Congressman Rene Lopez Relampagos of the First District of Bohol expressed his profound appreciation to the many Boholano women who have dedicated themselves in tireless service to the Boholano people.

“Our women have proven that they can be more than just good mothers and daughters who are confined in their own homes.  They can also be accomplished women and a mother and a friend in their communities and I am thankful that they chose to serve the community, our people,” Relampagos said in a statement.

He mentioned that in the province,women  get the same respect and enjoy the same opportunities as men.  This can be evidenced to the many women who are in key positions in different fields such as governance, academe, business, and community service.

“Boholanas are much empowered and they continue to prove that they are as capable as us men.  We have Chiefs of Hospitals that are females. The University of Bohol’s president is a female. We have females occupying key positions in the provincial government.  We have women who are spearheading various advocacies in the province.  To top it all, our Vice Governor is a female and is also a medical doctor,” Relampagos cited.

“These women exemplify the greatness of our Boholanas, that our women are bold, intelligent, and capable,” the solon added.

Relampagos also renounced sexist comments on women especially how they are less efficient in running government office than men.

“It saddens me to hear that there are still people who undermine the capacity of women, especially when it comes to governance.  What makes women really great leaders is that they are innately motherly.  They genuinely care and they make sure that their constituents get the best.  Women leaders are nurturing and they serve their constituents like they are serving their children.  Female leaders like Leni Robredo and our very own Vice Governor Conching Lim are notable examples,” he said.

The solon further demystified the said notion saying that “men and women have their unique strengths that make them ideal leaders.  No one can say that men are better leaders. Aung San SuuKyi and Cory Aquino are iconic political figures the same way as Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.”

The two-term congressman always believed in causes that will uplift women in society.  While Bohol has placed women as equals of men in terms of opportunities, the solon still reminded people to safeguard the rights of women.

“My mother has set a great example of how women can be a prominent figure in society in terms of service and so I have always believed in them.  I have two daughters and I encourage them to be greater.  And I hope that all Boholanos share the same view.  I also hope that we all continue to work together in respecting and protecting our women.”