DSWD Undersecretary Luzviminda Ilagan participates at the Ministerial Roundtable of the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women
11 March 2019, New York – Philippine Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Luzviminda Ilagan addressed representatives of UN Member States, UN agencies and civil society organizations at the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women during its High-Level Panel Discussion 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” where she articulated how the Philippines empowers women through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
“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% of 4.2 million of its grantees are women. They receive Php 500 for health expenses, and Php 300 per child in elementary school, and Php 500 per child in high school” she added.
Undersecretary Ilagan also noted the Convergence Strategy initiative of the PH 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 United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Commission is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women. END