PCW Chairperson Rhodora Bucoy delivers the Philippine statement during the general discussion of the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women
14 March 2019, New York – “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 Bucoy said in her statement today at the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
Addressing representatives of UN 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.”
Chairperson Bucoy outlined PH’s laws, policies and programs including the Conditional Cash Transfer program, reintegration program for Overseas Filipino Workers, facilitation of access to free tuition of disadvantaged students and the Build, Build, Build modernization program. She also referred to the enactment of the Universal Health Care Act and Expanded Maternity Leave Act, and underscored PH’s 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 is 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