From Vienna to London: DOJ Usec. Gutierrez advocates for the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez has strengthened her profile as a steadfast advocate for the Philippines, actively representing the country at key international forums that amplify critical issues and celebrate Filipino heritage.

Recently, Gutierrez attended two major events in Vienna and London, focusing on women’s empowerment and cultural promotion.

On October 15, she represented the Philippines at the “EmpowerHer: Spotlight on a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Women Empowerment in Criminal Justice and Terrorism,” hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna.

During the event, Gutierrez shared the DOJ’s efforts to improve the lives of women in the country’s correctional system and emphasized the need to remove stigmas against persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent the DOJ at the UNODC EmpowerHer event,” Gutierrez wrote on Facebook.

“It was a privilege to discuss the DOJ’s gender and development programs and share our country’s initiatives for empowering women in corrections. As an advocate for justice and equality, I believe in removing stigmas that marginalize PDLs and championing their rights and rehabilitation. Everyone deserves a second chance, and we can create a future where every individual is recognized for their potential and humanity,” she said.

Gutierrez’s participation underscored her dedication to promoting justice reform, gender equality, and second chances for marginalized individuals.

“This is a crucial dialogue, and I am honored to contribute to a conversation that promotes empowerment for women throughout the justice system,” she added.

World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in London

On November 6, Gutierrez took the international stage again, this time at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in London—a global travel trade event renowned for drawing top tourism buyers from around the world.

Organized under the leadership of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the Philippine delegation aimed to showcase the country’s unique heritage and culture.

Held from November 5 to 7 at ExCeL London, this year’s WTM featured over 4,000 exhibitors, including tourism boards, hoteliers, and technology services, with 80 new participants joining the event.

Gutierrez, also a professional model and a proud representative of Filipino culture, wore an elegant Filipiniana piece by renowned designer Randy Ortiz, embodying the Department of Tourism’s “#LoveThePhilippines” campaign and capturing the vibrant spirit of the Philippines.

“It’s a true privilege to represent the Philippines in London, wearing this beautiful piece by Mr. Randy Ortiz,” she shared.

“It’s time the world truly experiences the richness of Filipino culture through our fashion.”

In her keynote speech, Tourism Secretary Frasco expressed the Philippine delegation’s mission.

“Through the Philippines participation at the WTM, one of the world’s biggest and most influential travel and tourism events, we aim to tell the Filipino story—a proud people deeply rooted in tradition, rich in culture and creativity, molded by heritage and history, unique by the vastness of our regional diversity, yet united by our common love of country.”

With her advocacy for women’s empowerment and cultural pride, Gutierrez exemplifies the new generation of Filipino leaders who embrace multiple roles with passion and purpose.

Her work is helping to shape a future where the Philippines stands as a model of resilience and inclusivity, inspiring others to take action both at home and abroad.