By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
PASAY CITY — The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on Tuesday (Jan. 7) marked its 50th Founding Anniversary with the theme: “50 Years of Empowerment: PCW Leading Progress, Championing Women, and Weaving a Brighter Future for Bagong Pilipinas.”The year-long 50th Anniversary celebration kicked off at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
PCW Chairperson Usec. Ermelita V. Valdeavilla acknowledged the presence of the International bodies, the Diplomatic Corps, the Academe, the local government units, the members of the press, and the men and women of the PCW for their solidarity in the PCW” 50th Anniversary celebration.
Usec. Valdeavilla said that she could not thank enough the help, support and cooperation of the stakeholders of the PCW.
“We can never thank you enough,” she said.
“Thank you for supporting us in your legislative outputs for the advancement of the rights and advocacies of women,” she added.
Valdeavilla also thanked the governments of Japan, Australia and New Zealand and the United Nations for their support and help for the advancement of the PCW.
She cited the administrations of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President Fidel V. Ramos, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for their respective contribution in the women’s upliftnent and betterment and for the gender and development (GAD) program.
They were responsible for the enactment of Republic Act No. 9262, otherwise known as the “Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Law”, the Magna Carta for Women, and GAD Budget of 5% of the budget all departments and agencies, among others.
“The Philippines is close to achieving the four targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations,” Valdeavilla said.
She also cited the significant achievements such as the Philippines is the only country in Asia with legislated GAD budget and that Gender Equality and Women Empowerment is now positioned in national and sectoral posts.
“Moving ahead, PCW will introduce a results-based management approach to monitor the effectiveness of GAD Plans, budgets, and annual reports. This ensures that every initiative translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of women and girls,” Valdeavilla said.
“We will also further strengthen the Human Rights-Based Approach in GAD programs, ensuring that no woman is left behind,” she added.
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Catherine Mcintosh said that they are empowering the Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao and highlighted that gender equality is not only a human right but basically a fundamental right.
Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Resident Coordinator, noted the 50th Anniversary of PCW is noble fighting for gender equality with the leadership of Chairperson Usec. Ermelita Valdeavilla with advancing women’s rights and making it at the heart of the national agenda.
“Members and non-members of global organizations now have the opportunity to take action to achieve the 24 UN SDGs,” Gonzalez said.
In a video message, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu, congratulated the PCW for its 50th Founding Anniversary with great strides and achievements.
Maria Ermina” Iya” Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of the Philippine Office of the UNHCR, said “We are one with the PCW in fighting for gender and equality.”
Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative,
congratulated the PCW for its 50th Anniversary, saying that “We are a proud partner of the PCW.”
An Anniversary Toast and Photo Session was led by Interior and Local Government Sec. Juanito Victor “Jonvic Catibayan Remulla, Jr., who was represented by Asec. Lilian M. De Leon.
The former PCW Chairpersons were former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani (1986-1987), Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan (1987-1992), Imelda M. Nicolas (1992-1998), Dr. Amelou Benitez-Reyes (1998-2001), Prof. Aurora Javate-De Dios (2001-2004), Myrna T. Yao (2004-2010), Remedios Ignacio-Rikken (1986-1994, 2010-2016), Dr. Rhodora Masilang-Bucoy (2016-2020), and Sandra Sanchez-Montano (2020-2022).
