Women’s Livelihood a Must for RP Progress–Loren

March 9, 2010

ON WOMEN’S DAY, NP-NPC-LDP VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE LOREN LEGARDA TODAY CALLED FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BRGY. KABUHAYAN LAW AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS BY PROVIDING MORE ASSISTANCE TO MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SCALE ENTERPRISES (MSMES), WHICH WILL ADDRESS WOMEN UNEMPLOYMENT ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS.
Loren, author of the Barangay Kabuhayan Act (RA 9509) and the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Act (RA 9501), called for the implementation and funding of these laws to stimulate the so-called informal sector in the face of the alarming nosedive of the country’s exports.
“Ninety percent of our economy is composed of micro enterprises. By their sheer number alone, addressing MSMEs concerns will accelerate the growth and development of our nation’s economy and lead to a better life for thousands of Filipino families,” said Loren.
Enterprises with capitalization of P3 million or below are classified as micro enterprises as compared to the previous cap of P1.5 million. With the increase of the cap, more Filipinos can now avail of the benefits that are provided in this law.
Moreover, Loren inspired women to lead the country’s efforts towards genuine reform by starting to engage themselves in social and economic activities.
“Let’s work together in pushing for the rights of women, the development of our youth, and the protection of the environment. Women are instrumental to nation-building and powerful agents of change,” said Loren.
In the Senate, Loren co-sponsored the Magna Carta for Women which affirms the role of women in nation building and ensures the substantive equality of women and men. It also promotes the empowerment of women, pursuing equal opportunities for women and men as well as ensuring their equal access to resources through institutional mechanisms and various benefits. The bill also condemns discrimination against women in all its forms. Aside from this measure, Loren likewise co-authored the Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Law.