“We are more caring, more collaborative, patient and inclusive; we are more listening and integrative; we bring mercy and passion to everything that we do, and we exploit our gifts to the fullest.”

Thus said Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos before a women’s convention in Lucena City recently, urging them to empower themselves and keep in mind that “the best Filipino is a Filipina.”

In contrast to the commanding and dominating brand of leadership by men, women are more consultative but strong and decisive nonetheless.

“Ang kababaihan ang siyang magbibigay ng makabagong liderato sa bagong milenyo,” she said. “Kung ang lalaki ay laging nagsasabi na kailangan maging malakas, matatag at matapang; ang babae ay nag-aaruga, nakikinig, at kinokunsulta ang bawat sektor upang malaman ang niloloob at nilalaman ng damdamin ng bawa’t isa,” she added.

Governor Marcos remarked that multi-tasking was virtually invented by women. “Alam naman natin na iba’t-iba ang papel ng kababaihan. Habambuhay nagbabago. Simula ng anak ka, hanggang mag-asawa at maging nanay ka at maging lola. Hindi pa nagagawa at naiimbento ang salitang multitasking, ginagawa na ng mga kababaihan,” she said.

She also stressed that the voice of women must be heard in the crafting of laws and policies of the government.

“Tayong mga babae ay may sariling kaisipan, ibang kinaluluklukan na konteksto, at ibang pananaw sa iba’t-ibang problema. Iba kasi ang ating nararanasan at ginagampanan,” she said.

“Wala nang mas tatatag pa kaysa kababaihan. Pinatatag tayo ng ating iba’t ibang papel sa buhay, at diyan tayo humuhugot ng lakas kahit na madalas ay hindi tayo nasusuklian,” she added.