MANILA - (UPDATE, 3:04PM, Dec. 6) Vice President and presidential aspirant Jejomar Binay, with his running mate Senator Gregorio Gringo Honasan, attended the 31st anniversary of the Kababaihan ng Maynila organization at the Folk Arts Theater on Saturday, and received a rousing endorsement from the 25,000-strong women's group and from Buhay party-list representative Lito Atienza.
A crowd of mostly women attendees, estimated at about 10,000 Manila's six districts, cheered Binay and Honasan.
Honasan told the audience that the Binay-Honasan or "BINGO" tandem would continue safeguarding the people's basic rights against all forms of oppression, abuses and corruption.
The major women's group cited Binay's commitment to promoting the welfare of women and recognizing their role in promoting Filipino values and improving the economy.
Kababaihan ng Maynila Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer non-government organization that provides livelihood and skills training programs for women from depressed communities in the City of Manila.
Atienza, whose stint as Manila's only three-term mayor was highlighted by a massive redevelopment program called "Buhayin ang Maynila," said Binay can expect the support of the organization's 25,000 active members all over Manila.
Meanwhile, Tita Laparan, District III coordinator of Kababaihan ng Maynila, said Binay's experience and proven track record sets him apart from other candidates.
In his speech at the 31st anniversary of the Foundation, Binay cited how women have contributed to the Philippine economy.
"One-third of small and medium enterprises are owned or run by women. Among them are the small eateries, stories, tailoring shops, among others. Kabilang dito ang mga karinderya, tindahan, patahian at iba pa. Maliliit na negosyo, ngunit kayo ang bumubuhay sa ating ekonomiya,” Binay said.
Binay said 60 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) comes from the informal sector and cited data from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies that shows 90 percent of Filipino businesses are small and medium scale industries.
"The informal sector counts the vendors and small businessmen, drivers and other ordinary citizens. That means, our economy is bolstered by our small people," he said.
According to Binay, it is imperative that the government strengthen the country's small and medium enterprises and noted that 60 to 80 percent of the country's labor force are employed by small business.
He paid tribute to his late mother, who died when he was just a small boy but left an indelible imprint on character.
"She was my guide, my first teacher. From her I learned the value of education, of striving and hard work, of faith in God and love for others. The value of a mother to the life of every child is matched by the contributions of women to the effort to build a prosperous, peaceful and just society," Binay said, speaking in Filipino.
Binay, meanwhile, said he intends to continue the Conditional Cash Transfer social welfare program for the underprivileged and also for senior citizens.
Addressing the women, he said he knows what is to be a poor: "I came from a poor family and my mother, just like everyone of you is my first teacher."
He told them he will make sure women will get the most benefits under a Binay-Honasan administration.//
Atienza exhorts Manila women sector to back 'BINGO' tandem
