Women take center stage

Empowerment comes in many forms, from giving women a stronger voice in shaping the region’s future to bringing Filipino artistry to an international audience.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos highlighted women’s economic empowerment and Filipino creativity in two consecutive engagements at the 2nd ASEAN Women Economic Summit 2026 at Okada Manila in Parañaque City and the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Taguig City.

On Wednesday, Mrs. Marcos graced a fashion show featuring creations by Cebuano designer Dexter Alazas, showcasing homegrown talent and the country’s vibrant fashion industry to ASEAN delegates and stakeholders.

The show was more than a display of garments and craftsmanship, offering a platform for highlighting Filipino creativity and introducing local designers to a wider ASEAN audience.

Her appearance followed her participation a day earlier at the ASEAN Women Economic Summit 2026, where she was inspired by the stories, shared aspirations, and ambition of women across the region.

For the First Lady, the gathering celebrated what women can achieve through mutual support — not only by exchanging ideas but by creating opportunities and opening doors for the next generation.

“So many women, each bringing her own story, dreams and hopes for ASEAN,” she said in a social media post.

Mrs. Marcos said she was pleased to see women exchanging ideas, supporting one another, and creating opportunities for others, emphasizing that solidarity is key to ensuring their greater participation in shaping the region’s future.

She thanked Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, Chair Rhoda Castro-Caliwara, and the organizers for bringing the women together.

Her message resonated with social media users, who welcomed the emphasis on women supporting one another and working toward shared aspirations.

“What a beautiful advocacy. When women help and raise each other up, more opportunities will be realized. Long live the women,” one commenter wrote in Filipino.

Another expressed admiration for the gathering, saying that seeing women bring their own stories and dreams for ASEAN was inspiring.

Taken together, the First Lady’s engagements highlighted two important dimensions of inclusive growth: empowering women to become active participants in economic and social development, and ensuring that Filipino talent receives opportunities to flourish beyond local shores.

Whether through the voices of women advocating for greater opportunities or the creations of a Cebuano designer finding their place on the runway, the message was clear: inclusion also means making room for more people, stories, and talents to be recognized.

As ASEAN moves toward a more inclusive future, Filipino women and homegrown creativity have a growing role to play — not just at the negotiating table, but also on the runway.