PH at UN: Gender Perspective Integrated into Government Efforts to Reduce Poverty and Inequality
Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Rhodora Bucoy delivers the Philippine statement during the general discussion of the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. (New York PM photo)
NEW YORK 27 March 2019 — The Philippines underscored that gender equality has been integrated in government efforts towards reducing poverty and inequality in its statement at the at the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York on 14 March 2019.
“The Philippines is strongly committed to reducing poverty and vulnerability to risks of its citizens both home and abroad in the process of promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls,” Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Rhodora Bucoy said.
Addressing representatives of United Nations member states, UN agencies and civil society during the Commission’s general discussion on the theme “social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.”
Chairperson Bucoy said, “Policies and programs which integrate a gender perspective are in place to expand social insurance, improve access to employment and livelihood opportunities, enhance the well-being of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized, and make social safety nets responsive.”
She outlined Philippine laws, policies and programs including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, reintegration program for overseas Filipino workers, facilitation of access to free tuition of disadvantaged students, and the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.
The Chairperson also referred to the enactment of the Universal Health Care Act and Expanded Maternity Leave Act, and underscored Philippines’ continued commitment to the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law down to the grassroots level to reduce teenage pregnancies, maternal mortality and gender-based violence.
The Philippine delegation was composed of representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Economic Development Authority, Philippine Commission on Women, Commission on Higher Education, Commission on Human Rights, and civil society organizations. END
For more information, visit www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.