Philippine conference on WPS highlights women's leadership in peace and governance
The Philippine Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) opened with a strong call to accelerate the localization of the WPS Agenda, strengthen women’s leadership in governance, and ensure that peacebuilding efforts are grounded in transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.
Officials and advocates gather at the Philippine Conference on Women, Peace, and Security to advance women’s leadership and inclusive peacebuilding efforts. (Photo from PCW)
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 30, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) said the three-day event, which began on October 28, gathered women peacebuilders, civil society organizations, youth advocates, policymakers, and ASEAN representatives to translate 25 years of WPS advocacy into concrete, community-based action.
The conference, held in Pasay City, was anchored on the theme “Empowering WPS Champions as Agents in Socioeconomic Transformation.”
Women leading change in peace and governance
Officials from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), and the United Nations (UN) reaffirmed the central role of women in achieving lasting peace.
They emphasized that open governance, inclusivity, and intergenerational leadership are essential to transforming peace policies into lived realities for communities across the Philippines.
During the keynote panel “WPS at 25: From National Policy to Local Power,” speakers highlighted the progress in mainstreaming WPS principles across national agencies and local government units (LGUs).
Discussions underscored that peace built by women endures—anchored in transparency, accountability, and collective leadership.
Inclusive governance and women’s leadership in action
Throughout the sessions, experts and advocates showcased models of women-led governance and gender-responsive programs that strengthen trust and social cohesion.
Presentations on advancing women’s leadership in open governance and the Bangsamoro government’s gender initiatives illustrated how inclusivity and collaboration can drive meaningful transformation.
A press conference featuring DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., and PCW Commissioner Dr. Macario Jusayan reaffirmed the government’s unified commitment to embedding the WPS Agenda at all levels of governance.
Setting the path for 2026 and beyond
The day concluded with a bilateral meeting among key officials to align priorities for the 2026 OPAPRU Legislative Agenda and consolidate insights into a “Voices from the Ground” reflection document.
This initiative captures the perspectives of women peacebuilders and local champions, emphasizing that sustainable peace is built on inclusion—and that women remain its steadfast pillars.