A woman innately always thinks of how to serve others. Be it in the way she cooks a meal for her family, puts her children’s welfare first before herself, or she stays loyal and dependable to her girlfriends in times of need, a woman will always come through with her heart and soul. She is a visionary in a way that she already thinks what may or may not happen in the future based on circumstances, so she can make sure she can give the best to those dear to her.
Current Honorable Quezon City District 3 Councilor Kate Galang-Coseteng is definitely a kind of woman who envisions the best for all– be it for women, LGBT or men. Her public service runs deep, as she first served as the City Councilor of Valenzuela City’s 2nd District from 2004 to 2013, before becoming the current City Councilor at QC’s District 3 from 2016 to present. She’s one of the strong public servants today who are very vocal about pushing equality among genders, and advocating for the betterment of the quality of life for women.
“Equality should never be up for debate. I have seen firsthand how gender biases, discrimination, and outdated societal norms hold people back from reaching their full potential. I refuse to accept that as the norm,” Hon. Kate Galang-Coseteng shared in an interview with STYLISH.
Her advocacy for women’s and LGBT rights “comes from the belief that everyone deserves the same opportunities and respect, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.”
She further shared, “Representation matters—when women and members of the LGBT community are given equal platforms, we create a more inclusive, diverse, and progressive society. Growing up, I met so many talented, hardworking women and LGBT individuals who were constantly underestimated or discriminated against. That pushed me to take action—to fight for policies that protect and uplift, to create safe spaces, and to challenge a system that has long marginalized these communities.”
Her genuine passion to uplift the morale and wellbeing of women and LGBT started when she was such a young girl.
“My passion for public service started at a young age, growing up in a household where empathy and action went hand in hand. I saw how even the smallest acts of kindness—helping a neighbor, speaking up for someone in need, or volunteering—could make a meaningful impact.”
“I was raised by strong women who always found ways to help others, no matter how simple the gesture. As a student, I naturally gravitated toward leadership roles, serving as student council president. I learned early on that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about service. As I grew older, I realized that real, lasting change requires action beyond good intentions. That realization pushed me to advocate for women’s rights, equality, and social justice. Public service, for me, is not just a responsibility—it’s a calling that demands dedication, courage, and a deep love for our people.”
She started her leadership at school at a tender age, and then further studied Business Management at Siena College in Quezon City. This is where she learned more about the fundamentals of navigating both leadership and service within a culture of a community of people.
“I pursued Business Management at Siena College QC and later took a Senior Executive Leadership Course at Cornell University, New York. I chose Business Management because I wanted to understand how organizations, economies, and industries function—knowledge that is essential when advocating for economic empowerment, especially for women.”
“My education equipped me with the tools to push for policies that support women entrepreneurs, fair wages, and financial independence. Beyond academics, my school years exposed me to various organizations and movements that deepened my commitment to advocacy work. It was during this time that I realized that change starts with people who are willing to stand up, speak out, and take action,” she added.
This hardworking female public leader takes pride in her clear vision for the future of the modern Filipina women, where access to entrepreneurial opportunities is easier.
“I envision a future where Filipina women are fully empowered—economically, politically, and socially. A future where no woman has to choose between her dreams and her responsibilities.”
Her tasks as a Quezon City Councilor, and now as a a staunch advocate of Kababaihan Partylist, make it possible for Councilor Kate to continuously push meaningful causes for women.
“Kababaihan Partylist is dedicated to advancing the rights and welfare of women and marginalized communities. We believe that when women are empowered, families, communities, and the entire nation benefit.”
Kababaihan has top 5 advocacies, including women’s economic empowerment, gender equality and LGBT rights, accessible healthcare for women, protection against online trafficking, abuse & harassment, and a more affordable and fair Divorce Law.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
According to Councilor Kate, the upbringing of Filipinas affect the way they function as professionals. Filipinas have been raised by a very patriarchal society, wherein women are still expected to be always gracious, timid, and shy.
“We bring these expectations growing up, which reflect in how we handle ourselves in career and business. We are not accustomed to ask what we deserve when it comes to wages or salaries. It makes me think like, are we Filipinas really resilient, or blind of the fact that there is a huge wage gap when you compare side by side the salaries of men and women, or because we are expected to be timid, to the point that we no longer face our problems in business and career head-on?”
This dilemma is what has inspired Councilor Kate to envision a law that will give monetary support to women when it comes to business: Micro-Finance Support in Business For Women.
“This vision to develop the Micro-Finance Support in Business For Women is what we can do for now, so we can cater to the financial needs of women who have goals to build businesses or economic opportunities for themselves. Because Filipinas are still afraid or ask for financial support at work,” Councilor Kate said. “We will be giving business loans to women so they can empower themselves financially, and not be forced to stay with abusive life partners for survival. We are categorizing the microfinance loans into 25k -75k pesos for small business, then 100K-500K pesos for medium enterprises. And more than anything, we will make the loan processing less complicated so women will not be intimidated to apply.”
“I am pushing for a Microfinance Law for Women to ensure that women, especially single mothers and small business owners, have financial access and stability. Most importantly, I want a society that values and protects women—one where they are free from violence, discrimination, and oppression. A truly progressive Philippines is one where women are not just surviving, but thriving. “
Councilor Kate is aware that solutions can be solved through education at an early age.
“But I am hoping one day, in schools, that little girls will be taught to ask for what they deserve financially at work and business. There’s nothing wrong about asking for what you deserve. And it can start with tackling the root causes of the issues that make women to act small, which heavily are rooted from our Filipino culture that shapes us to expect Filipina women to be timid, shy, scared and just be accepting of how they are unfairly treated at work and trade. As a woman, it is natural for me to ensure that women have access to jobs, fair wages, financial literacy, and support for women-led businesses.”
Night Centers for Women
Councillor Kate aims to build Night Centers for Women in Quezon City in the near future.
The Night Centers for Women can serve as second homes for infants and kids of the mothers who have to work at night. Trusted nannies and caretakers can look after the children while the women are working night shift.
Economic opportunities are also available in the Night Centers for Women. The first floor of the building is dedicated to livelihood programs, where women are trained to make pillows, bags, and other stuff that they can sell.
Another floor is dedicated to financial management training for women, as Councilor Kate believes that empowering women can start in educating them about money management, aside from giving them economic opportunities. Through these, women can make money, and make sure that their hard-earned income is also managed well.
Gender Training in Business to Protect LGBT
“In a lot of ways, we have already acknowledged that the Filipino society is still too conservative, and too far from being open to giving basic human rights to our LGBT members, such as same sex marriage that will give LGBT members their constitutional rights to decide in behalf of their life partners should their partners be sick, bed-ridden or in their death beds,” Councilor Kate said.
“We have seized on pushing the same sex marriage as of now. What we only want for now is that LGBT members be treated with respect and decency, and that there are laws that may give them safety measures. A lot of LGBT members still experience abuse on the streets, such as being physically attacked, being spat on, or worse, being murdered. It is alarming that we still do not have laws that would give penalties toward abusers who cause physical attacks toward LGBT members.”
Aside from these safety measure for our LGBT members, Councilor Kate also highlighted that Gender Training in Business should be practiced in corporate organizations.
“There is still discrimination at work toward LGBT members. Gender Training should be required in business organizations, and there should be a law that mandates this need.”
A More Affordable and Fair Divorce Law
Coun. Coseteng is pushing the refiling of the Divorce Bill, but without irreconcilable differences as a ground to prevent abuse. According to her, in some countries, “no-fault divorce” allows couples to separate after just a few weeks.
“In the Philippines, I believe there should still be clear grounds to protect the sanctity of marriage, while ensuring that women—especially those in abusive or irreparable relationships—have a fair and accessible way out. Financial protection is also a key concern. In most cases, mothers are granted custody of their children, but many solo parents struggle financially. We need stronger laws that guarantee financial support from the non-custodial parent to ensure that children’s needs—such as education, healthcare, and daily living expenses—are met. Top 4 grounds for divorce are domestic violence, abandonment, infidelity (when a partner chooses to stay with the other person), and drug abuse.”
Coun. Kate feels for those who suffer through the process of annulment.
“Annulment in the Philippines is extremely expensive, making it impossible for many women to leave unhappy or unsafe marriages. Divorce should be fair, accessible, and capable of providing financial security for women and their children.”
Councilor Kate is trying to protect the well-being of parents, especially mothers.
“We need stronger laws that guarantee financial support from non-custodial parents, ensuring that children’s essential needs—such as education, healthcare, and daily living expenses are adequately met. Ensuring financial protection is crucial not only for the well-being of children but also for the solo parent. In most cases, mothers are granted custody of their children, but many solo parents struggle financially.”
“We need stronger laws that guarantee financial support from non-custodial parents, ensuring that children’s essential needs—such as education, healthcare, and daily living expenses are adequately met.”
“Ensuring financial protection is crucial not only for the well-being of children, but also for the solo parent. In most cases, mothers are granted custody of their children, but many solo parents struggle financially.”
“I want to see more women in leadership roles—breaking barriers in politics, business, and society. I want every Filipina to have access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.”
She believes she can push her vision for women through the Kababaihan Partylist.
“At Kababaihan Partylist, we are fighting for real change—change that uplifts women and ensures they have equal rights, equal opportunities, and a better future.”
When asked what can we expect more from Coun. Kate Coseteng, this fierce female leader answered: “Expect bold, fearless, and action-driven leadership. I am committed to pushing for meaningful reforms that will truly benefit women and marginalized communities.”
“In the coming months, I will continue to champion policies that promote gender equality, economic empowerment, and social justice.”
“You can also expect more grassroots efforts—programs that directly impact and uplift women, from livelihood initiatives to leadership training. This is just the beginning. I am here to serve, to fight, and to ensure that our voices are heard in places where decisions are made. Kababaihan, it’s time to claim our space, shape our future, and build a nation where everyone—regardless of gender—has the chance to succeed.”
Now, this is our kind of woman.
Images provided by Quezon City Councilor Kate Coseteng
—————————————————————
Filipina actress and singer Lovi Poe stars in our current cover story here, as she talks about her upcoming Hollywood movies alongside William Scott, Johnny Simmons and more, and her new beauty business with makeup brand Ready Set Glow.
Watch our sit-down interview with Lovi in the debut episode of #STYLISHPodcast on Facebook right here, and on YouTube here.
—————————————————————
Stylish Magazine is “your source of self-love, style & inspiration” first introduced in June 2020. Our television series format, Stylish TV, once ranked one of the Top 50 Most Watched Multicultural Shows in the USA, can be streamed on iWantTFC and be watched on TFC (The Filipino Channel) in more than 50 countries. Watch it online here.
Style Visionary Network is a lifestyle-business online platform where #WeCreateVisionaries. Also introduced in June 2020, Style Visionary Network is also the digital home channel of media brands Stylish Magazine and Stylish TV.