DFA Spotlights Women’s Role in UN Peacekeeping
MANILA 27 May 2024 – To kick off the commemoration of the 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers and 61st anniversary of Philippine participation in UN peacekeeping this year, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) organized the “Kuwentong Bayanihan: Stories from Filipino Peacekeepers” in partnership with the College of International Relations of the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) - Manila, which put a spotlight on the important role that women have in UN peacekeeping.
Speaking before students, faculty, and staff of Lyceum and other nearby universities during a panel discussion, Police Brigadier General Portia Manalad, who served in Kosovo and Timor L’este and Army Lieutenant Colonel Amabelle DC Campos, who just arrived from the Central African Republic, shared their experiences and insights serving in peacekeeping missions spanning three continents.
Panelist Mr. Jonas Gregory Perez of UN Women Philippines also identified ways that women peacekeepers and mediators impact the resolution of conflicts, as well as advancing the international Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, which became a key UN priority with the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1525 in 2000.
In his remarks, DFA Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Charles C. Jose highlighted the hosting of a high-level international conference on Women, Peace, and Security on October 28-30, 2024 in Manila to push the conversation forward ahead of the twenty-fifth anniversary of UNSCR 1325 next year. It can be recalled that this was previously announced in March by both DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman at the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in New York, and Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo during a WPS forum held in Miriam College for the celebration of the National Women’s Month.
Undersecretary Jose added that our commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda is exemplified by having females comprise more than half of the current active Filipino UN peacekeepers. Increasing deployments of skilled Filipino female peacekeepers recognizes their vital role in the success of these operations.
The forum was capped by a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the open display at the LPU quadrangle featuring the equipment used by UN peacekeepers, as well as individual stories in visual format of those who served in various UN Missions across the world.
“Kuwentong Bayanihan” kicked off a series of events that will culminate on the 29th of May at the SM Megamall activity center, in a commemoration to be hosted by the Philippine National Police. The Secretary for Foreign Affairs chairs the National Council on UN Peace Operations (NCUNPO) with the Secretary of National Defense and Secretary of the Interior and Local Government as members. The NCUNPO is tasked, among others, to hold an annual commemoration to honor Filipino peacekeepers. END
