Sen. Risa, Rep. Ismula ignite feminist empowerment in PLM

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s Justo Alberto Auditorium (JAA) was filled with hope, courage, and feminism last Mar. 31, as Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula of Akbayan Partylist convened in “Her Voice, Our Future: A Women’s Talk in Governance.”

More than just a forum, the event became a powerful space for reflection, storytelling, and a strong call for empowerment, inclusion, and transformation.

This event was spearheaded by the College of Public Administration Student Council (CPA-SC) in partnership with other CSCs as part of celebrating International Women’s Month and ensuring that the university is free from discrimination, sexism, and other forms of oppression. 

PLM President Atty. Domingo “Sonny” Reyes Jr. opened the program by recognizing women in the university and society, citing that from governance, schools, up to bar exams, they lead.

“Malaki ang papel na ginagampanan ng mga babae hindi lamang sa bahay kundi pati sa lipunan,” he highlighted.

Rep. Ismula talks feminist politicians

Rep. Ismula took the stage with a firm and confident speech, drawing the audience’s full attention as the auditorium fell silent to listen.

Serving as a representative for the Akbayan Partylist, she is widely regarded as a voice for the indigenous people and the Moro community, advocating for progressive change through her seat in the House of Representatives.

In the first part of her speech, Rep. Ismula praised the university for playing the Muslim prayer in the event, saying it is a sign of inclusivity. 

Rep. Ismula tackled the role of feminist politicians in society, highlighting that they are focused on empowering the lower class and workers across the nation.

“Ang tunay na nagpapatakbo ng ating ekonomiya ay ang manggagawa,” she said in the context of why politicians should prioritize people over profit. 

For Ismula, the lower and upper classes are interconnected; that’s why she urges everyone to progress through collective action.

Women in Governance according to Sen. Hontiveros

When Sen. Hontiveros took the stage, everyone was eager to listen to the lawmaker who has long since acted as a representative for women in the halls of the Senate, passing multiple laws and bills that protect their rights. 

Some of her notable laws authored are the “Bawal Bastos" Law or the Safe Spaces Act, Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210), the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 11861), among others that addresses the needs and welfare of women. 

She started her speech by expressing sadness and disappointment about why people should still fight for women’s rights when it must have been the norm a long time ago, which the audience firmly agreed on.

She also stated that there are only 5 women out of 24 senators of the Republic of the Philippines, making it hard to raise the concerns of the sector.  

“When women are in governance, we bring a lot of ideas to the table that come from different parts of our lives,” she affirmed. 

She also expresses her comfort and understanding to other women who are afraid to speak up because of the fear of being misunderstood, invalidated, and cancelled. 

“Kapag pinili natin manahimik, hindi lang boses natin ang nawawala kung hindi ang perspektibo, experience, at posibilidad na baka may magbago,” she underscored.

Sen. Hontiveros’ First Love

After the speech, the hall was filled with laughter and fruitful insights during a fun and light forum between Sen. Hontiveros and panel host Jahna Par, former president of CPA-SC. 

Sen. Hontiveros describes her few years as a theater and music artist in the Repertory Philippines as her first love and vocation she will keep on coming back to. She shared that being an artist made her realize the situation of the country, prompting her to change her career into being a journalist and an activist.

During her time as an artist, social issues were abundant, including the Martial Law, 1986 Snap Election, youth activism, violence, and more, which opened her eyes to become a leader. 

“Madaming nagbabago bilang batang Pilipino at estudyante dahil maraming nagbabago sa ating bansa,” she said, explaining why she cannot let herself be in silence. 

Empowered women on talk

Rep. Dadah joined Sen. Hontiveros in the middle of the panel to give the audience added insights to discuss. Students stepped up to ask the lawmaker’s stance and thoughts on different issues in both the university and in the country.

On a question given by one of the students regarding the stereotypes of “Kalalaking tao” and “Kababaeng tao,” Sen. Hontiveros asserted that every person has the right to do whatever they want in expressing themselves.

“Dapat sana ‘yung intensyon ng mga magulang, guro, mentors, pinuno sa workplace, at institution ay paunlarin ang buong pagkatao ng bawat tao, lalo na kung paano niya iniidentify ang sarili niya paglaki.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Ismula shared that strictly in the Muslim community, there were also instances where they were restricted and controlled to do what is expected of men and women.

“At the end of the day, sarili ko ‘to, buhay ko ‘to, pananaw ko ‘to,” she highlighted.

The two lawmakers ended the program by giving hope to everyone, calling for a change and encouraging people to speak up. They imply that change does not happen in silence; it grows in conversation, in bravery, and in collective action. 

As Sen Hontiveros urged, the responsibility now lies with the next generation—to speak, to participate, and to lead. “Kung wala tayong gagawin, mananatiling ganito ‘yung lipunan natin: may dahas, sexism, misogyny.”