By: Rep. Edcel C. Lagman

My sincerest congratulations to Likhaan for 25 successful years of campaigning to safeguard and promote the rights of Filipino women and uplift their lives and those of their families.

RH advocates like myself are profoundly grateful to Junice and Likhaan for the tremendous and invaluable support during the 13 long years of fighting for the passage of the Reproductive Health Law. With partners like Likhaan, we were certain to triumph in the end.

For an organization to endure for a quarter of a century and still be as relevant today as it was at its founding is an outstanding accomplishment. Like good wine, Likhaan has aged gracefully and is now even more valued and indispensable in the national campaign for equality and equity for women and other disadvantaged sectors – and this is an honor that belongs to a few.

Likhaan has not only endured, it has flourished because its members are conscientious, courageous, and committed even as its leaders are sincere, sensible and serious.

Likhaan steadfastly pushes on even when the odds are against it. Its track record is impressive. Its campaigns are innovative and effective. Likhaan is dedicated to its mission of improving the lives of women by expanding the choices available to them, helping them realize their true potential, and enhancing their participation in building a truly democratic and progressive nation.

I will always stand in solidarity with Likhaan in the fight for gender equality, sexual health and reproductive rights, the promotion and protection of basic human rights, and sustainable human development for all.

My full support is with Likhaan as it continues to break down the barriers of ignorance, indifference and intolerance that obstruct its quest to build a better, more compassionate world for everyone, most especially for women.

Congratulations again to Likhaan as it celebrates not only the chronology of years, but also the compendium of triumphs.