Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva presents PH’s pledge to reduce the gender pay gap and to ensure equal pay for the work of equal value during the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) High-Level Pledging Event, held on the sidelines of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, 26 September 2018
26 September 2018, New York - At the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) High-Level Pledging Event held on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva, affirmed the Philippines’ pledge to strengthen the implementation of the two-tiered wage system as an approach to minimum wage setting and a strategy to increasingly link wage with productivity growth; ensure regular, moderate and predictable wage increases; and continue to implement and strengthen the labor inspection system to foster a culture of voluntary compliance with labor laws.
In delivering the national statement, Ambassador Garcia underscored the Philippine government’s policy and commitment to recognize the role of women in nation building by giving them equal opportunities and access to resources, and that the equality of men and women entails the abolition of the unequal structures and practices that perpetuate discrimination, as enshrined in the Philippines’ Magna Carta of Women.
In addition to the high-level pledging segment, the program included an open forum and a ministerial dialogue on best practices, challenges, commitments, and the way forward to achieve pay equity. The role of EPIC and the commitments to accelerate progress and bring to scale policies that close the gender pay gap were also discussed.
EPIC is committed to reduce the gender pay gap and make equal pay for the work of equal value a reality across all countries. It is led by the International Labor Organization (ILO), UN Women, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and engages with governments, employers, workers and their organizations, the private sector, civil society, and academia.
Countries who also announced pledges during the event include Panama, Iceland, Lithuania, France, Peru, Kingdom of Jordan, Ecuador, Republic of Costa Rica, Canada, and Mexico. END