Manila, March 10 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday (local time) emphasized that meaningful progress can only be achieved if there is women's participation in development efforts and decision-making processes.

Speaking at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York City, Marcos said the status of women remains one of the most fundamental measures of a nation's progress.

"We gather here to discuss what is, in truth, one of the most fundamental measures of a nation's progress: the status of its women," he said.

Marcos noted that countries often measure development through economic growth, infrastructure, technology, and trade.

He, however, said there is a "hum...