PH Highlights Success of 4Ps in Empowering Filipino Women
Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Luzviminda Ilagan participates at the Ministerial Roundtable of the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. (New York PM photo)
NEW YORK 27 March 2019 — The Philippines showcased its social assistance program and how it empowers women at the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women on 11 March 2019 during its high-level panel discussion.
Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Luzviminda Ilagan articulated how the Philippines empowers women through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) before representatives of United Nations member states, UN agencies and civil society organizations
Undersecretary Ilagan delivered her remarks on “good practices and policies for the design and the provision and implementation of social protection, public services and sustainable infrastructure, including for the promotion of women’s representation in various sectors and all levels.”
“The program has become a viable vehicle for women’s empowerment,” Undersecretary Ilagan said in her statement. “Although the 4Ps is not specifically directed at women, 87 percent of 4.2 million of its grantees are women. They receive PhP500 for health expenses, and PhP300 per child in elementary school, and PhP500 per child in high school,” she added.
The Undersecretary also noted the Convergence Strategy Initiative of the Philippine government, which complements the 4Ps by addressing multi-dimensional poverty and goes hand in hand with sustainable livelihood programs and the KALAHI Community Development Program.
The Commission on the Status of Women takes place from 11 to 22 March 2019 at the UN Headquarters in New York. It is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women. END
For more information, visit www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.