a staunch advocate for the rights and welfare of solo parents and vulnerable women. She has actively promoted women’s health and welfare. Notably, she authored the ordinance that mandates free Pap smear testing for qualified women in Quezon City. Her advocacy extends to broader issues affecting women, including combating online human trafficking and supporting protective legislation, such as discussions on divorce and reproductive health.

*QC Councilor Kate is also the daughter-in-law of former senator and women’s advocate Nikki Coseteng, suggesting a continuation of pro-women public services within the family.*

QC Councilor Kate actively engages with the community through various platforms, raising awareness about critical issues and advocating for the protection of women and marginalized groups. Through her roles in local government and the Kababaihan Partylist, Kate Galang-Coseteng hopes to continue championing initiatives that aim to uplift and protect women across the Philippines.

With its core mission to uplift Filipino women—especially those in vulnerable sectors—the Kababaihan Partylist unveils some key programs aimed at addressing real, day-to-day challenges.

Modern Filipino women often juggle multiple roles—as workers, caregivers, and mothers. Many work at night as call center agents, nurses, bartenders, and security guards. But who takes care of their children while they work?

Kababaihan Partylist answers this question with its proposed Tahanan ng Kababaihan, a night care center where working mothers can leave their children in a safe and caring environment. This initiative ensures peace of mind for parents and safety for children, preventing accidents and neglect due to lack of supervision at night. Additional services under this program include a shelter for women who are victims of abuse, a Livelihood and Trading Hub to help women sell goods and develop businesses, and a Legal and Psychological Counseling Center to provide emotional and legal support.

Economic empowerment is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Kababaihan Partylist promotes a Micro-Finance Law for Women, aiming to provide capital and resources for those who want to start small businesses. This program targets talented and hardworking women—especially mothers—who often set aside their dreams to raise their families. By offering funding and business support, the partylist envisions a society where women are financially independent, confident, and self-sustaining.

As a vocal advocate for the legalization of divorce in the Philippines, she believes that while marriage is a sacred union, it should not become a life sentence for those subjected to harm and suffering.

The Kababaihan Partylist has also emerged as a vocal advocate for the legalization of divorce in the Philippines, emphasizing its necessity as a humane and practical solution for individuals trapped in abusive or irreparable marriages. The Partylist underscores that the proposed divorce legislation is not an attack on the institution of marriage but a means to protect the rights and well-being of those suffering within it. Kababaihan Partylist’s support for divorce aligns with its broader mission to champion women’s rights and social justice. By advocating for this legislation, they aim to empower individuals, particularly women, to reclaim their lives and well-being.

Kababaihan Partylist doesn’t stop at gender. It also acknowledges the discrimination and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. As part of its platform, it calls for the creation of safe spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can live, work, and express themselves freely and without fear. The party emphasizes that respect should be extended to all, because we are all equally created by God.

At the helm of Kababaihan Partylist’s campaign is another dynamic women leader bringing a strong voice from Camiguin Island, Mindanao: Ria C. Romualdo. A registered nurse by profession, Romualdo is a passionate advocate for women empowerment, children’s health, and welfare development. A graduate of the University of the Visayas College of Nursing, her healthcare background complements the partylist’s thrust toward addressing the most pressing issues facing women and families. She is also the wife of Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus “XJ” Romualdo, and has worked quietly but steadily behind the scenes in support of community health and family welfare programs.

In a political landscape where women’s issues are often sidelined, Kababaihan Partylist offers a platform that centers on the needs of women. Having a dedicated women’s partylist like Kababaihan in Congress is vital for ensuring that legislation reflects the needs and rights of women across the Philippines. The party’s legislative agenda seeks to create inclusive and responsive policies that uplift not only women but also entire communities.

With a clear and inclusive agenda, Kababaihan Partylist #128 isn’t just promising change — it’s presenting concrete solutions for everyday struggles. Whether it’s a working mom looking for safe childcare, a woman striving to build her own business, a wife in an irreparable marriage who wants to reclaim her life and well-being, or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community seeking protection and acceptance, this partylist is ready to serve as a reliable ally and advocate.

Learn more about the Kababaihan Partylist here: https://www.facebook.com/kababaihanpartylist.