8 APRIL2026W MAN LEADERGLOBAL W MAN LEADERGLOBAL The Filipino tennis prodigy, Alex Eala made a splash at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid by proudly donning a modern Filipiniana, which her uncle, Rhett Eala designed, making a dazzling fashion statement. The mixture of a chiffon gown and a traditional piña bolero that constitutes the entire look is a beautiful example of how heritage can be combined with contemporary elegance. Created within days, the outfit reflected Alex's vision to represent Filipino culture on a global stage. Not only was the fashion a highlight, but it also hinted at her rapidly growing international look as she prepares for the Madrid Open. Alex constantly finds time to combine her great performances in sports with her representation of the culture, which in fact, lead to her being both an athlete and a worldwide representative of Filipino identity. AWARDSALEX EALA SHOWCASES FILIPINIANA AT LAUREUS AWARDSNEWS BITESDuring the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Ermelita V. Valdeavilla shared the Philippines' journey in the enhancement of women's rights in various areas especially the economic, legal and climate. She pointed out the dire situation of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and the country's determination towards implementing measures against such violence through stronger legislation and AI accountability frameworks.Similarly, the country is also advocating for economic justice, especially for women in informal sectors lacking legal protections. Programs that integrate care, climate and gender were among the highlighted points, including the gender-support for indigenous women. In addition to all these, Ermelita urged more legal access, courts equipped with gender sensitivity and stronger ASEAN collaboration to provide inclusive justice, particularly for those marginalized groups who encounter systemic barriers.PHILIPPINES DRIVES INCLUSIVE, TECH AGENDA AT UN MEETThe Philippines had recently called for more collaboration at the 59th UN Commission on Population and Development in regard to data-based governance as well as development programs to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales stated that the developing countries require enhanced support to address structural barriers to technology access. Lisa highlighted that there is need for international assistance focused on closing the digital gap, enhancing institutional frameworks, and expanding equal access to new technologies in developing countries. The CPD had also reaffirmed its call for data-based governance through digitization of statistics and civil registration. This move was prompted by recognition of the problem of digital divide. PCW CHAIRPERSON HIGHLIGHTS PHILIPPINE GAINS IN GENDER EQUALITYGENDER EQUALITY A recent report by Philippine Statistics Authority, studied by Rogelio Alicor Panao, shows that on average Filipino women in full-time formal employment earn slightly more than men. But unfortunately, this slight wage gain of women hides the reality of the more significant inequalities that exist. Besides, women's participation in the labor force is still very low, and disparities are widely spread among sectors.Though women outnumber men in relatively high paying, education-dependent jobs, they are scarcely seen in positions of power or as business owners. Society's expectations towards caregiving coupled with other institutional barriers diminish women's participation. Experts caution that once factors like job type and qualifications are considered, wage discrimination and fewer opportunities for women persist, accentuating existing gender gaps despite positive overall figures. PAY GAPFILIPINO WOMEN OUT-EARN MEN, BUT WORKFORCE GAP PERSISTS
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