Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has underscored the need to respect and uphold the human rights of women persons deprived of liberty (PDL).

This, as she paid a visit to women PDL at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, according to the DBM’s statement posted on its official Facebook page on Thursday.

During her visit to the CIW, Pangandaman assured them that they will not be left behind and will not be denied their rights as women.

“Ang sabi nila (They say), ‘Women in prison are often invisible to society.’ Hindi po tayo papayag dito (We will not allow this),” Pangandaman, as quoted by the DBM, said.

“The promise of our President [Ferdinand] Bongbong Marcos [Jr.] and the promise of the New Philippines, we can achieve progress if all members of society are included – especially women.”

Pangandaman also visited the institution’s infirmary, PDL work and livelihood products facilities, religious facilities, educational facilities, and the bakery.

The visit was in collaboration with SPARK! Philippines, a partner of the DBM in promoting inclusive governance and women empowerment.

Pangandaman was accompanied by DBM Undersecretaries Wilford Wong and Margaux Salcedo, DBM Assistant Secretaries Mary Anne Dela Vega and Diana Camacho-Mercado, CIW acting Superintendent Marjorie Ann Sanidad, and SPARK! Philippines Executive Director Mikaela Luisa Carmen Teves. (PNA)