In the midst of this massive national project, we have been strengthening what we seeking to be the features of our State: from the preservation of security for the citizen and public order; to the promotion of judicial authority and rule of law; to strengthening the role of women via legislation, laws and participation; to ensuring the protection of public freedoms and strengthening the role of civil society institutions

We note the recently adopted San Francisco Declaration by APEC countries last week under the leadership of the United States of America. This is a major step forward supporting Women in Business and is a powerful tool for women of APEC member countries. We will encourage our women in Papua New Guinea to take advantage of opportunities created by the Declaration.

We also appreciate the push by multilateral partners like Asian Development Bank and World Bank on gender equality. But in the same breath, we urge them to support our financial institutions by specifically allocating funds without risk, to be lent to women entrepreneurs to develop business opportunities

I am pleased to report that we have recently passed the first vote on a parliamentary bill that will provide for 22 reserved seats for women to contest in the coming Elections in 2012. This does not stop them from contesting any of the existing seats.

The Philippine Government recognizes women as agent of socio-economic growth and change and thus strongly advocates their full participation in nation building.

The Philippine Government recognizes women as agent of socio-economic growth and change and thus strongly advocates their full participation in nation building.

As a State Party to many international human rights instruments we are committed to their implementation and respect our reporting obligations under the relevant conventions. We have for instance just completed our sixth periodic CEDAW report. We have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and have commissioned a National Action Plan for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1325 and 1820

We have also continued to build on the gains achieved in the area of human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment”.
Participation: “I have pledged my support and initiated processes that would make women constitute at least 30% of elective offices in our country.

Since 1 January of the current year, the United Nations counts on UN Women as an instrument to assist its member States to achieve this goal. Its Executive Director, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, will boost this effort and she can be certain on Spain's full support. We will be at the side of all women who fight for freedom and equality

Women's equality is one of the basic human rights, based upon the concept of equality among all human beings. Advancing women's equal access to the labour market, as well as to the political and social grounds, is not only ethically imperative, but an essential measure to overcome the crisis