At the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS), I am profoundly reminded of the strength and resilience that women bring to every corner of the globe.
During the conference’s parliamentary roundtable, I discussed the vital role that parliamentarians can play in advancing National Action Plans (NAPs) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) through legislative, oversight, and budget powers.
In the Philippines, agencies allocate 5% of their budgets to gender and development (GAD). I believe this needs to be updated. WPS should not be a small part of the national budget—it must be mainstreamed and woven into every thread of government action, engaging every sector and agency.
Having laws and funding isn’t enough. The gap lies in effective implementation. We have policies, oversight, and financing, but we must ensure those entrusted with these policies carry them out efficiently and effectively.
Last year, during the Department of Foreign Affairs’ budget deliberations, I recall noticing the request for initial seed capital for this conference as a side note, not even a priority on their funding list. Recognizing its importance, I made it my own amendment to bring these remarkable women together. It’s a privilege to help realize this vision and advance our shared goals on Women, Peace, and Security.
