By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
PASAY CITY – The Philippine Conference on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) opened on Tuesday (Oct. 28) with the participation of government officials, the media, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
In a press conference, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said that in the same period last year we hosted the Ministerial Conference on WPS.
The importance of financing and legislation, peace, digitalization, among others.
We defined our pledge for WPS in development and humanitarian program.
This activity only proves that our development improves.
“Sa pagkakataong ito binibigyan natin ng importansya ang local government units,” Pangandaman said.
“In advancing WPS, we are also advancing open government partnership (OGP) agenda,” she added.
The main objective of the conference is that wherein they signed a declaration last year to work on to make sure that whatever agreements or declarations happen.
“On the national level, we are already firm on our actions. We already implemented a year ago. We need to trickle it down to the local level,” Pangandaman said.
Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), said that building on the achievements of last year’s conference, this gathering is another milestone in WPS agenda.
“We are watching history as it unfolds,” Galvez said.
“Women have become the force for peace and unity. This year’s conference is anchored on the theme “Empowering Local Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Champions as Agents in Socioeconomic Transformation,” he added.
Galvez thanked the DBM for providing funding for Pamana Program and Women Development.
Undersecretary Dr. Macario Jusayan, OIC Deputy Executive Director for Management Services of the Philippine Commission on Women, said that the opening of the conference reminded how the women have become the champions of peace and security at the local level.
“The PCW is and will always be proud to stand with women for peace, security and development,” Jusayan said.
PCW OIC Deputy Executive Director Usec. Jusayan we believe empowering women will strengthen the foundation of peace and security and it is really necessary.
They are agents in transformation and they really pave the way for the realization of the dream of lasting peace and unity.
By embedding Women, Peace and security agenda, its implementation will also be implemented for future. These are also investments by having women empowered.
“The 5% GAD budget is only a ‘primer’. We have to transform our mindset, our culture,” Jusayan said. ###
