Eighteen national government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations were honored by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on Monday, Aug. 14, for their "outstanding performance" in supporting women's rights and implementing gender-responsive programs.
"Over a decade following the institutionalization of the MCW, notable advancements toward gender mainstreaming have been realized across sectors.
"More prominently, the gender gap in education is nearly bridged, and the civil service sector has been meeting the 50-50 quota in second-level positions. Other sectors have also seen women's increased involvement, thanks to more inclusive and gender-responsive programs and policies," said PCW Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves during the GADtimpala 2023 Awarding Ceremony in Taguig City.
The awardees were the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Privatization and Management Office, Philippine Army, Department of National Defense, Department of Public Works and Highways, Government Service Insurance System, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, Commission on Elections, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Commission on Filipiinos Overseas, Department of Science and Technology, National Housing Authority, Social Housing Finance Corporation, and Commission on Audit.
PWC said the agencies underwent an extensive validation process and were shortlisted for the following award categories: The GADtimpala for Outstanding Gender-Responsive Government Agency and the GADtimpala for Exemplary GAD Focal Point System.
The ceremony also marked the 14th anniversary of the Magna Carta of Women (MCW), or Republic Act 9710—a human rights law that promotes women empowerment and equal opportunities for both sexes.
Moreover, PCW and SM Supermalls also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify their partnership in conducting advocacy campaigns for these initiatives.
Top issues concerning women
In a Manila Bulletin interview, Chaves said that among the top issues women face today is "unpaid care domestic work," where the responsibility of taking care of household duties is automatically assigned to and carried by women and young girls.
"Marami na tayong consultations, marami na tayong surveys na ang lumilitaw kung bakit hindi equal ang opportunity for women and girls is because of the unpaid care domestic work lalung-lalo na sa mga rural areas (We have had many consultations, we have had many surveys that show why the opportunity for women and girls is not equal is because of the unpaid care domestic work especially in rural areas)," she said, noting that this also hinders them from taking part in economic activities.
She also expressed hope that women and children who are victims of abuse can receive more support and assistance in seeking help from the authorities.
Lastly, Chaves called for government agencies to maximize gender plans and budgets as something that would be beneficial for the whole country.