MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Vice President Leni Robredo has been honored with a special award by the country’s organization of exemplary Filipino women. 

The TOWNS Foundation gave Robredo the Tanglaw award on Thursday, November 17, during the 2016 Ten Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service awards night in Makati City. (READ: TOWNS 2016: What makes these women outstanding?)

Yolanda Ong, 1995 TOWNS awardee for communications, presented the award that cited the Vice President for “championing women’s rights even before she became a public servant.” 

Robredo was also recognized for “empowering the marginalized especially those at the fringe of society through her advocacy of legal literacy and livelihood opportunities.” 

Her lead speech writer Salve Duplito received the award on Robredo’s behalf. The Vice President cancelled all her engagements for Thursday and Friday as she was unwell. 

In the acceptance speech read by Duplito, Robredo referred to the special bond between women: “When women gather together we soak in each other’s stregths. We know how to listen and we know when to speak. And when we do speak, it almost feels like we don’t need words.” 

“The empathy we feel is our greatest secret. That is why women are so much better when we gather together. Empathize with each other’s struggles and successes and celebrate both stregnths and successes,” she added.

She also said that she will continue upholding the rights of women she first started as an alternative lawyer. 

“Tasteless remarks [on] advancements of women have no place in our society. We should expect that most of al from our leaders,” she said. 

The Tanglaw, considered by its recipients as an “elusive and exceptional award,” was first and last awarded to business executive Elena Lim in 1995. – Rappler.com