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In the 21st century, Miriam Defensor-Santiago emerged as a leading female icon.

Miriam Defensor Santiago was a Filipino politician, lawyer, and former judge who served in various government positions throughout her career. She was born on June 15, 1945, in Iloilo City, Philippines, and passed away on September 29, 2016.

This women influenced generations with her contributions and as a source of motivation for many generations. An Inspiring icon for Women’s month

Educational Background

Santiago earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of the Philippines in 1965, and her Bachelor of Laws degree from the same university in 1969.

She then went on to earn a Master of Laws degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1970, and a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1973.

In 1995, Santiago was elected as a senator of the Philippines, a position she held until 2001. She was reelected in 2004 and served until 2016, making her one of the longest-serving senators in Philippine history. Santiago also ran for president in 1992, 1998, and 2016.

Throughout her career, Santiago received numerous awards and recognition for her service, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 1988 and the Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of Grand Commander in 2012.

She was also known for her advocacy on various issues, including the environment, women’s rights, and the fight against corruption. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, who passed away in 2010, was the first Filipino and Asian judge to serve on the International Criminal Court.

In addition to that, she was the first woman to ever hold the position of editor-in-chief at the student newspaper of the University of the Philippines, which was called the Philippine Collegian.

A lot of people have a lot of respect for the senator because of her brilliance and her bravery in battling corruption in the nation.

Senator Santiago led an extraordinary battle against corruption, better political comprehension, and a more engaged public. She was a leader in the 2012 campaign to enact the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Bill, and she supported UNFPA throughout the whole process.

Due to her departure, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has lost a friend and comrade whose pursuit of legislative support for our cause embodied unwavering determination.

Thanks to the visionary leadership of the deceased Senator, the RPRH Act was eventually adopted by Congress after more than a decade and a half of constant work. Her continuous work with UNFPA continues to serve as an example of the United Nations’ and Philippine government’s effective partnership.

The partnership will long be acknowledged as a tremendous achievement for its role in enhancing reproductive health care across the country.

“We miss Miriam’s laughter and warmth that used to fill our house,” said her husband, former Undersecretary Narciso Santiago Jr.

“But we find solace in the fact that many Filipinos continue to miss my wife, particularly during Senate hearings and debates,” he added.

The most proper way to honor her tremendous achievements is to continue to work for the same causes she was so passionately devoted to, to conduct our lives in line with the ideals she preached, and to vigilantly protect our individual freedoms and rights.