In honor of International Women's Day, SPOT.ph pays tribute to 10 Filipino women we love. Whether in politics, entertainment, or other fields of expertise, these women have shown that females can take the lead and succeed.
Hon. Esperanza Icasas-Cabral
DOH Secretary
Who is she? Sex is not taboo for Dr. Espie, as her patients call her. Being one of the country's top-ranked physicians and cardiologists, it was only natural that she'd be appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), a position she takes seriously as evidenced by her campaign to promote reproductive health. Although some of her initiatives have raised controversy, she hasn't let that stop her from doing her job.
Why we love her: Whether as DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) or DOH secretary, Dr. Cabral has shown that she is no pushover. She gets things done despite adversity, criticism, and scandal.
She says: "Of course, I am afraid of the Church. They are very powerful and they can sometimes be very vicious. I'm not exactly one who likes to live dangerously, but I'd rather live dangerously than do nothing."
Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel
Akbayan Partylist Representative
Who is she? She's the fearless Representative for the Akbayan Partylist who authored and co-authored several resolutions during her two-term run. Some of these include the Cheaper Medicines Law and an amendment to the Tax Code which increases tax exemptions for minimum wage owners. She was also an award-winning journalist, nabbing the KBP Golden Dove Award for Best Female Newscaster in 1994.
Why we love her: She never beats around the bush when it comes to the issues. She's not afraid to speak her mind whether it's about LGBTI Empowerment or the controversial Reproductive Health Bill.
She says: "We should all break free from the closet of discrimination, stigma, and hatred that makes it possible for abuse against LGBTs to take place. One doesn't have to be gay or lesbian to realize that love is the most human of all feelings."













