Malacañang has issued an executive order to strengthen the organizational structure of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), noting its expanded role and scope of work.
Based on Executive Order No. 167 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on April 6, the chairperson of the PCW will now serve on a full-time basis with the rank and emoluments of an undersecretary.
Heads of the following government agencies shall sit as ex-officio members of the Commission:
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Budget and Management
- Department of Education
- Department of Foreign Affairs
- Department of Health
- Department of the Interior and Local Government
- Department of Labor and Employment
- Department of Social Welfare and Development
- Department of Trade and Industry
- National Economic and Development Authority
Twelve members from civil society representing the following sectors will also be part of the PCW:
- Labor
- Business and Industry
- Science and Health
- Education or Academe
- Urban Poor
- Indigenous Peoples
- Farms and Fisherfolks
- Senior Citizens
- Persons with Disabilities
- Media, Culture, and the Arts
- Youth
- One representative of the National Council of Women in the Philippines
The incumbent members of the PCW shall continue to hold office unless removed or replaced by the president.
The heads of government agencies mentioned must designate their permanent alternates with a rank not lower than Assistant Secretary to represent them during Commission meetings and other functions. The ex-officio members shall inform the PCW in writing of such designation.
There shall also be a PCW Secretariat, which shall be headed by an Executive Director, and assisted by two deputy executive directors who shall supervise the provision of requisite technical and administrative services to the members of the Commission, among other functions.