Former first district representative Franz “Chicoy” Alvarez is banking on women power as he extends support to the sector in his bid to return to the House of Representatives.
Alvarez joined an event in Taytay town last March 20, where We Rise As 1Palaweña, an organization of women from the north, initiated a National Women’s Day celebration. Organizers said the celebration gathered around 15,000 women from the towns of Araceli, Dumaran, El Nido, Roxas, San Vicente, and Taytay.
The former congressman said he was invited by the group to partner with them for programs, services, and other benefits for women.
He explained that We Rise As 1Palaweña was organized a few years back with the main aim of empowering women, after his term expired, but the group still sought support from him.
“Nilapitan nila ako dahil alam nila marami na tayong natulungan, marami tayong kasamahan na kababaihang dating sumusuporta din sa atin,” he said.
“Maraming programa, actually, very fluid tayo kasi hindi lang naman ako, marami rin tayong partners. Nandyan yung Pinoy Workers, nakakahingi rin ako sa ibang kaibigan natin na senador. So, any program na pwedeng pakinabangan ng mga kababaihan,” he added.
He also noted the role of women in agriculture, tourism, education, and environmental protection, where they are no longer just supporting but are also at the forefront.
“Kaya kung nais nating masiguro ang ating distrito, ang ating lalawigan ay patuloy na umusad, hindi maaring mawala ang boses ng kababaihan,” he stressed.
He further stated that the group still has the final say on what programs will be given out, and he will only assist with what they need.
Alvarez’s wife Yannie, on the other hand, said their main objective is to be “together as one (and) to support each other and to be a support system for all the women here in the first district.”
“Mas mabuti na marining ko mismo na ito ang gusto nila para nang sa ganun ako naman ang maghahanap ng paraan para matugunan ko yun,” he said.
“Isa lang naman ang gusto naming iparating na parati lang kaming nandito at sumusuporta sa kababaihan,” she said.
Meanwhile, We Rise As 1Palaweña District Council Chairman Melanie Cayapas emphasized the important role of women, whose unique strengths lead to success not only as individuals but as members of the community, and to succeed for the future generations to come.
“Dapat nating itaguyod ang isang mundo kung saan ang babae ay may pantay na pagkakataon sa katarungan at respeto,” Cayapas said.
“Ngayon ang tamang panahon upang ating itaguyod ang ating mga boses, ipagmalaki ang ating kakayahan at magsanib pwersa upang isulong ang pagkakapantay-pantay,” she added, noting that through unity, change can be achieved.
