The Keynote Speaker is a senator known for her tireless work in promoting public health, women's rights, and the welfare of the Filipino family.
Senator Risa Hontiveros is a multi-awarded public servant, community organizer, and journalist elected to the Senate in 2016.
Just halfway through her first term, she has already championed 14 landmark laws, including the historic Expanded Maternity Leave Law that gives working moms 105 days of paid maternity leave, and the Philippine Mental Health Law, the country's first ever national policy to care for Fiipino's mental health.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Senator Hontiveros also authored the Safe Streets and Public Spaces Law of the Bawal Bastos Law that protects all Filipinos, particularly women, from gender-based harassment in the streets, public transportation, schools, and the workplace.
At present, Senator Hontiveros is working to expand the Solo Parents' Act to further help single moms and dads in providing for their families. The Senator is also pushing an increase on the monthly pension of senior citizens through the Lingap Para Kay Lolo at Lola Bill.
Even before becoming a legislator, in 2005, she earned a nomination to the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for her work in the peace movement.
Despite her busy schedule, Senator Hontiveros is a loving nd hands-on mother to 4 children-Kiko, Issa, Ianna, and Sinta.