“As our nation moves ahead toward the future we all dream of, the Filipino woman remains—now and always—a guiding light”
MARCH is celebrated around the world as Women’s Month, a time to recognize the profound contributions of women in shaping societies, nurturing communities, and guiding nations toward a more compassionate and equitable future.
In the Philippines, the story of nation-building has always included women whose strength, intellect, and quiet resolve helped define our collective destiny.
Their leadership may take many forms—public service, diplomacy, education, social work, the arts, sports, and community development—but their common thread is a deep commitment to service and excellence.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of writing and publishing several biographical works honoring remarkable Filipino women whose lives illuminate this enduring legacy. One such work is “Simply Ming,” which tells the story of Amelita “Ming” Martinez Ramos, the gracious spouse of former President Fidel V. Ramos.
Known affectionately as “Ming,” she exemplified dignity and humility in public life. While her husband steered the ship of state, she quietly championed causes that uplifted women, children, the elderly and the environment with her Clean and Green and PISO Para sa Pasig Projects.
Her presence in Malacañang reflected the understated yet powerful influence of a woman deeply devoted to service. Another inspiring figure is Ming’s mother, Josefa Jara Martinez, whose story I chronicled in “The Pillar of Social Work.”
Widely recognized as one of the pioneers of professional social work in the Philippines, Martinez devoted her life to building institutions that would care for the country’s most vulnerable sectors, most notably the establishment of Socsargen – South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos with the late Senator Juan C Flavier under the auspices of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement. Her legacy continues to guide generations of social workers who carry forward her mission of compassion and public service.
In “In a Class of Her Own,” I shared the life journey of FVR’s mother Angela Valdez Ramos, whose life embodies resilience, strength of character, and intellectual grace.
An educator, suffragette and World War II heroine, her story reflects the quiet yet powerful leadership of Filipino women who excel in both public life and family life.
Another inspiring narrative is found in “Colors of Light,” which recounts the life of Auntie Lucing or Lucila Najera Valdez, wife of the late Ambassador Marcos Valdez whose story reflects faith, perseverance, and the power of family and community.
I also had the privilege of writing contributing chapters on the late Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani, a distinguished diplomat, legislator, and global advocate for human rights and women’s empowerment. Her work in the United Nations and the Philippine Senate helped elevate the voice of Filipino women on the world stage.
While history remembers these remarkable women, it is equally important to celebrate the present generation of women leaders who continue to shape our country today.
Among them is former Vice President now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo whose grassroots initiatives have empowered communities across the country. In the legislative arena – Grace Poe and Rosa Hontiveros – continue to demonstrate the vital role of women in shaping national policies.
In local governance, Mayor Joy Belmonte has emerged as one of the country’s most dynamic local leaders.
Under her stewardship, Quezon City has advanced progressive programs in environmental protection, health care, gender equality, and inclusive governance. Her leadership reflects how women at the helm of local government can drive transformative change in urban communities.
In the world of business, leaders such as Teresita Sy-Coson and Robina Gokongwei-Pe demonstrate that women can lead major institutions while contributing to economic growth and social responsibility.
The new generation of Filipino women is also making its mark in the global arena of sports. Among the most inspiring is Alex Eala, the young tennis sensation who continues to raise the Philippine flag in international competitions.
Trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, Eala has already captured junior Grand Slam titles and is now competing on the professional stage.
Her discipline, talent, and determination symbolize the rising confidence of a new generation of Filipina athletes who are proving that the Philippines can excel on the world stage.
What unites these women—past and present—is the understanding that leadership is not merely about authority but about purpose.
Their lives remind us that true leadership often begins with compassion, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we honor not only the distinguished names recorded in history but also the countless mothers, daughters, teachers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders whose daily acts of dedication sustain the fabric of our society.
On a more personal note, I am reminded daily of the strength and grace of the women in my own life— my late mother Marcela who raised and nurtured five boys and my wife Tess, our daughters Angel, Magi and Me-Anne, and our granddaughters—who continue to inspire hope for the future.
They represent the same quiet courage and resilience that define the Filipino woman. Indeed, in homes, communities, institutions, and even on the global stage, women continue to light the path forward.
And as our nation moves ahead toward the future we all dream of, the Filipino woman remains—now and always—a guiding light.
(The writer, president/chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-government outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection, is the official biographer of President Fidel V. Ramos.)
