Senator Pia S. Cayetano

She is the youngest woman elected in the history of the Philippine Senate. A lawyer, triathlete and mother of two, Senator Pia S. Cayetano is constantly proving there's no limit to what Filipino women can set out to do and achieve.

Pia was voted to the Senate in 2004 with an overwhelming mandate despite entering the political arena as a total neophyte. She ran on a platform promoting health, environment, youth and women's empowerment in a bid to continue the legacy of her father, the late Senator Compañero Rene L. Cayetano.

Five years into her first term, Pia has been responsible for sponsoring and authoring laws and bills such as the "Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law of 2008" (Republic Act 9502), which provides mechanisms to ensure access to affordable but quality drugs; “Renewable Energy Act of 2008” (RA 9513), which promotes the development, utilization, and commercialization of renewable energy sources in the Philippines; "Picture-Based Health Warning Law" (SBN 2377) which promotes a tobacco smoke-free lifestyle; "Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2007" (SBN 766) which integrates environmental education at each school level; “Magna Carta of Women” (SBN 1701), which aims to end all forms of gender discrimination; “High School and College Entrepreneurship Education Act” which integrates basic concepts of business in the curriculum to promote entrepreneurship among students; and “Cash and Non-monetary Benefits to Differently-abled Athletes” which equalizes opportunities for differently-abled athletes who win in international competitions through the grant of cash and non-monetary benefits and incentives served regular national athletes.

Outside the Senate halls, Pia has been actively promoting her various advocacies. These include: "Pinay in Action" which provides a venue for women to take on a healthy lifestyle and tools and information to promote women's empowerment; "Bike for Hope" which raises community awareness on pressing health and environmental issues; and the "12-hour Multi-Sport Event in Memory of Gabriel" which supports differently abled children in memory of her son who died from multiple complications of a rare chromosomal ailment in 2001.

A professional triathlete, Pia advocates sports as part of a holistic youth development program and in promoting a fit and healthy lifestyle. She's an avid participant of various marathons and bike runs for health and environment causes in Metro Manila and the provinces. She actively joins local and international sporting events, including marathon, triathlon, duathlon, and ironman competitions. She is a proud finisher of the Tokyo Marathon, New York Marathon, Venice Marathon, Western Australia Ironman and the Aviva Ironman 70.3 in Singapore, among others. The youngest member and captain of the Philippine volleyball team in her college days, the lady senator also supports local athletes and programs aimed at discovering budding sports talents.

Whether on the Senate floor defending a measure, out in the communities to raise awareness on health and the environment, or when leading sports activities for a cause, Pia is driven by the same passion and work ethic that has made her among the country's most accomplished young leaders. The daughter of the late "Compañero" has come into her own and has made her mark in the Philippine Senate and the nation's consciousness.