The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to championing women’s empowerment and amplifying their roles in peacebuilding, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Monday.

At the opening the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Pangandaman detailed the country’s achievements in advancing the women, peace and security agenda.

Pangandaman stressed the importance of the gathering, especially in light of the recent impact of Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) on millions of Filipinos, which underscored the intersection of climate action and women’s security.

“Dialogue is always a good start,” Pangandaman said, referring to the recent disaster as a reminder of the challenges women face, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

She highlighted the significance of the landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, established in October 2000, which calls for women’s increased participation in conflict prevention and resolution.

The DBM chief highlighted the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the formation of its Bangsamoro Women Commission, which focuses on integrating gender initiatives within the region’s governance.

Pangandaman, the only Muslim in the Cabinet, serves as co-chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), an intergovernmental body that provides an institutional mechanism for sustained cooperation and coordination between the BARMM and the national government.

She also outlined the Philippines’ commitment to gender-responsive budgeting, noting the implementation of a “Women’s Budget” policy, that allocates a minimum of 5 percent of government agency budgets for gender programs.

Likewise, Pangandaman emphasized President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to “elevating women to more prominent roles, as well as greater voice” in the government as seen in the composition of his Cabinet which includes five female ministers.

“Indeed, I am proud to report that we have ensured that the global imperative of advancing women, peace, and security initiatives did not fall on deaf ears,” Pangandaman said.

“And that 24 years later, the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to championing women’s empowerment and amplifying their roles in peacebuilding,” she added.

Pangandaman then called on delegates to share their experiences and strategies, as she acknowledged the evolving landscape of security threats, including health crises and cybersecurity, and the need for innovative solutions that empower women as catalysts for change.

The three-day conference features two high-level panels that assess the implementation of the WPS agenda and four thematic discussions on the policy and practical aspects of the WPS agenda’s implementation.

Concluding her address, Pangandaman inspired attendees with a message of unity, saying: “When we women come together and put our minds to it, we can get through any storm and even dance in the rain.” (PNA)