Former congressman and Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairperson Karlo Nograles on Sunday called for a stronger and more focused approach to addressing the concerns of women in Davao City as he stressed that respect for women must go beyond mere rhetoric.
“As a nation, we’ve made significant strides in advancing women’s rights, but the reality is that women—across all ages and backgrounds—remain vulnerable to abuse, violence, and discrimination,” Nograles said at the start of Women’s Month.
“This is why we need more than just symbolic gestures. We need real, sustained action to ensure the protection and empowerment of women.”
For Davao City, Nograles outlined a series of concrete initiatives to improve support systems for women.
Nograles emphasized the critical roles women play in society, from the home to the highest positions in government and business.
According to Nograles, “our mothers, sisters, wives, partners, family members, teachers, colleagues, and leaders deserve respect and recognition—not just once a year, but every single day.”
For Davao City, Nograles outlined a series of concrete initiatives to improve support systems for women, including upgrading Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desks at the local police and government offices, increasing funding for Child Development Centers, strengthening breastfeeding and nutrition programs, tackling teenage pregnancy, and expanding employment and business training for women.
“Ang dami nating kailangang gawin. Davao City still has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the country. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a crisis that needs urgent action,” he pointed out.
He added that “we need comprehensive learning and livelihood options, especially for young mothers from low-income families, and a robust support system to ensure both mother and child receive adequate nutrition.”
Beyond economic opportunities, Nograles emphasized the need for intensified efforts against domestic violence, workplace discrimination, and unequal access to education.
“The list of challenges is long, so our solutions must be all-encompassing. Tutok ang kailangan dito—hindi lang lip service dahil dumating na naman ang Buwan ng Kababaihan,” said Nograles.
More than policies, Nograles said that real change requires a shift in mindset.
The lawyer explained that “we cannot effectively protect women if we continue to tolerate misogynistic and sexist views. Too often, women’s issues are dismissed as mere jokes or punchlines—even by those in leadership positions. That kind of thinking has no place in today’s society.”
“The concerns of women are not just women’s concerns. They are our concerns. They are everybody’s concerns. They are everyday concerns. Let’s work to make Davao City a safe space for women, isang lugar kung saan sila ay nirerespeto at hindi binabastos.”
