Angat, Kababaihan!

 

“Empower one woman – and she herself will raise others with her”, Leni Robredo stated at one of the events celebrating Women’s Month. I chose to highlight and make the remarkable Leni Robredo my subject in this thematic project, because why not? She, herself, is one of the best examples of a woman who stood out in a man’s world. You may ask why I involve myself too much with politics, to the point I even chose and support a candidate even with the fact that I am still not eligible to contribute a vote. However, I should ask the opposite with you. Everything is politics. Especially the future you are very much wary off is greatly affected by politics. Hence, why don't you concern yourself with a factor that could surely affect years of your lifetime? However, that is not the point here. In this essay of mine, I will be writing about Leni as an outstanding woman, and not as a mere politician.

 

To begin with, Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo is the lone female presidential candidate for the 2022 Philippine Elections. Her candidacy itself serves as a symbol that a woman can be something a man can or more. She is a successful lawyer and economist who have served the public even before I was born. Aside from programs like Angat Buhay which prioritized the unprivileged people in the country, Women's Empowerment was always part of Leni’s major advocacies even way before she became the 14th Vice President of the Philippines. Even with the hardships and challenges, she faced as a woman in a society which clearly favors men, she never gave up on fighting for what she thinks is right. In times of difficulties here in the Philippines such as typhoons and disasters, she would always be there to help the ones in need. And if she is unable to go help herself personally, she would always make sure that her team would be there to provide help.

 

Furthermore, Leni is a mother of three beautiful and intelligent young ladies that have also achieved great things in life, just like their mother. The Robredo’s lost the man of their family early, leaving Leni no choice but to provide for and take care of her daughters alone. Despite the hardships of being a single mother, Leni proved the world wrong when she raised three independent women who conquered glory and success, not by money and power, but with pure wits, talents, and hard work. Jessica Marie "Aika" Robredo completed her education at Harvard Kennedy School in 2008. Janine Patricia "Tricia" Robredo graduated with a dual degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health last year. And Jillian Therese Robredo is now pursuing her degree at New York University (NYU) with a full scholarship. That alone proves how Leni did a great job at being a mother.

 

Leni has always been ridiculed by this sick society of ours and is continuously being a victim of various forms of hate and fake news. But never even once did she bother herself to be dragged down by this disgusting habit of Filipinos called “Crab Mentality”. Instead, she used this to lift herself up even more and continue to be an advocate of issues that has far more importance, such as Women's Empowerment and Feminism. Her commitment to women's holistic, economic, and political empowerment is more than just a thought. She is a living example of what she preaches. Empowered women and girls who take charge of their lives, make their own decisions, and succeed in their chosen fields are essential in a gender-equal society. Gender should not be a determining factor in a leader's ability to lead, according to Robredo, but rather what she has done in the service of the people.

 

           There is no doubt that the best man for the job is a woman. Leni Robredo is a suitable if not a perfect example for young Filipino ladies. It is an important lesson that if life tests your strength by giving problems and challenges that may seem impossible to overcome at first, never EVER give up. She proved to the world that she is not weak. That even though she is a woman, she is not just a woman. She can be everything a man can be and more. And that’s what young Filipino ladies should take note of. Don’t let this messed-up system shatter your dreams. Be empowered.

References:

Leni Robredo. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leni_Robredo

Regalado, P. (2022, February 18). Leni Robredo Endorsed by Filipino UN Retirees. reportr.world. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.reportr.world/news/leni-robredo-endorsement-from-filipino-united-nations-retirees-a4832-20220218

Cepeda, M. (2022, March 20). At Comelec debate, Robredo flexes why 'best man for the job is a woman'. Rappler. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/robredo-flexes-why-best-man-for-job-is-woman-comelec-debate-2022/

Robredo roasts debate absentee Marcos: A leader shows up in the most difficult times. (2022, February 27). Rappler. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/presidential-bets-roast-ferdinand-bongbong-marcos-jr-cnn-philippines-debate/

Cepeda, M. (2022, March 1). CNN PH challenges Leni Robredo, 'Queen of Receipts,' with its own 'resibo'. Rappler. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/cnn-philippines-challenges-leni-robredo-queen-receipts-presidential-debate-2022/