In a call to action for global unity, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman emphasized the transformative power of women's leadership in peacebuilding and the need for collective efforts to advance gender equality and sustainable peace.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS), the Budget Secretary highlighted the critical role of collaboration in achieving these goals.
“The international nature of this gathering [ICWPS] is proof that the Women, Peace, and Security agenda is not just a local initiative but a global movement. The participation of various nations reaffirms our shared commitment to peace, equality, and the essential role of women in these efforts,” said Secretary Pangandaman in her opening statement.
“When women lead, communities thrive, conflicts are resolved, and nations grow stronger,” she stressed.
Secretary Pangandaman also highlighted the Philippines’ pioneering efforts in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. As the first Asian country to adopt the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS) in 2010, the Philippines has consistently promoted women's inclusion in peace processes, especially in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
She describes the ICWPS as “a platform to share our best practices, learn from each other’s experiences, and strengthen our collective resolve to integrate gender perspectives into all aspects of peace and security.”
A key thematic session of the ICWPS on investing and impact financing strategies on women, peace, and security initiatives will be led by the DBM Secretary. The session will explore innovative financing solutions to enhance WPS initiatives, ensuring the necessary resources are in place to empower women in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
“Basically, we want to look at some areas where we can invest more on women, peace and security, and find ways to explore innovative financing solutions to enhance our WPS investments,” she explained.
A daughter of Mindanao, Sec. Mina expressed pride in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and its progress towards peace and stability. She noted that over the past decade, almost P9 billion has been allocated for socioeconomic programs, normalization, and decommissioning initiatives. Furthermore, she announced that the block grant for BARMM would increase to P94.4 billion in 2025, marking a 17% increase since the region’s autonomy was established.
She was recently awarded the Gawad Kapayapaan Award by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), recognizing her outstanding contributions to promoting peace and development, particularly in the Bangsamoro region.
“Asahan ninyo po bilang isang anak ng Mindanao, sisikapin ko po na ang boses at karapatan ng mga kababaihan lalung-lalo na po sa Bangsamoro ay aking maitaguyod,” she said.
“Ang ating pagkakaisa at suporta ang magbibigay-daan sa tunay na pagbabago sa ating mga komunidad. Sama-sama po nating itaguyod ito at mas mapayapa at mapaunlad na kinabukasan para sa lahat,” Sec. Pangandaman stated, underscoring the important role of ICWPS toward achieving a more inclusive and peaceful Bagong Pilipinas.
Themed “Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace, and Security,” the ICWPS will take place from October 28-30, 2024. Sessions will focus on various aspects of integrating gender perspectives into peace and security efforts, not only in the Philippines but across the globe.
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