PHILIPPINES: Global Network for Women Peacebuilders Confers with Tabuk Women Leaders

Members and officials of the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders - International Civil Society Action Network (GNWP-ICAN) and the Women Engaged in Action on 1325 (WE Act 1325) were recently here to confer with the city women leaders and city officials on the implementation of the Philippine National Action Plan on Resolution No. 1325 in the locality.

GNWP-ICAN International Coordinator Mavic Balleza said the activity intends to raise greater awareness and understanding among government and sector leaders especially women at the local level on the provisions of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1325 and 1820 on women and peace and security including the supporting resolutions 1888, 1889 and 1960 and the National Action Plans (NAP) and related mechanisms, such as Magna Carta of Women and Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016.

In support to this, the Philippine government on March 2010 has adopted a national action plan to implement the UNSCR 1325, the first to do in Asia resulting to the creation of a national steering committee on women, peace and security through EO 865.

Balleza explained that it is vital for local leaders to understand the need to advocate and implement the salient provisions of UNSCR 1325 that are relevant in the locality to capacitate and mobilize women to get involved in policy and decision-making especially on peace and security at all levels.

Local government units, through their local policies, she said should ensure women's participation in local legislation, and to integrate in their legislation and development plans the implementation of the provisions relating to women participation in decision making, protection of women and their rights; and prevention of violence against women and children.

As part of the two-day orientation and workshop, the women leaders consisting of the Kalipi officers and women department heads of the city government including legislators discussed on the impact of local peace and security issues and provided recommendations to address such in their planning.

Aside from the UNSC resolutions, the participants were also oriented on the impact of the Philippine peace and security situation on women; the peace and security situation and peace agenda of Tabuk City and the province, and local development planning process.

During the event, Tabuk City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban has assured the group his administration's support to all activities that involve the women sector saying that gender sensitivity is being given importance in all programs of the city government.