MANILA, Philippines — In a strong show of women’s empowerment and leadership, Camille Villar, 40, joined the ranks of prominent female leaders recognized for their commitment to advancing women’s rights in the Philippines. Villar received this distinction during the Women’s Assembly 2025, held at the historic YWCA – FFPI Building in Manila last Saturday.
“As a millennial and a woman, I know the challenges we face in the workplace and the need to balance our multiple roles as a wife, a mother, and a leader,” Villar said in her remarks. “I am honored to be included in this prestigious gathering of strong and influential women, and the groups that celebrate our roles as prime movers in our society.”
Villar’s recognition stemmed from her notable contributions to the development and adoption of youth-related policies and programs. Her advocacy extends to promoting women’s welfare, which she described as a “lifetime commitment” fueled by her passion to serve.
During the assembly, Villar voiced her support for the 2025 Commitments and Action Plan, aimed at creating an environment where gender equality is a tangible reality, and the emancipation of women is a cultural norm. She underscored her pledge to safeguard the fundamental rights and benefits of women and girls, fight discrimination and violence, and ensure inclusive economic and educational opportunities.
A vocal champion of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and youth engagement through sports, Villar has also initiated projects on maternal and reproductive health for women and teenage mothers. This holistic approach to community-building has won her admiration from fellow leaders.
Marking Women’s Day on March 8, Villar stood alongside former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Associate Justice Marian Ivy Reyes Fajardo, Cecille Guidote Alvarez, Cory Quirino, Preciosa Soliven, Dr. Amelita Dayrit-Go, Teresita Sy-Coson, and Villar’s mother, Senator Cynthia Villar—fellow participants recognized for their contributions to women’s empowerment in the Philippines and ASEAN.
Villar also expressed gratitude to Dr. Nona Saldana-Ricafort, President of the YWCA Founders’ Federation of the Philippines and lead convenor of the event, as well as to other prominent women leaders including Inner Wheel National President Ditas Crisostomo, Soroptimist Int’l Philippines Governor Marivic DS Paras, Friends of the Cultural Concerns of the Philippines’ Norma “Baby” de Jesus, Zonta Int’l Philippines’ Rowena Cruz Plan, All Nation Women’s Group President Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, and National Council of Women of the Philippines’ Cecil La Madrid Dy.
The Women’s Assembly 2025 successfully brought together more than 20 active women’s organizations to discuss ongoing initiatives that integrate women into the country’s mainstream development. Its outcomes, including concrete action steps and policy recommendations, will eventually be appended to the Philippine Magna Carta for Women—a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to achieve genuine gender equality in the Philippines.
