Kwento Ni Toto: Kababaihan: Building a Movement for Women

2025/04/18

Kababaihan: Building a Movement for Women, Led by a Grounded Public Servant

Marco Polo Demo 4/18/2025 08:27:00 AM

When Councilor Kate Galang-Coseteng steps into a barangay hall or a makeshift tent in a community hit by calamity, she is not just visiting—she is listening.

For nearly a decade, Coseteng has served as one of Quezon City’s youngest and most active councilors, winning three consecutive terms since 2016. Before filing her Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA), she holds the post of Minority Floor Leader in the Quezon City Council. But beyond her titles, Coseteng is known for her hands-on approach to governance: talking directly with the people, hearing their concerns, and transforming their stories into policies.

Now, she is lending her name and experience to the Kababaihan Partylist, not just as a representative-in-waiting, but as a public servant with a clear vision: make institutions work better for women, mothers, solo parents, and marginalized communities.

A Record of Service

Coseteng’s legislative record includes the landmark ordinance that established Quezon City University—providing affordable tertiary education to thousands of students. She is also the principal author of the Quezon City Dialysis Center ordinance and the city’s Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Code, which offers greater access to healthcare, employment, and education for people with disabilities.

She has been a strong advocate for the rights and welfare of solo parents, ensuring support mechanisms like educational subsidies and social protection are available at the local level.

Coseteng earned her degree from Cornell University in New York, after earlier studies at Siena College in Quezon City. She traces her roots to Pangasinan and Sorsogon through her parents, Grace dela Vega Galang and Rod Galang. She is also the daughter-in-law of former Senator Nikki Coseteng, herself a prominent voice in women’s rights during her time in Congress.

Kababaihan as a Movement

The Kababaihan Partylist presents itself not just as an electoral group, but as a movement born from ground-level engagement. Among its cornerstone programs is the Tahanan ng Kababaihan, or Night Care Center—a facility designed for working mothers with night-shift jobs such as call center agents, nurses, bartenders, and security guards. The idea is to offer them peace of mind by providing a safe space for their children during nighttime hours.

“Maraming nanay ang pumapasok sa trabaho ng gabi pero walang maiiwanan sa anak,” Coseteng said in an interview. “Dapat may lugar para sa mga anak nila—ligtas, tahimik, at may nag-aalaga.”

Other programs under Kababaihan include a women’s livelihood and trading hub, legal and psychological counseling for survivors of abuse, and dedicated shelters for women escaping violence. The group also plans to push for a Microfinance Law for Women—designed to support small businesses owned by women, especially those juggling caregiving and economic responsibilities.

Tackling Complex Issues

Coseteng is also vocal about more complex and controversial matters. In a recent appearance at the Commission on Elections, she noted the Philippines' high ranking in global reports on online human sex trafficking.

“Number one raw po ang Pilipinas sa online human sex trafficking,” she said, citing research that points to the need for accountability from tech companies. “We can look at other countries like the UK, where tech platforms can be held liable for harmful content. That’s something we can explore legislatively.”

In addition, Kababaihan has expressed support for the Divorce Bill, reproductive health legislation, and LGBTQIA+ protections—though always with sensitivity to Filipino values and lived experiences. The party-list’s proposal for a “Safe Space” for the LGBTQIA+ community aims to address the persistent discrimination many still face.

From City Hall to the National Stage

While the 2025 elections are still months away, Coseteng’s involvement with Kababaihan is already drawing attention—not because of political fanfare, but because of the tangible programs she brings to the table.

In a political climate often criticized for performative politics, Coseteng’s track record suggests a different approach: one rooted in consultation, grounded in community realities, and aimed at long-term solutions.

For many who have seen her work firsthand in Quezon City, Kababaihan is not just another partylist name on a ballot—it is an extension of what she has already started.