Pangandaman Showcases PH Gender and Development Budget at High-Level Ministerial Conference on Women, Peace, and Security

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality Stephanie Copus Campbell, Country Director of HIAS Ukraine Maria Jose Gomez Gonzales, and Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla gathered on October 29, 2024 for an intensive dialogue on advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda at the first ever high-level ministerial International Conference on WPS hosted by the Philippines.   

Secretary Pangandaman underscored how the country is advancing gender equality and contributing to global security during the thematic session on financing strategies for WPS initiatives.  

The Budget and Management Chief focused on the government-funded WPS initiatives that promote women empowerment and lasting peace and security in the country.  

These include social protection programs, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) which also covers additional grants for pregnant and lactating mothers, and programs geared towards women’s economic empowerment such as the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Program.   

Secretary Pangandaman also cited the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) that addresses women’s needs during climate crisis and disasters, as well as the PAMANA or the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn Program which strengthens peacebuilding initiatives, reconstruction, and development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.   

“A s you know, women empowerment leads to equality; equality leads to peace; peace leads to economic development; and economic development leads to prosperity,” the Budget and Management Chief said during her opening statement.    

Meanwhile, Ambassador Campbell from Australia emphasized the vital role that donors, such as the private sector and philanthropic groups, play in the successful implementation of WPS initiatives.  

Ambassador Campbell also highlighted the importance of telling women’s stories backed with research and communicating the evidence to those who have the resources to fund the WPS Agenda.  

In line with this, HIAS Ukraine Country Director Gomez Gonzales highlighted the importance of