# 14 May 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJfm-kJ9KCg

[04:41] May request from the page for the attendance of our members and the guest of our uh our guest resource persons.
[04:49] Thank you.
[06:13] The seventh regular committee meeting of the committee on women and gender equality is hereby called to order.
[06:22] May we now call on representative Label Ruth Villera from the fourth district of Bulakan to lead us in the invocation.
[06:29] May I request everyone to please stand up?
[06:31] Thank you.
[06:43] Almighty and gracious God, we come before you today with grateful hearts as we gather for the seventh regular meeting of this committee.
[06:54] We acknowledge your presence in our midst and humbly ask for your guidance and wisdom as we deliberate and on measures concerning the safe spaces act and gender responsive protocols and programming bills.
[07:09] We seek your guidance so that every discussion, decision and
[07:15] so that every discussion, decision and action will lead toward genuine action will lead toward genuine protection, empowerment and dignity for protection, empowerment and dignity for all.
[07:24] Bless every member of this committee, our resource persons and all who labor for the cause of justice and safety.
[07:34] We strengthen our commitment and keep us focused on what is honorable, fair, and lifegiving.
[07:39] Lord, we entrust this meeting into your hands.
[07:46] May all our efforts today bring glory to your name and lasting benefit to the people we serve.
[07:52] This we pray in your most holy and mighty name. Amen.
[08:06] Good afternoon pohat to all the mothers here.
[08:10] Advance happy mother's day to my colleague belated
[08:16] Belated happy mother's day to my colleagues.
[08:19] Happy mother's day to my colleagues here.
[08:23] May gift. Here. May gift.
[08:25] So we'll just send it to your offices.
[08:27] Okay.
[08:29] To our honorable members, authors, guests, and resource persons,
[08:36] Thank you for joining us this afternoon.
[08:39] Motion.
[08:41] Madame Chair, I move to dispense with the calling of the role.
[08:43] Second the motion, Madame Chair.
[08:48] Is there any objection?
[08:50] Hearing none, the motion is carried.
[08:59] Yeah.
[09:01] Yeah.
[09:04] For the approval of the minutes of the sixth regular meeting held on March 18, 2026.
[09:09] 2026.
[09:12] May we call on Repat. Madame Chair, I move to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the sixth regular meeting of the CWGE held on 18th March 2026 and for
[09:20] The CWGE held on 18th March 2026 and for its approval.
[09:22] Its approval.
[09:22] I second the motion.
[09:23] Madam, I second the motion.
[09:23] Madam, is there any objection?
[09:25] Hearing none.
[09:25] The motion is carried.
[09:30] Acknowledgement of our um CWG members.
[09:34] I would like to acknowledge the presence of the honorable members in this afternoon's meeting.
[09:40] Honorable Yatka Florabel from um Nana Partilist.
[09:47] Uh my ate uh honorable Christy Angel from second district Tarlac.
[09:54] Honorable Lina Bell Verica from fourth district Bulakan.
[10:01] Honorable Sarah Ilago from Portillus Gabriella.
[10:06] Honorable Dada Ismoola from Akbayan Portalist.
[10:09] Honorable Iris Montest from 4K portalist.
[10:18] The committee secretary will now acknowledge our honored guest and
[10:21] Acknowledge our honored guest and resource persons come.
[10:26] Madame chair and members of the committee on women and gender equality.
[10:30] Committee on women and gender equality, please acknowledge the presence of our guests and resource speakers this afternoon.
[10:37] Rinonaldo Empire, director for from Department of Tourism.
[10:49] Gemma Parro, director for commission and human rights.
[10:55] Patricia Isabella, development management officer 3, commission on human rights.
[11:03] Ninia Andrea Es Maranon, technical officer from Ulap.
[11:06] Risa S. Deito, country director care.
[11:11] Danella Bianca Bona, project development officer for the ICT.
[11:19] Velasco Bernardet from Department of
[11:22] Velasco Bernardet from Department of Health, Director 4,
[11:26] Hazel Mendoza, Commission and Higher
[11:30] Hazel Mendoza, Commission and Higher Education, Attorney 3.
[11:33] Education, Attorney 3.
[11:33] Mr. Armando G. Orcelia Jr., Supervising
[11:35] Mr. Armando G. Orcelia Jr., Supervising God Specialist from the Philippine
[11:37] God Specialist from the Philippine Commission on Women.
[11:39] Commission on Women.
[11:39] Maria Aurora Okilala from PLCPD,
[11:43] Maria Aurora Okilala from PLCPD, Executive Director,
[11:45] Executive Director, Attorney Jose Freyan Areola from the
[11:47] Attorney Jose Freyan Areola from the Department of National Defense,
[11:52] Angelica Es Escalona
[11:55] Angelica Es Escalona as from Department of Foreign Affairs,
[11:59] as from Department of Foreign Affairs, John William Rosero, Chief of IIDS,
[12:03] John William Rosero, Chief of IIDS, Department of Trade and Industry, RGMS,
[12:07] Department of Trade and Industry, RGMS, Mr. Sony
[12:09] Mr. Sony Domingo
[12:13] P I D S is that it correct?
[12:18] Sinida S
[12:21] Sinida S Bologong
[12:24] Bologong Bologong Bologongos.
[12:26] Bologong Bologongos Bologong.
[12:29] Bologong PO three gender and development.
[12:33] PO three gender and development from what office?
[12:40] From the department of agriculture ma'am.
[12:41] From the department of agriculture.
[12:44] From the department of agriculture Jason Christ Miy.
[12:46] Jason Christ Miy Philippine statistics authority.
[12:49] Philippine statistics authority Ricarde.
[12:53] Alea.
[12:55] Alea from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
[12:59] Police Brigadier General Marvin Joe Sato.
[13:01] Police Brigadier General Marvin Joe Sato from the Philippine National Police.
[13:04] From the Philippine National Police.
[13:04] Police Colonel Neves A. De Laena from.
[13:07] Police Colonel Neves A. De Laena from the Philippine National Police.
[13:14] LG.
[13:16] LG John Marlon Errolles from the DILG.
[13:21] John Marlon Errolles from the DILG Dante Clink Ang Chairperson of the.
[13:23] Dante Clink Ang Chairperson of the Commission on Filipinas Overseas.
[13:28] Director Dexter Pante, Director for the Department of Education.
[13:33] Use Melch John Versosa, Under Secretary Department of Education.
[13:40] Director Marica Hilda Balmaseda, Director from the ah DND Department of National Defense.
[13:55] Joe Carlo Elsorano from the Office of Civil Defense.
[14:00] Rona Deayuga, Attorney 3 from Department of Labor and Employment.
[14:05] Miles Gerald D. Navaro from MMDA.
[14:14] Anna Marie Selena Garfin, director for Department of Health.
[14:25] Josephine Kusain, Care Philippines.
[14:31] Josephine Kusain, Care Philippines.
[14:34] Lynn Aguir, Department of Inter of the Interior and Local Government.
[14:38] Danella Bianca Bona the ICT
[14:42] Danella Bianca Bona the ICT that's all madame chair thank you.
[14:48] com before I deliver my um preliminary remarks may I request all members to please open their house book.
[14:53] accounts for an easy reference to the agenda and other relevant meeting documents.
[15:05] to our distinguished members of the committee on women and gender equality.
[15:09] Our fellow legislators, our resource persons from government agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, development partners and advocates for women's rights and inclusion.
[15:22] Welcome to the seventh regular meeting of the committee on women and gender equality.
[15:27] Today's meeting reflects the continuing commitment of this committee to ensure
[15:31] commitment of this committee to ensure that our laws evolved with the realities.
[15:34] that our laws evolved with the realities faith faced by Filipino women, children, and vulnerable sectors in both physical and digital spaces.
[15:43] One of the most important matter matters before us today is the committee approval of the proposed substitute bill amending the safe spaces act.
[15:53] This measure recognizes that while Republic Act number 11313 has been a landmark law in protecting individuals from gender-based sexual harassment, new forms of abuse and exploitation continue to emerge, particularly in online platform and digital environments.
[16:13] This proposed amendments seek to strengthen the laws protections against evolving threats such as online sexual harassment, grooming, and technology facilitated abuse, including those involving artificial intelligence and other digital tools.
[16:29] In many ways, this reflects a larger responsibility before
[16:31] reflects a larger responsibility before us to ensure that our legal framework
[16:34] us to ensure that our legal framework keeps pace with technological change
[16:37] keeps pace with technological change while remaining firmly rooted in the
[16:39] while remaining firmly rooted in the protection of human dignity, safety, and
[16:41] protection of human dignity, safety, and equality.
[16:43] At the same time, we will begin initial discussions on measures
[16:46] begin initial discussions on measures seeking to institutionalize gender
[16:48] seeking to institutionalize gender responsive and inclusive protocols
[16:51] responsive and inclusive protocols during public health emergencies,
[16:53] during public health emergencies, pandemics, and disasters.
[16:55] The experiences of recent years have shown
[16:57] experiences of recent years have shown us that crisis
[17:00] us that crisis affect sectors differently and women
[17:02] affect sectors differently and women often carry disproportionate burdens as
[17:05] often carry disproportionate burdens as caregivers, frontline workers,
[17:07] caregivers, frontline workers, breadwinners, and survivors of violence.
[17:10] These proposed measures aim to ensure
[17:13] These proposed measures aim to ensure that emergency response systems are not
[17:15] that emergency response systems are not only efficient but also equitable and
[17:18] only efficient but also equitable and inclusive.
[17:21] They recognize the need of uninterrupted access to essential
[17:23] uninterrupted access to essential services.
[17:26] protection against genderbased violence, meaningful participation of
[17:28] violence, meaningful participation of women in decision making and targeted
[17:31] women in decision making and targeted support of vulnerable and marginalized
[17:33] support of vulnerable and marginalized community.
[17:36] I also wish to express my appreciation to all our invited stakeholders and partners present today.
[17:41] Your enterprise, your expert, your expertise, recommendations, and continued engagement are vital in helping this committee craft legislation that is responsive, evidence-based, and grounded in the realities of our people.
[17:55] As we proceed with today's agenda, may our discussions remain constructive, collaborative, and guided by our shared goal of building safer, more inclusive, and more resilient communities for every Filipino.
[18:07] Because protecting women's rights and promoting gender equality are not merely sectoral concerns.
[18:15] They are fundamental to nation building itself.
[18:26] fundamental to nation building itself.
[18:29] So po and we can now proceed with the business of the committee. Thank you.
[18:41] So we will now proceed to consider the draft substitute bill to house bill numbers numbered 768, 104731138, 5198, 5464, and 5564.
[18:58] And in consideration of the newly referred similar bills, House bills number 817, 8717, seven.
[19:08] A copy of this draft substitute bill was also sent through email to the bill's authors and CWG members prior to this meeting.
[19:17] So during our previous meeting, the committee secretariat was directed to prepare a draft substitute bill incorporating the approved amendments, comments, and recommendations in the submitted position papers and the newly referred similar measures.
[19:32] The newly referred measures, House Bill numbers 8217 and 8717, which were authored by Representative Christine Remulia and Representative.
[19:42] Christine Remulia and Representative Leila D. Lima, respectively, were considered in the crafting of the draft substitute bill.
[19:53] May call Representative Drago Remula to deliver and uh Representative Leila Dimma to deliver their remarks on House Bill number 8217 entitled an act amending Republic Act number 11313 otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act and for other purposes.
[20:14] Uh Madame Chair, Representative uh Christine Diego Remulia and Representative Laya M. dilemma request that their explanatory notes will serve as the respective sponsorship speeches.
[20:29] We are also Thank you um honorable Angelus. We are also in receipt of a letter from Representative Eduardo Brother Eddie Villaina of Sibac party list manifesting the opposition to the
[20:43] List manifesting the opposition to the draft substitute bill from various Christian churches groups and leaders.
[20:46] And it's Jul and this is Julie noted.
[20:49] Okay.
[21:08] May I now ask everyone to direct your attention to the projector screen where the draft substitute bill is now being flashed.
[21:17] May I ask the members if they have amendments, comments on the draft substitute bill.
[21:23] So let's just run through it.
[21:23] Com
[21:49] Madame chair.
[21:51] Madame chair.
[21:52] Yes.
[21:52] Yes.
[21:54] There being no other comments from the members present here, I move to approve the draft substitute bill to house bills number numbered 7681047 3118 5198 5464 5564 8217 and 8717 subject to style.
[22:12] Second the motion.
[22:14] Madame chair,
[22:16] there was a duly seconded motion to approve draft substitute bill to house bills number 8768 10473113 5198 54645564 8210 and 8717 subject to style.
[22:33] Is there any objection?
[22:36] Uh, Madame Chair, may I move that all members present be made as co-authors of the proposed measure?
[22:43] Second the motion.
[22:43] Madam Chair,
[22:47] there is a pending motion. Can we um uh solve it first?
[22:47] Okay.
[22:47] So, is there any
[22:50] solve it first?
[22:50] Okay.
[22:50] So, is there any objection to the duly seconded motion to approve the draft substitute bill subject to style?
[22:55] No objections.
[22:55] The motion is approved.
[23:01] Okay.
[23:01] Madame Chair, sorry for Okay.
[23:05] Uh, Madame Chair, may I move that all members present here this afternoon be co-authors of the proposed measure.
[23:12] Second.
[23:13] Second.
[23:13] The motion to include all members present as co-authors of the substitute bill has been duly seconded.
[23:19] Is there any objection?
[23:19] Hearing none, the motion is carried.
[23:29] At this point, may I call for a 10-minute suspension in order to allow the secretary to prepare the draft committee report on amending Republic Act number 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act and have it flashed on the screen once again for the members perusal before subjecting it for approval of the committee.
[23:49] The meeting is suspended for
[23:51] committee.
[23:51] The meeting is suspended for 10 minutes.
[34:54] Honorable Caroline Agawo from Caroline Agawo from Lone District Kalinga Lone District Kalinga and my ate honorable Shala Christell and my ate honorable Shala Christell Lagman Luis Stro from first district Lagman Luis Stro from first district Albby.
[35:15] Albby.
[35:17] We now proceed to the approval of the draft committee report on the said substitute bill.
[35:21] The draft committee report is already flashed on the projector screen.
[35:25] Do I hear a motion to approve the draft committee report?
[35:34] Madam chair, I move to approve the draft committee report on uh the bills amending and strengthening the safe spaces act.
[35:44] It has been moved and seconded that the draft committee report be approved subject to style.
[35:50] And having no objection, the motion is approved.
[35:53] May I now instruct the committee
[35:55] May I now instruct the committee secretary to expedite the submission of
[35:57] secretary to expedite the submission of the approved committee report together
[35:59] the approved committee report together with this required attachment to the
[36:01] with this required attachment to the bills and index service.
[36:07] We shall now proceed to the initial
[36:09] We shall now proceed to the initial deliberation of the following measures.
[36:21] House Bill number 3405 entitled an act
[36:23] House Bill number 3405 entitled an act to ensure gender responsive and
[36:25] to ensure gender responsive and inclusive protocols and programming to
[36:27] inclusive protocols and programming to address the gender differentiated needs
[36:29] address the gender differentiated needs of women
[36:30] of women during public health emergencies, public
[36:33] during public health emergencies, public health threats, disasters, and other
[36:35] health threats, disasters, and other health events of public concern.
[36:37] health events of public concern. Introduced by honorable Patrick Vargas.
[36:40] Introduced by honorable Patrick Vargas. House Bill number 6881 entitled an act
[36:43] House Bill number 6881 entitled an act to ensure gender responsive and
[36:44] to ensure gender responsive and inclusive protocols and programming to
[36:47] inclusive protocols and programming to address the gender differentiated needs
[36:49] address the gender differentiated needs of women during pandemics, public health
[36:51] of women during pandemics, public health concerns, emergencies and disasters
[36:54] concerns, emergencies and disasters introduced by honorable Iris Montes.
[36:56] introduced by honorable Iris Montes. House Bill number 7834
[36:59] House Bill number 7834 entitled an act to ensure gender
[37:01] entitled an act to ensure gender responsive and inclusive protocols and
[37:03] responsive and inclusive protocols and programming to address the gender
[37:05] programming to address the gender differentiated needs of women during
[37:07] differentiated needs of women during public health emergencies, public health
[37:09] public health emergencies, public health threats, disasters and other health
[37:11] threats, disasters and other health events of public concern. Introduced by
[37:14] events of public concern. Introduced by yours truly, House Bill number 8407
[37:17] yours truly, House Bill number 8407 entitled an act to ensure gender
[37:18] entitled an act to ensure gender responsive and inclusive protocols and
[37:21] responsive and inclusive protocols and programming to address the gender
[37:23] programming to address the gender differentiated needs of women during
[37:25] differentiated needs of women during emergencies including public health
[37:27] emergencies including public health concerns pandemic the natural and
[37:29] concerns pandemic the natural and man-made disasters introduced by
[37:31] man-made disasters introduced by honorable Kuram Ismula Jose Manuela
[37:34] honorable Kuram Ismula Jose Manuela Sheld Jno Percival Percy Sanda and Kaka
[37:38] Sheld Jno Percival Percy Sanda and Kaka J Bagau.
[37:40] J Bagau. We are now opening the initial
[37:42] We are now opening the initial deliberation of the four bills. A copy
[37:45] deliberation of the four bills. A copy of the comparative matrix was sent to
[37:48] of the comparative matrix was sent to your responsive emails prior to this
[37:50] your responsive emails prior to this meeting. At this point, we will now
[37:52] meeting. At this point, we will now listen to the principal authors of the
[37:54] listen to the principal authors of the said measures for their respective
[37:57] said measures for their respective sponsorship speeches. May I now call on
[38:00] sponsorship speeches. May I now call on honorable
[38:04] honorable uh Sarah Elago.
[38:07] honorable uh Sarah Elago. Madame chair for house bill number 3405.
[38:10] Madame chair for house bill number 3405. I move that the explanatory note of the
[38:12] I move that the explanatory note of the honorable Patrick Michael D. Vargas be
[38:15] honorable Patrick Michael D. Vargas be adopted as his sponsorship speech. Thank
[38:18] adopted as his sponsorship speech. Thank you, Madam Chair.
[38:26] May we now call on
[38:28] May we now call on Honorable Iris Montes for House Bill
[38:31] Honorable Iris Montes for House Bill number 6881.
[38:34] number 6881. Madame Chair, esteemed colleagues, um to
[38:37] Madame Chair, esteemed colleagues, um to all our resource persons and guests,
[38:42] House Bill number 68816
[38:44] House Bill number 68816 to institutionalize a gender responsive
[38:48] to institutionalize a gender responsive and inclusive framework for pandemic and
[38:50] and inclusive framework for pandemic and disaster management, ensuring that the
[38:53] disaster management, ensuring that the differentiated needs, vulnerabilities,
[38:56] differentiated needs, vulnerabilities, and contributions of women are fully
[38:58] and contributions of women are fully recognized, protected, and addressed at
[39:01] recognized, protected, and addressed at all stages of emergency governance. ance
[39:05] all stages of emergency governance. ance anchored on the guarantees of the 1987
[39:07] anchored on the guarantees of the 1987 constitution, particularly the state's
[39:10] constitution, particularly the state's duty to ensure the equality of women and
[39:12] duty to ensure the equality of women and men, protect the right to health, and
[39:14] men, protect the right to health, and promote social justice. This bill
[39:17] promote social justice. This bill institutionalizes a gender responsive
[39:20] institutionalizes a gender responsive and inclusive approach to pandemic and
[39:22] and inclusive approach to pandemic and disaster management. The lessons of CO
[39:25] disaster management. The lessons of CO 19 pandemic are clear. Women bore a
[39:28] 19 pandemic are clear. Women bore a disproportionate burden. frontlininers
[39:31] disproportionate burden. frontlininers at risk, caregivers at home, workers in
[39:34] at risk, caregivers at home, workers in the informal sector losing livelihoods,
[39:37] the informal sector losing livelihoods, and far too many facing increased
[39:39] and far too many facing increased genderbased violence. Yet too often, our
[39:43] genderbased violence. Yet too often, our systems were not designed with these
[39:45] systems were not designed with these realities in mind. This measure corrects
[39:48] realities in mind. This measure corrects that. It mandates a whole of government
[39:51] that. It mandates a whole of government and whole of society framework that
[39:53] and whole of society framework that integrates gender analysis at every
[39:55] integrates gender analysis at every stage, prevention, preparedness,
[39:58] stage, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. It ensures that
[40:01] response and recovery. It ensures that services addressing violence against
[40:03] services addressing violence against women remain uninterrupted that health
[40:06] women remain uninterrupted that health services are accessible and that social
[40:09] services are accessible and that social protection reaches those who need it
[40:11] protection reaches those who need it most. It strengthens and operationalizes
[40:14] most. It strengthens and operationalizes existing laws such as the Magna Carta of
[40:17] existing laws such as the Magna Carta of women and the antiviolence against women
[40:20] women and the antiviolence against women and their children act of 2004, ensuring
[40:23] and their children act of 2004, ensuring that their protections do not falter in
[40:26] that their protections do not falter in times of crisis. Most importantly, it
[40:29] times of crisis. Most importantly, it ensures that women are not only
[40:31] ensures that women are not only protected but empowered as leaders and
[40:34] protected but empowered as leaders and decision makers in crisis governance.
[40:37] decision makers in crisis governance. Madame Chair, a resilient nation is one
[40:39] Madame Chair, a resilient nation is one that protects all, listens to all, and
[40:42] that protects all, listens to all, and leaves no one behind. For these reasons,
[40:45] leaves no one behind. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the swift passage of
[40:47] I respectfully urge the swift passage of this measure po. Thank you, honorable
[40:51] this measure po. Thank you, honorable mention
[41:01] speech as principal author of House Bill
[41:03] speech as principal author of House Bill number 7834.
[41:06] number 7834. Uh yes. Um we will now hear the
[41:10] Uh yes. Um we will now hear the sponsorship uh
[41:13] sponsorship uh speech of uh our honorable chair
[41:18] speech of uh our honorable chair an Matibag of House Bill number 7834.
[41:23] an Matibag of House Bill number 7834. >> Thank you madame chair. I rise today to
[41:26] >> Thank you madame chair. I rise today to sponsor House Bill number 7834,
[41:29] sponsor House Bill number 7834, otherwise known as a gender responsive
[41:31] otherwise known as a gender responsive and inclusive pandemic emergency or
[41:33] and inclusive pandemic emergency or disaster management act. The past years
[41:37] disaster management act. The past years have shown us that during times of
[41:38] have shown us that during times of crisis, women often bear the heaviest
[41:41] crisis, women often bear the heaviest burden. During the pandemic and in the
[41:43] burden. During the pandemic and in the aftermath of disasters, many women lost
[41:45] aftermath of disasters, many women lost livelihood, faced increased unpaid care
[41:49] livelihood, faced increased unpaid care responsibilities, experienced limited
[41:51] responsibilities, experienced limited access to health services, and became
[41:55] access to health services, and became more vulnerable to violence and
[41:57] more vulnerable to violence and exploitation. This measure seeks to
[41:59] exploitation. This measure seeks to institutionalize a gender responsive and
[42:02] institutionalize a gender responsive and inclusive approach in all stages of
[42:04] inclusive approach in all stages of pandemic emergency and disaster
[42:06] pandemic emergency and disaster management from preparedness and
[42:09] management from preparedness and response to rehabilitation and recovery.
[42:12] response to rehabilitation and recovery. It ensures that the needs of wealth and
[42:14] It ensures that the needs of wealth and welfare of women especially those belong
[42:16] welfare of women especially those belong to vulnerable and marginalized sectors
[42:18] to vulnerable and marginalized sectors are recognized, protected and
[42:19] are recognized, protected and prioritized. As legislators, we have the
[42:22] prioritized. As legislators, we have the responsibility not only to respond to
[42:24] responsibility not only to respond to crisis, but to ensure that our systems
[42:26] crisis, but to ensure that our systems are compassionate, equitable, and
[42:28] are compassionate, equitable, and responsive to the realities faced by our
[42:30] responsive to the realities faced by our people. This measure is anchored on the
[42:32] people. This measure is anchored on the principles of dignity, equality, and
[42:34] principles of dignity, equality, and social justice. It strengthens our
[42:36] social justice. It strengthens our commitment under the Magna Carter of
[42:38] commitment under the Magna Carter of Women and complements our disaster risk
[42:41] Women and complements our disaster risk reduction and management policies by
[42:43] reduction and management policies by ensuring that no woman is left behind in
[42:45] ensuring that no woman is left behind in times of uncertainty and hardship. In
[42:48] times of uncertainty and hardship. In sponsoring this bill, I hope we send a
[42:50] sponsoring this bill, I hope we send a clear message that in every emergency,
[42:53] clear message that in every emergency, the protection of human dignity,
[42:55] the protection of human dignity, especially of the most vulnerable, must
[42:57] especially of the most vulnerable, must remain at the center of governance. For
[43:00] remain at the center of governance. For this reason, I respectfully seek further
[43:02] this reason, I respectfully seek further favorable consideration and approval of
[43:05] favorable consideration and approval of House Bill number 7834. Thank you, Madam
[43:08] House Bill number 7834. Thank you, Madam Chair.
[43:17] We will now hear our uh sponsor remarks
[43:21] We will now hear our uh sponsor remarks from honorable
[43:26] honorable Kiranam Ismoola for house bill
[43:28] honorable Kiranam Ismoola for house bill number 8407.
[43:32] Madame chair, my distinguished
[43:34] Madame chair, my distinguished colleagues and dear resource persons.
[43:44] 2013.
[44:06] community
[44:13] medicine
[44:31] evacuation center.
[44:39] Any mother or daughter would tell you
[44:41] Any mother or daughter would tell you that their top priority is the safety of
[44:44] that their top priority is the safety of their family.
[44:50] Humanitarian workers
[44:58] surge.
[45:10] Can you imagine how many lives could
[45:12] Can you imagine how many lives could have been saved if women had more a
[45:16] have been saved if women had more a agency and decision making power not
[45:19] agency and decision making power not only in the household but in the very
[45:21] only in the household but in the very planning of our um emergency management.
[45:25] planning of our um emergency management. Madam Chair,
[45:27] Madam Chair, genderneutral,
[45:34] I am proud to sponsor House Bill number
[45:37] I am proud to sponsor House Bill number 8407,
[45:39] 8407, Gender Responsive and Inclusive
[45:41] Gender Responsive and Inclusive Emergency Management Act together with
[45:44] Emergency Management Act together with my colleagues from the Akbayan Reform
[45:46] my colleagues from the Akbayan Reform Block, Rep. Chel Jo, Rep. Percy Sana and
[45:50] Block, Rep. Chel Jo, Rep. Percy Sana and Rep.
[46:04] emergency
[46:09] one size fits all
[46:13] atrisisk groups
[46:18] senior citizens Friends,
[46:24] LGBTQI plus
[46:36] humanitarian principles,
[46:39] humanitarian principles, survivor centered, right-based at do no
[46:43] survivor centered, right-based at do no harm approaches,
[46:45] harm approaches, NDRRMC
[46:47] NDRRMC at PCW
[46:51] National Preparedness and Response Plan.
[46:58] Madame Chair
[47:09] of
[47:17] Emergency.
[47:24] Very nice, Congresswoman Dada. Thank you
[47:28] Very nice, Congresswoman Dada. Thank you very much to all our honorable authors
[47:31] very much to all our honorable authors for their spons sponsor sponsorship
[47:33] for their spons sponsor sponsorship remarks and for presenting the key
[47:35] remarks and for presenting the key features of their proposed measures. At
[47:37] features of their proposed measures. At this point, we'll now hear the comments
[47:39] this point, we'll now hear the comments and uh recommendations of our invited
[47:42] and uh recommendations of our invited guest and resource persons for the
[47:45] guest and resource persons for the enhancement of this bill. May we now
[47:48] enhancement of this bill. May we now call on director Ronaldo Roas from
[47:50] call on director Ronaldo Roas from Department of Tourism.
[47:54] Department of Tourism. You may each uh resource person may um
[47:57] You may each uh resource person may um present their position on the measures
[48:00] present their position on the measures being considered and will be given three
[48:02] being considered and will be given three minutes for each. Thank you.
[48:05] minutes for each. Thank you. >> Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Madame
[48:08] >> Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Madame Chair. Madame Chair, uh we would like to
[48:10] Chair. Madame Chair, uh we would like to inform the body that uh the department
[48:12] inform the body that uh the department of tourism have already submitted our uh
[48:16] of tourism have already submitted our uh position paper last November 27, 2025.
[48:22] So if you uh may we would like to
[48:24] So if you uh may we would like to request to request the permission of the
[48:26] request to request the permission of the body to uh give you our comments.
[48:31] body to uh give you our comments. >> You may proceed.
[48:33] >> You may proceed. >> Madame chair in view of the foregoing
[48:35] >> Madame chair in view of the foregoing the DOT fully supports and interposes no
[48:38] the DOT fully supports and interposes no objection to the passage of House Bill
[48:40] objection to the passage of House Bill number 3405.
[48:42] number 3405. The proposed measures is consistent with
[48:44] The proposed measures is consistent with the state policy under Republic Act
[48:47] the state policy under Republic Act number 9593 to ensure that tourism
[48:50] number 9593 to ensure that tourism development protects and promotes the
[48:52] development protects and promotes the general well-being of the Filipino
[48:55] general well-being of the Filipino people particularly against the
[48:57] people particularly against the exploitation of women and children.
[49:00] exploitation of women and children. department firmly believes that the
[49:01] department firmly believes that the passage of these measures will advance
[49:04] passage of these measures will advance the cause of gender equality and
[49:06] the cause of gender equality and protection while reinforcing the
[49:07] protection while reinforcing the Philippines standing as a safe, secure,
[49:10] Philippines standing as a safe, secure, and socially responsible tourism
[49:12] and socially responsible tourism destination.
[49:14] destination. Thank you, Madame Chair.
[49:17] Thank you, Madame Chair. >> Thank you, Mr. Roas. Our uh second uh
[49:20] >> Thank you, Mr. Roas. Our uh second uh resource person is from Department of
[49:23] resource person is from Department of Health. May we now call on Ma'am Ruth
[49:25] Health. May we now call on Ma'am Ruth Eloquinn.
[49:36] >> Uh Madame Chair, uh Ruth Elquino is from
[49:39] >> Uh Madame Chair, uh Ruth Elquino is from the Department of Tourism also.
[49:40] the Department of Tourism also. >> Oh, all right.
[49:50] >> Let's move to Commission and Human
[49:52] >> Let's move to Commission and Human Rights. May we call on director Gemma
[49:54] Rights. May we call on director Gemma Parrohinog.
[49:57] Parrohinog. >> Madame Chair, distinguished members of
[49:59] >> Madame Chair, distinguished members of the committee
[50:00] the committee po for this opportunity to speak on
[50:03] po for this opportunity to speak on behalf of the commission on human rights
[50:05] behalf of the commission on human rights on the proposed measure uh for the
[50:09] on the proposed measure uh for the gender responsive and inclusive public
[50:10] gender responsive and inclusive public health concern and disaster management
[50:12] health concern and disaster management act. Uh the commission on human rights
[50:15] act. Uh the commission on human rights supports the enactment of the law
[50:17] supports the enactment of the law ensuring gender responsive and inclusive
[50:19] ensuring gender responsive and inclusive protocols and programs that address the
[50:22] protocols and programs that address the gender differentiated needs of women
[50:25] gender differentiated needs of women during public health emergencies and
[50:27] during public health emergencies and disasters. The proposed measure is a
[50:29] disasters. The proposed measure is a necessary step towards
[50:31] necessary step towards institutionalizing the lessons learned
[50:33] institutionalizing the lessons learned from the pandemic and ensuring that
[50:35] from the pandemic and ensuring that future responses are rightsbased,
[50:38] future responses are rightsbased, inclusive and gender responsive. COVID
[50:42] inclusive and gender responsive. COVID 19 pandemic was not only a health crisis
[50:44] 19 pandemic was not only a health crisis but also a profound social, economic and
[50:47] but also a profound social, economic and a human rights crisis. The lockdowns and
[50:50] a human rights crisis. The lockdowns and other response measures often failed to
[50:52] other response measures often failed to fully take into account the social
[50:55] fully take into account the social economic realities faced by the
[50:57] economic realities faced by the disadvantaged marginalized and
[50:59] disadvantaged marginalized and vulnerable sectors of the society. The
[51:02] vulnerable sectors of the society. The 2021 commission on human rights gender
[51:04] 2021 commission on human rights gender onboard situation for second and third
[51:07] onboard situation for second and third quarter entitled the gendered impact of
[51:09] quarter entitled the gendered impact of the pandemic and the need for gendered
[51:12] the pandemic and the need for gendered intersectional
[51:13] intersectional responses revealed that pandemic
[51:16] responses revealed that pandemic restrictions limited women's access to
[51:19] restrictions limited women's access to essential health services such as
[51:21] essential health services such as prenatal and postnatal care with balangi
[51:24] prenatal and postnatal care with balangi health centers postponing the
[51:26] health centers postponing the distribution of a family planning
[51:27] distribution of a family planning commodities. Relief operations often
[51:30] commodities. Relief operations often excluded hygiene in men menstrual kits
[51:33] excluded hygiene in men menstrual kits as well as maintenance medicine for
[51:35] as well as maintenance medicine for women with disabilities and older
[51:37] women with disabilities and older persons. Many women, particularly in the
[51:40] persons. Many women, particularly in the informal sector, lost their livelihoods
[51:42] informal sector, lost their livelihoods while shurling increased unpaid care
[51:45] while shurling increased unpaid care work. The commission also noted a
[51:47] work. The commission also noted a decline in the reported gender-based
[51:49] decline in the reported gender-based violence cases attributed to fewer
[51:52] violence cases attributed to fewer incidents but to the victim's limited
[51:56] incidents but to the victim's limited ability to report or escape under
[51:58] ability to report or escape under prolonged lockdowns. These realities
[52:01] prolonged lockdowns. These realities underscore the international human
[52:03] underscore the international human rights standards which affirm the
[52:05] rights standards which affirm the obligation of the state to adopt
[52:07] obligation of the state to adopt measures that protect the rights and
[52:08] measures that protect the rights and welfare of women during emergencies
[52:12] welfare of women during emergencies under the international convention on
[52:14] under the international convention on economic social and cultural rights.
[52:16] economic social and cultural rights. States are duty bound to uphold the
[52:18] States are duty bound to uphold the right to health, work and social
[52:20] right to health, work and social protection particularly during epidemics
[52:22] protection particularly during epidemics and public health crisis. Likewise, the
[52:25] and public health crisis. Likewise, the convention on the elimination of all
[52:27] convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women
[52:29] forms of discrimination against women requires states to eliminate
[52:30] requires states to eliminate discrimination against women and ensure
[52:32] discrimination against women and ensure their meaningful participation in
[52:34] their meaningful participation in policym and implementation.
[52:38] policym and implementation. The commission has already submitted
[52:40] The commission has already submitted madame shared our position paper uh on
[52:43] madame shared our position paper uh on house bill 3405 since it was the house
[52:46] house bill 3405 since it was the house bill presented to us when we asked to
[52:48] bill presented to us when we asked to submit um one. But essentially we fully
[52:53] submit um one. But essentially we fully support the passage of this measure and
[52:56] support the passage of this measure and hopes that our comments and
[52:58] hopes that our comments and recommendations be included in the
[53:00] recommendations be included in the substitute bill. Madame chair that's all
[53:04] substitute bill. Madame chair that's all that is duly noted ma'am perohog. Thank
[53:06] that is duly noted ma'am perohog. Thank you. We may now call on from department
[53:08] you. We may now call on from department of health. Ma'am Bernardet Velasco,
[53:14] of health. Ma'am Bernardet Velasco, Madame Chair, honorable members of the
[53:16] Madame Chair, honorable members of the committee, Department of Health,
[53:25] gender responsive inclusive protocol,
[53:29] gender responsive inclusive protocol, public health emergencies, disasters,
[53:33] public health emergencies, disasters, health events of public concern.
[53:47] marginalized sectors particular gender
[53:51] marginalized sectors particular gender based violence
[53:53] based violence access maternal at reproductive health
[53:55] access maternal at reproductive health services mental health concerns food
[53:59] services mental health concerns food insecurities displacement
[54:04] at eies
[54:08] Access health services
[54:12] Access health services responsibilities, mobility conraints,
[54:17] responsibilities, mobility conraints, support systems,
[54:29] marginalized sectors. Resilient Health
[54:33] marginalized sectors. Resilient Health System
[54:37] inclusive right
[54:54] vulnerable sectors during emergencies.
[54:58] vulnerable sectors during emergencies. Social protection,
[55:03] resilient health system,
[55:06] resilient health system, national preparedness on continuity,
[55:09] national preparedness on continuity, essential health services, protection
[55:12] essential health services, protection protection mechanism, gender based
[55:14] protection mechanism, gender based violence, mental health and psychosocial
[55:17] violence, mental health and psychosocial support at equitable access to health
[55:20] support at equitable access to health care,
[55:25] Department of Health
[55:29] Department of Health paper.
[55:38] Thank you so much. We may now call on
[55:40] Thank you so much. We may now call on Miss Nia Andrea Marinor from ULP as a
[55:44] Miss Nia Andrea Marinor from ULP as a technical officer.
[55:47] technical officer. Thank you, Madame Chair, and good
[55:48] Thank you, Madame Chair, and good afternoon everyone, respected members of
[55:50] afternoon everyone, respected members of the committee. I am Nia Marinon from the
[55:53] the committee. I am Nia Marinon from the Union of Local Authorities of the
[55:55] Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and we would like to thank
[55:57] Philippines and we would like to thank the committee for inviting us to share
[55:59] the committee for inviting us to share our inputs and recommendations regarding
[56:02] our inputs and recommendations regarding the proposed measures. Ul would like to
[56:04] the proposed measures. Ul would like to express its support for the proposed
[56:07] express its support for the proposed measure and recognizes the importance of
[56:09] measure and recognizes the importance of gender responsive and hol and a holistic
[56:12] gender responsive and hol and a holistic approach for public health concerns,
[56:14] approach for public health concerns, emergencies, disasters and other health
[56:17] emergencies, disasters and other health events of public concern. While we have
[56:20] events of public concern. While we have yet to formalize our position paper, we
[56:23] yet to formalize our position paper, we respectfully put forth our initial
[56:25] respectfully put forth our initial recommendations for the committee to
[56:27] recommendations for the committee to consider. First, OLAP respectfully
[56:30] consider. First, OLAP respectfully supports the bill's provisions on social
[56:32] supports the bill's provisions on social protection and livelihood support and
[56:35] protection and livelihood support and further recommends the
[56:36] further recommends the institutionalization
[56:38] institutionalization of coordination mechanisms among
[56:40] of coordination mechanisms among national government agencies, LGUs,
[56:44] national government agencies, LGUs, civil society organizations and
[56:46] civil society organizations and non-government organizations.
[56:49] non-government organizations. CSOS and NOS's possess valuable
[56:51] CSOS and NOS's possess valuable community networks, technical expertise
[56:54] community networks, technical expertise and operational capacities that may
[56:57] and operational capacities that may complement government efforts. For
[56:59] complement government efforts. For instance, micro finance institutions and
[57:02] instance, micro finance institutions and other developmentoriented organizations
[57:05] other developmentoriented organizations may serve as implementation partners in
[57:08] may serve as implementation partners in providing flexible financing mechanisms,
[57:11] providing flexible financing mechanisms, entrepreneurship support, capacity
[57:13] entrepreneurship support, capacity building programs, and livelihood
[57:15] building programs, and livelihood assistance tailored toward women
[57:18] assistance tailored toward women affected by disasters and emergencies.
[57:21] affected by disasters and emergencies. Further to this, ULAP like likewise
[57:24] Further to this, ULAP like likewise respectfully recommends the inclusion of
[57:26] respectfully recommends the inclusion of financial literacy and economic
[57:28] financial literacy and economic education programs as integral
[57:30] education programs as integral components of livelihood interventions
[57:33] components of livelihood interventions under the proposed measure. By
[57:35] under the proposed measure. By strengthening women's economic
[57:37] strengthening women's economic capacities prior to and during
[57:40] capacities prior to and during emergencies, the government may better
[57:42] emergencies, the government may better reduce vulnerability to future social
[57:44] reduce vulnerability to future social and economic shocks. Secondly, OLAP
[57:48] and economic shocks. Secondly, OLAP respectfully recommends additional
[57:50] respectfully recommends additional measures specifically addressing
[57:52] measures specifically addressing capacity building and institutional
[57:54] capacity building and institutional support for LGUs. It must be
[57:57] support for LGUs. It must be acknowledged that LGUs operate under
[57:59] acknowledged that LGUs operate under varying levels of fiscal capacity,
[58:02] varying levels of fiscal capacity, administrative capability, and resource
[58:04] administrative capability, and resource availability while simultaneously
[58:07] availability while simultaneously managing multiple competing local
[58:09] managing multiple competing local priorities. In this regard, ULA
[58:12] priorities. In this regard, ULA respectfully recommends the inclusion of
[58:15] respectfully recommends the inclusion of section 20 or the capacity building for
[58:17] section 20 or the capacity building for LGU's provision or section from House
[58:20] LGU's provision or section from House Bill number 3405 in the final version of
[58:23] Bill number 3405 in the final version of the measure to be deliberated. The
[58:26] the measure to be deliberated. The proposed provision appropriately
[58:28] proposed provision appropriately recognizes the responsibility of the
[58:30] recognizes the responsibility of the national government in ensuring that
[58:32] national government in ensuring that LGUs are provided with adequate
[58:35] LGUs are provided with adequate institutional support and sufficient
[58:37] institutional support and sufficient funding to effectively carry out their
[58:40] funding to effectively carry out their obligations under the proposed bill. We
[58:43] obligations under the proposed bill. We also respectfully recommend that LGUs
[58:46] also respectfully recommend that LGUs also be given appropriate channels for
[58:48] also be given appropriate channels for technical assistance to aid them in
[58:50] technical assistance to aid them in implementing the required provisions
[58:52] implementing the required provisions under this act. Lastly, we recommend
[58:55] under this act. Lastly, we recommend that the bill should clearly delineate
[58:58] that the bill should clearly delineate the roles of national government
[58:59] the roles of national government agencies and local government units with
[59:03] agencies and local government units with NGAs providing policy directions,
[59:06] NGAs providing policy directions, standards, and technical assistance
[59:08] standards, and technical assistance while LGUs serve as the primary
[59:10] while LGUs serve as the primary implementers of localized programs. We
[59:14] implementers of localized programs. We also emphasize that the effectiveness of
[59:16] also emphasize that the effectiveness of the proposed measures hinges on its
[59:19] the proposed measures hinges on its localization within existing LGU
[59:22] localization within existing LGU planning and budgeting frameworks.
[59:24] planning and budgeting frameworks. Integration into local DRRM plans and
[59:27] Integration into local DRRM plans and GAD plans should be explicitly mandated
[59:31] GAD plans should be explicitly mandated with corresponding technical guidine
[59:34] with corresponding technical guidine guidance from NGAs.
[59:37] guidance from NGAs. OLAP respectfully sub submits these
[59:39] OLAP respectfully sub submits these initial recommendations for the
[59:41] initial recommendations for the committee to consider and we will submit
[59:43] committee to consider and we will submit our finalized position paper once this
[59:46] our finalized position paper once this has been approved by our national
[59:48] has been approved by our national executive board. Thank you.
[59:53] Thank you so much. We may now proceed
[59:56] Thank you so much. We may now proceed with Chad attorney Hazel Mendoza.
[01:00:01] with Chad attorney Hazel Mendoza. >> Good afternoon Mr. Chair and to Madame
[01:00:03] >> Good afternoon Mr. Chair and to Madame Chair and to the members of the
[01:00:04] Chair and to the members of the committee. So for the commission on
[01:00:06] committee. So for the commission on higher education we interpose no
[01:00:08] higher education we interpose no objection to the proposed measure as we
[01:00:11] objection to the proposed measure as we rec recognize the importance of
[01:00:13] rec recognize the importance of institutionalizing gender responsive and
[01:00:15] institutionalizing gender responsive and inclusive emergency government
[01:00:17] inclusive emergency government governance mechanism particularly those
[01:00:21] governance mechanism particularly those encountered within the higher education
[01:00:22] encountered within the higher education sector during the CO 19 pandemic
[01:00:25] sector during the CO 19 pandemic including disruptions in the learning
[01:00:27] including disruptions in the learning continuity and equal digital access
[01:00:30] continuity and equal digital access psycho psychosocial and mental health
[01:00:32] psycho psychosocial and mental health concerns and the heightened vulner-
[01:00:35] concerns and the heightened vulner- vulnerabilities experienced by women and
[01:00:37] vulnerabilities experienced by women and marginalized sector within higher
[01:00:40] marginalized sector within higher education institutions. On section 2C on
[01:00:43] education institutions. On section 2C on the participation of women stakeholders
[01:00:45] the participation of women stakeholders and sectors in decision-making processes
[01:00:48] and sectors in decision-making processes of house bill numbers 3405 and 7834.
[01:00:53] of house bill numbers 3405 and 7834. We propose to include representation
[01:00:55] We propose to include representation from the higher education sector where
[01:00:57] from the higher education sector where appropriate in consultative and
[01:00:59] appropriate in consultative and coordinating mechanisms related to
[01:01:01] coordinating mechanisms related to emergency governance and gender
[01:01:04] emergency governance and gender responsive policy development on section
[01:01:07] responsive policy development on section three of house bills house bill numbers
[01:01:10] three of house bills house bill numbers 7 3405
[01:01:12] 7 3405 and 7834 on requiring agencies to
[01:01:16] and 7834 on requiring agencies to formulate gender responsive preparedness
[01:01:18] formulate gender responsive preparedness plans and protocols. We recommend to
[01:01:22] plans and protocols. We recommend to provide and provide a section
[01:01:24] provide and provide a section encouraging HIS or the higher education
[01:01:27] encouraging HIS or the higher education institutions to institutionalize gender
[01:01:29] institutions to institutionalize gender responsive learning continuity and
[01:01:31] responsive learning continuity and emergency preparedness frameworks
[01:01:34] emergency preparedness frameworks including flexible learning systems,
[01:01:36] including flexible learning systems, psychosocial support, digital
[01:01:39] psychosocial support, digital accessibility and support systems for
[01:01:42] accessibility and support systems for vulnerable learners. And for all other
[01:01:45] vulnerable learners. And for all other remaining comments, Miss Madame Chair,
[01:01:47] remaining comments, Miss Madame Chair, we will just include that in our
[01:01:49] we will just include that in our official position paper. Thank you very
[01:01:51] official position paper. Thank you very much po.
[01:01:52] much po. >> Thank you so much. We may now proceed to
[01:01:54] >> Thank you so much. We may now proceed to secretary Dante Clink an chairperson
[01:01:57] secretary Dante Clink an chairperson from CFO.
[01:02:00] from CFO. Honorable chairperson,
[01:02:03] Honorable chairperson, um, honorable vice chair, members of the
[01:02:05] um, honorable vice chair, members of the committee, my colleagues in government,
[01:02:07] committee, my colleagues in government, partners in advocacy,
[01:02:10] partners in advocacy, the commission on Filipinos overseas or
[01:02:12] the commission on Filipinos overseas or CFO expresses its appreciation to the
[01:02:15] CFO expresses its appreciation to the House Committee on Women and Gender
[01:02:17] House Committee on Women and Gender Equality for initiating these important
[01:02:20] Equality for initiating these important deliberations on the House bills that
[01:02:21] deliberations on the House bills that were mentioned earlier. They all seek to
[01:02:24] were mentioned earlier. They all seek to establish gender responsive and
[01:02:27] establish gender responsive and inclusive protocols to address the needs
[01:02:29] inclusive protocols to address the needs of women during public health
[01:02:31] of women during public health emergencies, disasters, and other health
[01:02:33] emergencies, disasters, and other health events of public concern. These measures
[01:02:36] events of public concern. These measures are timely, necessary, and deeply
[01:02:38] are timely, necessary, and deeply relevant. They recognize a reality that
[01:02:42] relevant. They recognize a reality that women, girls, migrants, single parents,
[01:02:45] women, girls, migrants, single parents, elderly women, persons with
[01:02:47] elderly women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable
[01:02:49] disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors often face disproportionate
[01:02:51] sectors often face disproportionate risks during public emergencies.
[01:02:55] risks during public emergencies. These vulnerabilities are further
[01:02:57] These vulnerabilities are further intensified among non-resident Filipinos
[01:03:00] intensified among non-resident Filipinos or NRFs or those who are permanently
[01:03:03] or NRFs or those who are permanently residing overseas, particularly women
[01:03:06] residing overseas, particularly women migrants and marriage migrants. They
[01:03:08] migrants and marriage migrants. They often experience isolation, limited
[01:03:11] often experience isolation, limited access to services, immigration related
[01:03:14] access to services, immigration related risks, discrimination, and barriers to
[01:03:17] risks, discrimination, and barriers to assistance in host countries during
[01:03:19] assistance in host countries during emergencies.
[01:03:22] emergencies. These realities underscore why gender
[01:03:24] These realities underscore why gender responsive governance is not optional.
[01:03:27] responsive governance is not optional. It is necessary for the CFO. These
[01:03:31] It is necessary for the CFO. These concerns resonate with our mandate. The
[01:03:35] concerns resonate with our mandate. The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is a
[01:03:37] Commission on Filipinos Overseas is a government agency mandated to promote
[01:03:39] government agency mandated to promote and uphold the interests, rights, and
[01:03:42] and uphold the interests, rights, and welfare of overseas Filipinos. Distinct
[01:03:45] welfare of overseas Filipinos. Distinct from other migrant serving agencies, the
[01:03:48] from other migrant serving agencies, the CFO specifically serves non-resident
[01:03:51] CFO specifically serves non-resident Filipinos or NRFs, including dual
[01:03:53] Filipinos or NRFs, including dual citizens and marriage migrants. The CFO
[01:03:57] citizens and marriage migrants. The CFO serves as the government institution for
[01:04:00] serves as the government institution for diaspora engagement recognizing the
[01:04:02] diaspora engagement recognizing the significant contributions of
[01:04:04] significant contributions of non-resident Filipinos who compro who
[01:04:07] non-resident Filipinos who compro who comprise more than 60% of the estimated
[01:04:10] comprise more than 60% of the estimated 10.7 million Filipinos overseas to
[01:04:14] 10.7 million Filipinos overseas to national development.
[01:04:16] national development. Additionally, the CFO implements
[01:04:18] Additionally, the CFO implements programs for migrant welfare and
[01:04:20] programs for migrant welfare and protection, including chairing the
[01:04:23] protection, including chairing the Eyakat advocacy and communications
[01:04:25] Eyakat advocacy and communications committee or advocac and leading
[01:04:28] committee or advocac and leading information and education campaigns
[01:04:30] information and education campaigns against trafficking, exploitation, and
[01:04:33] against trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. These highlight the CFO's vital
[01:04:36] abuse. These highlight the CFO's vital role in safeguarding the interest of a
[01:04:39] role in safeguarding the interest of a diverse NRF population.
[01:04:42] diverse NRF population. Therefore, the commission welcomes the
[01:04:44] Therefore, the commission welcomes the efforts of Congress to institutionalize
[01:04:47] efforts of Congress to institutionalize stronger protection measures and more
[01:04:50] stronger protection measures and more inclus inclusive emergency response
[01:04:53] inclus inclusive emergency response frameworks. At the same time, the CFO
[01:04:56] frameworks. At the same time, the CFO respectfully recommends the key policy
[01:04:59] respectfully recommends the key policy recommendations outlined in our position
[01:05:02] recommendations outlined in our position paper, which includes number one,
[01:05:05] paper, which includes number one, integration of non-resident Filipinos or
[01:05:08] integration of non-resident Filipinos or NRFs in data and monitoring systems.
[01:05:11] NRFs in data and monitoring systems. Number two, institutionalize stronger
[01:05:14] Number two, institutionalize stronger coordination among the CFO, DFA, DMW,
[01:05:18] coordination among the CFO, DFA, DMW, OA, and foreign service post.
[01:05:22] OA, and foreign service post. enhancing ICT provisions to ensure
[01:05:24] enhancing ICT provisions to ensure systematic outreach to NRFs.
[01:05:28] systematic outreach to NRFs. Formal inclusion of the CFO among the
[01:05:30] Formal inclusion of the CFO among the agencies mandated to protect women and
[01:05:32] agencies mandated to protect women and women migrants and their children.
[01:05:35] women migrants and their children. Inclusion of a provision on economic
[01:05:37] Inclusion of a provision on economic empowerment that address debts incurred
[01:05:41] empowerment that address debts incurred by repatriated migrants to strengthen
[01:05:43] by repatriated migrants to strengthen their reintegration process. And lastly,
[01:05:46] their reintegration process. And lastly, authorized to assign CFO ataches and
[01:05:50] authorized to assign CFO ataches and honorary diaspora representatives to
[01:05:52] honorary diaspora representatives to work with Filipino diaspora communities.
[01:05:56] work with Filipino diaspora communities. To conclude, the CFO wishes to highlight
[01:05:59] To conclude, the CFO wishes to highlight that NRFs are active partners in
[01:06:02] that NRFs are active partners in resilience and recovery. Through the
[01:06:04] resilience and recovery. Through the CFO's Linkod Sakapawa Filipino Program
[01:06:07] CFO's Linkod Sakapawa Filipino Program or Linkapil, NRFs and Philippine
[01:06:10] or Linkapil, NRFs and Philippine Diaspora organizations have consistently
[01:06:13] Diaspora organizations have consistently provided aid, funds, and medical support
[01:06:16] provided aid, funds, and medical support to Philippine communities.
[01:06:20] to Philippine communities. Over the past couple of decades,
[01:06:22] Over the past couple of decades, donations to the Linkapill program have
[01:06:24] donations to the Linkapill program have totaled 3.4 4 billion pesos in cash and
[01:06:27] totaled 3.4 4 billion pesos in cash and goods that should be channeled to
[01:06:29] goods that should be channeled to development initiatives including
[01:06:31] development initiatives including efforts to bolster the safety of women
[01:06:34] efforts to bolster the safety of women and others in times of need.
[01:06:37] and others in times of need. This demonstrated strength, compassion,
[01:06:40] This demonstrated strength, compassion, and solidarity of our diaspora. As we
[01:06:43] and solidarity of our diaspora. As we deliberate on these important measures,
[01:06:46] deliberate on these important measures, we hope that the voices and realities of
[01:06:48] we hope that the voices and realities of migrant women and non-resident Filipinos
[01:06:52] migrant women and non-resident Filipinos remain central to the legislation. The
[01:06:54] remain central to the legislation. The CFO stands ready to collaborate with
[01:06:57] CFO stands ready to collaborate with Congress and all stakeholders to
[01:06:59] Congress and all stakeholders to strengthen these bills, creating a more
[01:07:01] strengthen these bills, creating a more responsive, compassionate, and inclusive
[01:07:04] responsive, compassionate, and inclusive emergency governance framework for all
[01:07:06] emergency governance framework for all Filipinos wherever they may be.
[01:07:13] >> Thank you, sir. Secretary Clink, may we
[01:07:16] >> Thank you, sir. Secretary Clink, may we now um call on our
[01:07:19] now um call on our brand from Philippine Commission on
[01:07:21] brand from Philippine Commission on Women, Supervising Gad Specialist,
[01:07:24] Women, Supervising Gad Specialist, Armando
[01:07:26] Armando Orcs Celia Jr.
[01:07:29] Orcs Celia Jr. >> Maganda po. Madame Chair, uh on behalf
[01:07:32] >> Maganda po. Madame Chair, uh on behalf of our chairperson, Hermalita Vald de
[01:07:34] of our chairperson, Hermalita Vald de Avilia, we would like to express our
[01:07:37] Avilia, we would like to express our full support for the proposed measures
[01:07:39] full support for the proposed measures as it is part of the PCW's women's
[01:07:42] as it is part of the PCW's women's priority legislative agenda for the 28th
[01:07:45] priority legislative agenda for the 28th Congress, particularly under the pillar
[01:07:47] Congress, particularly under the pillar three, institutionalizing and promoting
[01:07:50] three, institutionalizing and promoting gender responsive governance. We also
[01:07:53] gender responsive governance. We also recognize and commend the authors of
[01:07:54] recognize and commend the authors of these proposed bills for championing the
[01:07:57] these proposed bills for championing the rights and welfare of women, especially
[01:07:59] rights and welfare of women, especially during times of crisis and
[01:08:00] during times of crisis and vulnerability. In light of lessons from
[01:08:03] vulnerability. In light of lessons from the COVID 19 pandemic, it is imperative
[01:08:06] the COVID 19 pandemic, it is imperative to institutionalize gender responsive
[01:08:08] to institutionalize gender responsive interventions and mechanisms that will
[01:08:10] interventions and mechanisms that will strengthen preparedness, resilience, and
[01:08:13] strengthen preparedness, resilience, and inclusive responses to future public
[01:08:15] inclusive responses to future public health emergencies and disasters. We
[01:08:18] health emergencies and disasters. We have already submitted our position
[01:08:20] have already submitted our position paper for consideration of the honorable
[01:08:23] paper for consideration of the honorable authors and the committee. But allow us
[01:08:25] authors and the committee. But allow us to highlight some few points that we
[01:08:27] to highlight some few points that we support with the the current versions of
[01:08:30] support with the the current versions of our uh filed bills. Uh we endorse the
[01:08:35] our uh filed bills. Uh we endorse the adoption of survivor centered human
[01:08:37] adoption of survivor centered human rightsbased and do no do no harm
[01:08:39] rightsbased and do no do no harm approaches and we strongly support the
[01:08:42] approaches and we strongly support the requirement for women to hold at least
[01:08:44] requirement for women to hold at least 40% of membership in all development or
[01:08:47] 40% of membership in all development or response councils. We emphasize that
[01:08:50] response councils. We emphasize that this this aligns with section 11 of the
[01:08:53] this this aligns with section 11 of the republic act number 9710 or the Magna
[01:08:57] republic act number 9710 or the Magna Carta of women which mandates that women
[01:08:59] Carta of women which mandates that women must hold at least 40% of seats in local
[01:09:02] must hold at least 40% of seats in local development councils, planning bodies
[01:09:04] development councils, planning bodies and other decision making and policym
[01:09:07] and other decision making and policym bodies.
[01:09:09] bodies. Likewise, we also advocate for the
[01:09:11] Likewise, we also advocate for the uninterrupted functionality of
[01:09:14] uninterrupted functionality of gender-based violence services and
[01:09:16] gender-based violence services and sexual and reproductive health rights
[01:09:18] sexual and reproductive health rights during lockdowns. We have known uh the a
[01:09:21] during lockdowns. We have known uh the a lot of experience and anecdotes uh that
[01:09:25] lot of experience and anecdotes uh that women experience during the pandemic.
[01:09:27] women experience during the pandemic. So, um we we support the uninterrupted
[01:09:31] So, um we we support the uninterrupted uh services to be provided. Um allow us
[01:09:35] uh services to be provided. Um allow us to also propose uh related to uh the
[01:09:39] to also propose uh related to uh the flexible work arrangement. We propose
[01:09:42] flexible work arrangement. We propose that the dole and the CSC shall uh
[01:09:44] that the dole and the CSC shall uh ensure the adoption of gender sensitive
[01:09:46] ensure the adoption of gender sensitive alternative work arrangements during
[01:09:49] alternative work arrangements during pandemic public health emergencies and
[01:09:51] pandemic public health emergencies and other crisis situations. This
[01:09:53] other crisis situations. This arrangement shall prioritize women's
[01:09:55] arrangement shall prioritize women's safety, security, and well-being,
[01:09:58] safety, security, and well-being, specifically addressing the heightened
[01:10:00] specifically addressing the heightened risk of domestic violence and the surge
[01:10:02] risk of domestic violence and the surge in unpaid care work during community
[01:10:04] in unpaid care work during community quarantine quarantines or lockdowns. The
[01:10:07] quarantine quarantines or lockdowns. The state shall guarantee that such
[01:10:09] state shall guarantee that such arrangement do not result to in unpaid
[01:10:11] arrangement do not result to in unpaid care burden, income loss or career
[01:10:14] care burden, income loss or career progression penalties for women workers.
[01:10:18] progression penalties for women workers. And um also we would like to make uh
[01:10:22] And um also we would like to make uh clarification on the uh gender and
[01:10:24] clarification on the uh gender and development budget as mentioned in the
[01:10:27] development budget as mentioned in the proposed bill. Uh we would like to
[01:10:28] proposed bill. Uh we would like to clarify that the guide budget is not a
[01:10:32] clarify that the guide budget is not a separate funding source. Accordingly,
[01:10:34] separate funding source. Accordingly, unless god related interventions are
[01:10:36] unless god related interventions are integrated into the agency's regular
[01:10:39] integrated into the agency's regular budget, there will be no dedicated funds
[01:10:42] budget, there will be no dedicated funds available to support these measures. In
[01:10:44] available to support these measures. In this regard, the PCW proposes the state
[01:10:47] this regard, the PCW proposes the state likewise explore maximize the
[01:10:49] likewise explore maximize the utilization of official development
[01:10:51] utilization of official development assistance or ODA subject to existing
[01:10:54] assistance or ODA subject to existing laws, rules, regulations and donor
[01:10:56] laws, rules, regulations and donor requirements as complimentary financing
[01:10:58] requirements as complimentary financing mechanism for the implementation of
[01:11:01] mechanism for the implementation of gender responsive emergency pandemic
[01:11:03] gender responsive emergency pandemic disaster risk reduction, recovery,
[01:11:06] disaster risk reduction, recovery, rehabilitation, resilience building and
[01:11:08] rehabilitation, resilience building and public health programs under this act.
[01:11:11] public health programs under this act. And lastly, uh, regarding the
[01:11:14] And lastly, uh, regarding the development of the national plan and the
[01:11:16] development of the national plan and the IRR, we subscribe to the coordination
[01:11:18] IRR, we subscribe to the coordination model in House Bill 84 07 and House Bill
[01:11:22] model in House Bill 84 07 and House Bill number 6881 where uh uh we endorse the
[01:11:27] number 6881 where uh uh we endorse the structure where the PCW co-leads the
[01:11:29] structure where the PCW co-leads the task force with the MDRC to ensure that
[01:11:31] task force with the MDRC to ensure that gender responsive planning is integrated
[01:11:34] gender responsive planning is integrated into the national disaster management's
[01:11:36] into the national disaster management's strategy. That will be all madam chair.
[01:11:38] strategy. That will be all madam chair. Thank you very much.
[01:11:44] Thank you, sir. So, we may now proceed
[01:11:46] Thank you, sir. So, we may now proceed with
[01:11:51] Attorney Ra de Mayuga.
[01:11:55] Good afternoon, Madame Chair and the
[01:11:57] Good afternoon, Madame Chair and the members of this committee.
[01:12:01] members of this committee. The department recognizes the intent of
[01:12:03] The department recognizes the intent of the bills in guaranteeing measures on
[01:12:06] the bills in guaranteeing measures on gender responsive and inclusive pandemic
[01:12:09] gender responsive and inclusive pandemic management.
[01:12:10] management. Not only because these bills advocate
[01:12:13] Not only because these bills advocate for the welfare of women, but these
[01:12:15] for the welfare of women, but these legal measures also ensure that
[01:12:18] legal measures also ensure that marginalized women are prioritized in
[01:12:20] marginalized women are prioritized in emergencies.
[01:12:22] emergencies. Madame Chair, we have initial inputs.
[01:12:25] Madame Chair, we have initial inputs. However, we are in the process of
[01:12:27] However, we are in the process of finalizing our consolidated department
[01:12:30] finalizing our consolidated department technical inputs and as such upon once
[01:12:34] technical inputs and as such upon once the set of comments are available,
[01:12:37] the set of comments are available, reviewed and approved by our senior
[01:12:39] reviewed and approved by our senior officials, we will submit them the
[01:12:41] officials, we will submit them the soonest time possible. Thank you ma'am.
[01:12:45] soonest time possible. Thank you ma'am. >> That is noted. Thank you so much. from
[01:12:47] >> That is noted. Thank you so much. from DICT. May we call on Ma'am Daniela
[01:12:51] DICT. May we call on Ma'am Daniela Bianca Buana.
[01:12:58] Madame Chair and to the esteemed members
[01:13:00] Madame Chair and to the esteemed members of the committee,
[01:13:02] of the committee, the Department of Information and
[01:13:04] the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Of course, I
[01:13:06] Communications Technology. Of course, I am here in behalf of our Secretary Henry
[01:13:08] am here in behalf of our Secretary Henry Aguda supports the proposed bills. We
[01:13:11] Aguda supports the proposed bills. We recognize that these bills are critical
[01:13:14] recognize that these bills are critical because they institutionalize gender
[01:13:16] because they institutionalize gender responsive system and ensure women's
[01:13:19] responsive system and ensure women's strategic leadership role. This is to
[01:13:22] strategic leadership role. This is to address the disproport disproportionate
[01:13:24] address the disproport disproportionate health, economic and unpaid care burdens
[01:13:27] health, economic and unpaid care burdens women and other marginalized sectors
[01:13:28] women and other marginalized sectors face during this um emergency and crisis
[01:13:32] face during this um emergency and crisis situations. They fill vital legislative
[01:13:35] situations. They fill vital legislative gaps by providing enforceable mechanisms
[01:13:38] gaps by providing enforceable mechanisms that guarantee the cont continuity of
[01:13:40] that guarantee the cont continuity of essential services including legal
[01:13:42] essential services including legal protections like protection orders and
[01:13:45] protections like protection orders and reproductive health rights while um
[01:13:48] reproductive health rights while um specifically safeguarding marginalized
[01:13:50] specifically safeguarding marginalized groups especially the LGBTQIA plus
[01:13:53] groups especially the LGBTQIA plus community. Uh furthermore, the measures
[01:13:56] community. Uh furthermore, the measures address the shadow pandemic of increased
[01:13:58] address the shadow pandemic of increased violence by prioritizing mental health
[01:14:00] violence by prioritizing mental health support, ensuring the continuation of
[01:14:03] support, ensuring the continuation of education for girl learners, and
[01:14:05] education for girl learners, and imposing stricter penalties for
[01:14:07] imposing stricter penalties for gender-based crimes committed within
[01:14:09] gender-based crimes committed within emergency or quarantine set quarantine
[01:14:11] emergency or quarantine set quarantine settings. The Department of Information
[01:14:13] settings. The Department of Information and Communications Technology
[01:14:15] and Communications Technology acknowledges its vital role as indicated
[01:14:18] acknowledges its vital role as indicated in each of the bills and we are
[01:14:20] in each of the bills and we are committed to delivering our part of the
[01:14:22] committed to delivering our part of the work in providing gender responsive and
[01:14:25] work in providing gender responsive and inclusive services such as ICT literacy
[01:14:28] inclusive services such as ICT literacy and access for all among many others not
[01:14:31] and access for all among many others not only to women and but as well as members
[01:14:33] only to women and but as well as members of the marginalized sectors.
[01:14:35] of the marginalized sectors. Salamat po for giving us the opportunity
[01:14:37] Salamat po for giving us the opportunity to be to be part of this meeting.
[01:14:42] to be to be part of this meeting. >> Thank you so much. Also from DFA Asc
[01:14:44] >> Thank you so much. Also from DFA Asc Angelica Escalana.
[01:14:57] >> Good afternoon, Madame Chair, the
[01:14:59] >> Good afternoon, Madame Chair, the honorable committee members and
[01:15:01] honorable committee members and colleagues. The Department of Foreign
[01:15:03] colleagues. The Department of Foreign Affairs supports the objectives of the
[01:15:06] Affairs supports the objectives of the proposed bills from a migration point of
[01:15:09] proposed bills from a migration point of view. The bills support the DFA's
[01:15:12] view. The bills support the DFA's mandate to ensure the protection and
[01:15:14] mandate to ensure the protection and welfare of overseas Filipinos
[01:15:18] welfare of overseas Filipinos through Philippine embassies and
[01:15:20] through Philippine embassies and consulates abroad. We provide assistance
[01:15:23] consulates abroad. We provide assistance to national services to overseas
[01:15:25] to national services to overseas Filipinos in distress. The proposed
[01:15:28] Filipinos in distress. The proposed bills are also generally consistent with
[01:15:31] bills are also generally consistent with our obligations under international
[01:15:34] our obligations under international treaties such as the convention on the
[01:15:37] treaties such as the convention on the elimination of discrimination against
[01:15:39] elimination of discrimination against women or sedo among others. Madame
[01:15:42] women or sedo among others. Madame chair, we will submit our detailed
[01:15:44] chair, we will submit our detailed comments in writing. Thank you.
[01:15:48] >> Thank you so much. uh our
[01:15:52] >> Thank you so much. uh our um good friend from our colleague from
[01:15:55] um good friend from our colleague from UN Director Ricarde Abuhala.
[01:15:59] UN Director Ricarde Abuhala. Would you like to say something also
[01:16:00] Would you like to say something also sir?
[01:16:01] sir? >> Uh good afternoon madam chair.
[01:16:02] >> Uh good afternoon madam chair. >> Good afternoon. Nice to see you again.
[01:16:04] >> Good afternoon. Nice to see you again. >> Likewise. Uh I actually our assistant
[01:16:07] >> Likewise. Uh I actually our assistant secretary escalan has already mentioned
[01:16:09] secretary escalan has already mentioned all the pertinent details that I would
[01:16:11] all the pertinent details that I would also like to mention. So nothing further
[01:16:14] also like to mention. So nothing further to add madame chair.
[01:16:15] to add madame chair. >> All right. Thank you director.
[01:16:18] >> All right. Thank you director. Next is from DSWD
[01:16:22] Next is from DSWD special committee on LGBTQIA USC
[01:16:25] special committee on LGBTQIA USC attorney Ellen Pashan.
[01:16:40] >> Um good afternoon madame chair in behalf
[01:16:43] >> Um good afternoon madame chair in behalf of US Pashon. I am attorney Anthony Mark
[01:16:46] of US Pashon. I am attorney Anthony Mark Democ, the DLLO of DSWD. Um, the DSWD
[01:16:50] Democ, the DLLO of DSWD. Um, the DSWD fully supports this legislation as the
[01:16:54] fully supports this legislation as the uh primary social protection agency of
[01:16:57] uh primary social protection agency of our government. We we fully support this
[01:17:00] our government. We we fully support this important legislation in in protecting
[01:17:03] important legislation in in protecting gender equality.
[01:17:06] gender equality. Um, all of these bills are consistent
[01:17:10] Um, all of these bills are consistent with the mandate of the DSWD.
[01:17:13] with the mandate of the DSWD. Madame Chair, we will submit our
[01:17:16] Madame Chair, we will submit our official position paper once signed by
[01:17:18] official position paper once signed by our secretary which we put our detailed
[01:17:22] our secretary which we put our detailed um comments in the various bills that
[01:17:25] um comments in the various bills that are
[01:17:27] are uh that are being heard today. Thank
[01:17:31] uh that are being heard today. Thank you.
[01:17:34] >> Thank you. Now we call on our uh friends
[01:17:38] >> Thank you. Now we call on our uh friends from department of education under
[01:17:41] from department of education under secretary Mel John Versasa.
[01:17:45] secretary Mel John Versasa. Thank you madame chair
[01:17:50] uh to all the members of the committee
[01:17:52] uh to all the members of the committee fellow uh public servants. Good
[01:17:54] fellow uh public servants. Good afternoon.
[01:17:55] afternoon. The department of uh education wishes to
[01:17:58] The department of uh education wishes to uh
[01:18:00] uh uh or supports no the and recommends the
[01:18:02] uh or supports no the and recommends the passage of the house bill 6881 3405 8407
[01:18:07] passage of the house bill 6881 3405 8407 and 7834
[01:18:09] and 7834 and uh prior to the submission madame
[01:18:12] and uh prior to the submission madame chair of our written comment may we wish
[01:18:15] chair of our written comment may we wish to share no some of uh our insights on
[01:18:19] to share no some of uh our insights on the uh proposed bill one we wish to uh
[01:18:22] the uh proposed bill one we wish to uh emphasize and commend the uh
[01:18:24] emphasize and commend the uh institutionalization ation of the uh
[01:18:27] institutionalization ation of the uh survivor centered and human rights based
[01:18:30] survivor centered and human rights based approach to disaster management to
[01:18:32] approach to disaster management to ensure the Philippine basic or
[01:18:34] ensure the Philippine basic or Philippine education system remains a
[01:18:36] Philippine education system remains a safe and inclusive space during national
[01:18:39] safe and inclusive space during national emergency. A primary focus of the
[01:18:41] emergency. A primary focus of the department is the mandatory development
[01:18:44] department is the mandatory development of gender responsive plans within 60
[01:18:46] of gender responsive plans within 60 days of the national plan implementation
[01:18:49] days of the national plan implementation ensuring that the disaster response is
[01:18:51] ensuring that the disaster response is proactive than reactive. Reped advocates
[01:18:55] proactive than reactive. Reped advocates for the educational continuity to be
[01:18:58] for the educational continuity to be recognized as a core component of early
[01:19:00] recognized as a core component of early recovery and vital social protection
[01:19:03] recovery and vital social protection ensuring that the restoration of basic
[01:19:05] ensuring that the restoration of basic education services catalyze
[01:19:09] education services catalyze sustainable development post crisis.
[01:19:12] sustainable development post crisis. Also, Madame Chair, we wish to also
[01:19:15] Also, Madame Chair, we wish to also support the uh classification of the uh
[01:19:19] support the uh classification of the uh gender based violence response as
[01:19:21] gender based violence response as essential service that uh must uh remain
[01:19:24] essential service that uh must uh remain functional even during lockdowns or
[01:19:26] functional even during lockdowns or quarantines. No. Uh learning from our
[01:19:28] quarantines. No. Uh learning from our experience in uh 2019 and uh the post
[01:19:32] experience in uh 2019 and uh the post pandemic. We learned valuable lesson and
[01:19:34] pandemic. We learned valuable lesson and we wish also to share uh this uh
[01:19:37] we wish also to share uh this uh learnings to the committee so that we
[01:19:39] learnings to the committee so that we can be able to uh uh craft a more uh
[01:19:45] can be able to uh uh craft a more uh objective uh inclusive uh response on to
[01:19:49] objective uh inclusive uh response on to to these issues. This regal uh
[01:19:52] to these issues. This regal uh classification ensures that the
[01:19:53] classification ensures that the school-based child protection committee
[01:19:55] school-based child protection committee and referral pathways remain accessible
[01:19:57] and referral pathways remain accessible lifelines for learners especially
[01:20:00] lifelines for learners especially regarding the online uh genderbased
[01:20:03] regarding the online uh genderbased violence response. Also uh madame chair
[01:20:06] violence response. Also uh madame chair we wish also to uh point out that uh
[01:20:11] we wish also to uh point out that uh bridging the digital divide is another
[01:20:13] bridging the digital divide is another critical priority uh with deped
[01:20:15] critical priority uh with deped recommending that uh to strengthen or
[01:20:18] recommending that uh to strengthen or strengthening the ICT literacy and
[01:20:21] strengthening the ICT literacy and access for women and girls in poor and
[01:20:23] access for women and girls in poor and remote communities. This effort should
[01:20:25] remote communities. This effort should be integrated into distance learning
[01:20:28] be integrated into distance learning initiative to ensure that last mileile
[01:20:30] initiative to ensure that last mileile schools are not left behind while
[01:20:32] schools are not left behind while providing listenable reasonable
[01:20:33] providing listenable reasonable accommodation like Filipino sign
[01:20:35] accommodation like Filipino sign language for learners with disabilities
[01:20:38] language for learners with disabilities and uh also the department supports the
[01:20:41] and uh also the department supports the uh mandate
[01:20:43] uh mandate that uh 40% female representation in the
[01:20:46] that uh 40% female representation in the development and response council noting
[01:20:48] development and response council noting that uh because majority of the teaching
[01:20:50] that uh because majority of the teaching workforce is female uh their voices are
[01:20:53] workforce is female uh their voices are essential formulating disaster
[01:20:55] essential formulating disaster management policies that affect their
[01:20:58] management policies that affect their safety and working condition
[01:21:01] safety and working condition uh for welfare of its personnel. Deped
[01:21:03] uh for welfare of its personnel. Deped recommends that uh preparedness plans to
[01:21:06] recommends that uh preparedness plans to include specific guidelines for
[01:21:08] include specific guidelines for alternative work arrangement that
[01:21:09] alternative work arrangement that account for gender differentiated needs
[01:21:12] account for gender differentiated needs for of female employees such as those
[01:21:14] for of female employees such as those who are pregnant or who have primary
[01:21:18] who are pregnant or who have primary caregiving responsibility.
[01:21:20] caregiving responsibility. Uh in total ultimately the uh deped
[01:21:22] Uh in total ultimately the uh deped affirms that these measures are landmark
[01:21:25] affirms that these measures are landmark steps to ensure that gender equality is
[01:21:27] steps to ensure that gender equality is not sacrificed during national emergency
[01:21:30] not sacrificed during national emergency and that no learner is left behind. So
[01:21:32] and that no learner is left behind. So madame chair we will uh finalize and we
[01:21:35] madame chair we will uh finalize and we shall await for the uh uh final approval
[01:21:38] shall await for the uh uh final approval of our position paper to be uh submitted
[01:21:42] of our position paper to be uh submitted uh this week. Madame chair, thank you.
[01:21:44] uh this week. Madame chair, thank you. >> Julie noted usek my compar good friend
[01:21:47] >> Julie noted usek my compar good friend of my husband. Thank you so much
[01:21:50] of my husband. Thank you so much >> from our friends
[01:21:53] >> from our friends in DND, Attorney Joseph Feran Aola.
[01:21:59] >> Good afternoon, Madame Chair.
[01:22:01] >> Good afternoon, Madame Chair. >> Thank you. On the part of the Department
[01:22:02] >> Thank you. On the part of the Department of National Defense, we would like to
[01:22:04] of National Defense, we would like to inform the committee that the department
[01:22:07] inform the committee that the department fully supports these measures that would
[01:22:11] fully supports these measures that would address the needs of women during public
[01:22:13] address the needs of women during public health emergencies, disasters, and other
[01:22:17] health emergencies, disasters, and other health events of public concern.
[01:22:19] health events of public concern. Unfortunately, Madame Chair, the
[01:22:21] Unfortunately, Madame Chair, the official position paper of the
[01:22:23] official position paper of the department is still under review and we
[01:22:26] department is still under review and we will gladly submit this position paper
[01:22:29] will gladly submit this position paper to the committee once approved by the
[01:22:31] to the committee once approved by the honorable secretary of national defense.
[01:22:33] honorable secretary of national defense. Madame Chair, thank you.
[01:22:36] Madame Chair, thank you. >> That is noted. Attorney, thank you. We
[01:22:39] >> That is noted. Attorney, thank you. We may now call on our executive director
[01:22:41] may now call on our executive director from PLCPD, Maria Aurora Kilala.
[01:22:46] from PLCPD, Maria Aurora Kilala. >> Thank you, Madame Chair. I'd like to
[01:22:47] >> Thank you, Madame Chair. I'd like to acknowledge our members and officers who
[01:22:50] acknowledge our members and officers who are here. Our chair uh honorable Crystal
[01:22:52] are here. Our chair uh honorable Crystal Lugman is here and the authors of the
[01:22:55] Lugman is here and the authors of the bill are also members and officers of
[01:22:58] bill are also members and officers of PLCD and the chair herself. So, thank
[01:23:01] PLCD and the chair herself. So, thank you very much for inviting PLCPD
[01:23:04] you very much for inviting PLCPD represented by the secretariat in this
[01:23:06] represented by the secretariat in this uh important deliberation this
[01:23:08] uh important deliberation this afternoon. The bills recognize that
[01:23:10] afternoon. The bills recognize that emergencies are not genderneutral. They
[01:23:13] emergencies are not genderneutral. They acknowledge that policies crafted
[01:23:15] acknowledge that policies crafted without a gender lens risk reinforcing
[01:23:17] without a gender lens risk reinforcing existing inequalities and excluding th
[01:23:20] existing inequalities and excluding th those most vulnerable from access to
[01:23:22] those most vulnerable from access to services, protection and decision-making
[01:23:25] services, protection and decision-making processes. In this regard, PLCPD
[01:23:28] processes. In this regard, PLCPD expresses its strong support for the
[01:23:30] expresses its strong support for the immediate passage of these bills and um
[01:23:33] immediate passage of these bills and um I would like to go straight to our
[01:23:35] I would like to go straight to our recommendations which we respectfully
[01:23:37] recommendations which we respectfully submit to the committee for
[01:23:39] submit to the committee for consideration to further strengthen the
[01:23:41] consideration to further strengthen the the bills and ensure its effective and
[01:23:44] the bills and ensure its effective and inclusive implementation. First,
[01:23:47] inclusive implementation. First, dedicated funding support, technical
[01:23:50] dedicated funding support, technical assistance, capacity building, and
[01:23:52] assistance, capacity building, and institutional strengthening from
[01:23:53] institutional strengthening from national government agencies to local
[01:23:56] national government agencies to local government units to ensure that
[01:23:58] government units to ensure that implementation is feasible, equitable,
[01:24:01] implementation is feasible, equitable, and sustainable across all localities.
[01:24:03] and sustainable across all localities. Second, monitoring and evaluation
[01:24:06] Second, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to help guarantee compliance
[01:24:08] mechanisms to help guarantee compliance and responsiveness during emergencies,
[01:24:11] and responsiveness during emergencies, such as regular reporting requirements,
[01:24:13] such as regular reporting requirements, measurable gender responsive indicators,
[01:24:16] measurable gender responsive indicators, periodic assessments of preparedness
[01:24:18] periodic assessments of preparedness systems, and strengthened monitoring
[01:24:20] systems, and strengthened monitoring roles of agencies such as the Philippine
[01:24:22] roles of agencies such as the Philippine Commission on Women and the Commission
[01:24:24] Commission on Women and the Commission on Human Rights. Third, representation
[01:24:27] on Human Rights. Third, representation of women belonging to vulnerable and
[01:24:30] of women belonging to vulnerable and marginalized sectors, including
[01:24:32] marginalized sectors, including internally displaced women, indigenous
[01:24:34] internally displaced women, indigenous women, Muslim women, women with
[01:24:37] women, Muslim women, women with disabilities, women from rural and urban
[01:24:40] disabilities, women from rural and urban poor communities, migrant women, and
[01:24:42] poor communities, migrant women, and grassroots women leaders in local
[01:24:44] grassroots women leaders in local development and response councils.
[01:24:48] development and response councils. Fourth uh inclusion or including a
[01:24:50] Fourth uh inclusion or including a section on special protection or social
[01:24:54] section on special protection or social protection for women in informal
[01:24:56] protection for women in informal economy. Majority of Filipinos work in
[01:24:59] economy. Majority of Filipinos work in the informal sector. It's I think it's
[01:25:01] the informal sector. It's I think it's about 70% with a large number of these
[01:25:05] about 70% with a large number of these uh being women uh working in lowpaying
[01:25:09] uh being women uh working in lowpaying unregulated jobs. Women in informal
[01:25:12] unregulated jobs. Women in informal economy are already vulnerable as it is
[01:25:15] economy are already vulnerable as it is but during emergencies they face extreme
[01:25:18] but during emergencies they face extreme vulnerability and therefore need um
[01:25:21] vulnerability and therefore need um protection from the state. Uh fifth uh
[01:25:25] protection from the state. Uh fifth uh through the respective session sections
[01:25:29] through the respective session sections on uh sexual and reproductive health and
[01:25:31] on uh sexual and reproductive health and rights and essential services package
[01:25:35] rights and essential services package the institutionalization of the
[01:25:37] the institutionalization of the provision and implementation of minimum
[01:25:39] provision and implementation of minimum initial service package or MISP for SRH.
[01:25:44] initial service package or MISP for SRH. Uh this will be consistent with a joint
[01:25:46] Uh this will be consistent with a joint memorandum circular of the department of
[01:25:48] memorandum circular of the department of health, department of social welfare and
[01:25:50] health, department of social welfare and development, department of interior and
[01:25:52] development, department of interior and local government and the OCD or office
[01:25:55] local government and the OCD or office of civil defense on the implementation
[01:25:57] of civil defense on the implementation of MISP for SRH. The MISP is a set of
[01:26:02] of MISP for SRH. The MISP is a set of crucial life-saving activities or
[01:26:04] crucial life-saving activities or interventions designed to be implemented
[01:26:07] interventions designed to be implemented within the first 48 hours of a
[01:26:10] within the first 48 hours of a humanitarian crisis. The goal of MISP is
[01:26:13] humanitarian crisis. The goal of MISP is to prevent maternal and newborn
[01:26:15] to prevent maternal and newborn mortality
[01:26:16] mortality uh the spread of HIV or HIV and SDI
[01:26:22] uh the spread of HIV or HIV and SDI transmission to prevent unintended
[01:26:24] transmission to prevent unintended pregnancies and to manage the
[01:26:26] pregnancies and to manage the consequences of sexual sexual violence
[01:26:31] consequences of sexual sexual violence and related to this u gender responsive
[01:26:34] and related to this u gender responsive standards in evacuation centers and
[01:26:37] standards in evacuation centers and transitional shelters. Continuity of
[01:26:40] transitional shelters. Continuity of essential services in displacement
[01:26:41] essential services in displacement contexts, protection against sexual
[01:26:44] contexts, protection against sexual exploitation and abuse as well as
[01:26:46] exploitation and abuse as well as gender-based violence in temporary
[01:26:48] gender-based violence in temporary settlements and coordination with
[01:26:50] settlements and coordination with broader humanitarian protection and
[01:26:52] broader humanitarian protection and durable solutions frameworks. And
[01:26:54] durable solutions frameworks. And lastly, child-sensitive and adolescent
[01:26:57] lastly, child-sensitive and adolescent responsive protection measures
[01:26:59] responsive protection measures throughout the proposed legislation,
[01:27:01] throughout the proposed legislation, ensuring continuity of education,
[01:27:03] ensuring continuity of education, child-friendly and gender sensitive
[01:27:06] child-friendly and gender sensitive evacuation and quarantine facilities,
[01:27:08] evacuation and quarantine facilities, adolescent mental health and
[01:27:10] adolescent mental health and psychosocial support, and protection
[01:27:12] psychosocial support, and protection against online sexual exploitation and
[01:27:14] against online sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking and violence during
[01:27:16] abuse, trafficking and violence during emergencies. Strengthening coordination
[01:27:19] emergencies. Strengthening coordination with existing child protection laws and
[01:27:21] with existing child protection laws and mechanisms will further reinforce the
[01:27:23] mechanisms will further reinforce the holistic and rightsbased approach of the
[01:27:26] holistic and rightsbased approach of the proposed measures. Uh we reiterate our
[01:27:28] proposed measures. Uh we reiterate our full support for the immediate pass
[01:27:30] full support for the immediate pass passage of these bills and we also
[01:27:33] passage of these bills and we also respectfully request to be included in
[01:27:35] respectfully request to be included in uh technical working group discussions
[01:27:37] uh technical working group discussions or further consultations on the bills
[01:27:41] or further consultations on the bills po.
[01:27:44] po. Thank you so much ma'am.
[01:27:49] from Dilg. We may now call on Len Lon
[01:27:53] from Dilg. We may now call on Len Lon Aguilar
[01:27:55] Aguilar Lon. Uh
[01:27:56] Lon. Uh >> Madame Chair, maybe may I be allowed
[01:27:58] >> Madame Chair, maybe may I be allowed instead
[01:27:59] instead >> to uh read our manifestation?
[01:28:02] >> to uh read our manifestation? >> Yes. Hon Madame Chair and to the other
[01:28:05] >> Yes. Hon Madame Chair and to the other members of the committee, to my
[01:28:07] members of the committee, to my colleagues in public service and of
[01:28:09] colleagues in public service and of course our partners in governance and
[01:28:10] course our partners in governance and all other stakeholders present here
[01:28:12] all other stakeholders present here today. Maganda po. So on behalf of our
[01:28:15] today. Maganda po. So on behalf of our secretary, please accept our
[01:28:17] secretary, please accept our appreciation to the uh committee for
[01:28:19] appreciation to the uh committee for inviting us the department of the
[01:28:21] inviting us the department of the interior and local government to this
[01:28:22] interior and local government to this meeting. At the onset, we recognize the
[01:28:25] meeting. At the onset, we recognize the distinct needs of women and girls with
[01:28:28] distinct needs of women and girls with regards to health health and safety and
[01:28:30] regards to health health and safety and in relation to their pivotal roles as
[01:28:32] in relation to their pivotal roles as caregivers in our families. Hence,
[01:28:35] caregivers in our families. Hence, embedding gender justice and inclusivity
[01:28:38] embedding gender justice and inclusivity in public health and disaster management
[01:28:40] in public health and disaster management frameworks of the government is really
[01:28:42] frameworks of the government is really duly warranted. In fact, as a precedent
[01:28:45] duly warranted. In fact, as a precedent to our alignment with this uh noble
[01:28:48] to our alignment with this uh noble cause, uh the DIG and the CHR previously
[01:28:51] cause, uh the DIG and the CHR previously jointly issued GMC 2020-01,
[01:28:55] jointly issued GMC 2020-01, which ensures gender responsive
[01:28:56] which ensures gender responsive interventions to COVID 19, including
[01:28:59] interventions to COVID 19, including prompt, effective, and survivor centered
[01:29:01] prompt, effective, and survivor centered response to all forms of gender-based
[01:29:04] response to all forms of gender-based violence. This is but one of uh the many
[01:29:07] violence. This is but one of uh the many concrete manifestations that we value
[01:29:09] concrete manifestations that we value the urgency of recognizing and
[01:29:11] the urgency of recognizing and addressing the multiple interse and
[01:29:13] addressing the multiple interse and intersecting vulnerabilities
[01:29:15] intersecting vulnerabilities of the most vulnerable and marginalized
[01:29:18] of the most vulnerable and marginalized population particularly on the basis of
[01:29:20] population particularly on the basis of their gender during pandemics and
[01:29:23] their gender during pandemics and disasters. We submit that the subject
[01:29:26] disasters. We submit that the subject measures will not only protect the right
[01:29:28] measures will not only protect the right the rights of women and girls but also
[01:29:31] the rights of women and girls but also ultimately enhance community resilience.
[01:29:33] ultimately enhance community resilience. As such, we support the noble intention
[01:29:36] As such, we support the noble intention of these bills. U Madame Chair, this is
[01:29:38] of these bills. U Madame Chair, this is to reiterate that the department has
[01:29:40] to reiterate that the department has already submitted an official position
[01:29:42] already submitted an official position paper dated November 14, 2025,
[01:29:46] paper dated November 14, 2025, particularly focused on House Bill
[01:29:48] particularly focused on House Bill number 3405, which at that time was the
[01:29:52] number 3405, which at that time was the only related measure subjected to
[01:29:53] only related measure subjected to deliberation.
[01:29:55] deliberation. comments uh thereof however
[01:29:57] comments uh thereof however substantially apply to some extent to
[01:29:59] substantially apply to some extent to the other bills that uh we are we are uh
[01:30:02] the other bills that uh we are we are uh subjecting to deliberation today. On the
[01:30:05] subjecting to deliberation today. On the other hand, madame chair, please be
[01:30:06] other hand, madame chair, please be informed that the department shall be
[01:30:08] informed that the department shall be submitting its official position paper
[01:30:10] submitting its official position paper on all of the four measures regarding
[01:30:12] on all of the four measures regarding gender responsive and inclusive pandemic
[01:30:15] gender responsive and inclusive pandemic and disaster management act. So for the
[01:30:18] and disaster management act. So for the interest of time uh we will defer
[01:30:20] interest of time uh we will defer sharing our initial and technical inputs
[01:30:22] sharing our initial and technical inputs and we'll refer primarily on our
[01:30:24] and we'll refer primarily on our previous position paper as well as the
[01:30:26] previous position paper as well as the updated position paper which we will be
[01:30:28] updated position paper which we will be submitting to the community to the
[01:30:30] submitting to the community to the committee in due time. So that is all
[01:30:32] committee in due time. So that is all for us Madame Chair Salamat Pulit.
[01:30:35] for us Madame Chair Salamat Pulit. >> Thank you so much Mr. Ales from PNP. May
[01:30:40] >> Thank you so much Mr. Ales from PNP. May we now call on
[01:30:43] we now call on PB Jen Marvin Jose Sar
[01:30:48] PB Jen Marvin Jose Sar >> to the honorable chairperson of the
[01:30:50] >> to the honorable chairperson of the committee on women and gender equality
[01:30:53] committee on women and gender equality other distinguished members of this
[01:30:55] other distinguished members of this committee fellow public servants. Good
[01:30:59] committee fellow public servants. Good afternoon. On behalf of the chief PNP, I
[01:31:02] afternoon. On behalf of the chief PNP, I would like to express our profound
[01:31:04] would like to express our profound gratitude to this committee for
[01:31:06] gratitude to this committee for extending an invitation to the PNP to
[01:31:10] extending an invitation to the PNP to participate
[01:31:12] participate in this meeting and to address the needs
[01:31:14] in this meeting and to address the needs of women during public health
[01:31:16] of women during public health emergencies, disasters, and other health
[01:31:18] emergencies, disasters, and other health events of public concerns. On the part
[01:31:22] events of public concerns. On the part of the PNP, rest assured that we will
[01:31:24] of the PNP, rest assured that we will support the approval of the proposed
[01:31:26] support the approval of the proposed measures and we look forward to its
[01:31:28] measures and we look forward to its success.
[01:31:31] success. Once again, thank you and magalhat.
[01:31:34] Once again, thank you and magalhat. >> Thank you so much, sir. From MMDA,
[01:31:39] >> Thank you so much, sir. From MMDA, GAD officer Harriet D. Elo.
[01:31:45] Uh, good afternoon, Madame Chair and
[01:31:47] Uh, good afternoon, Madame Chair and members of the committee.
[01:31:49] members of the committee. The Metropolitan Manila Development
[01:31:51] The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority recognizes the vital
[01:31:53] Authority recognizes the vital importance of promoting gender equality
[01:31:55] importance of promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in fostering
[01:31:57] and women's empowerment in fostering inclusive, responsive, and sustainable
[01:31:59] inclusive, responsive, and sustainable development. In this regard, the
[01:32:02] development. In this regard, the proposed measures under considerations
[01:32:04] proposed measures under considerations are both timely, significant in further
[01:32:06] are both timely, significant in further strengthening gender responsive policies
[01:32:08] strengthening gender responsive policies and programs. At present, however, the
[01:32:11] and programs. At present, however, the MMDA is still conducting a comprehensive
[01:32:14] MMDA is still conducting a comprehensive review and evaluation of the proposed
[01:32:15] review and evaluation of the proposed bills. Consequently, we have yet to
[01:32:18] bills. Consequently, we have yet to finalize our official position paper.
[01:32:20] finalize our official position paper. Nonetheless, um we assure the committee
[01:32:23] Nonetheless, um we assure the committee that our submission will contain the
[01:32:25] that our submission will contain the agency substantive comments and
[01:32:27] agency substantive comments and recommendations as well as the insights
[01:32:29] recommendations as well as the insights on the proposed legislations. The same
[01:32:31] on the proposed legislations. The same shall be formally submitted upon the
[01:32:33] shall be formally submitted upon the approval and signature of the MMDA
[01:32:35] approval and signature of the MMDA chairperson. Thank you so much.
[01:32:39] chairperson. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. from DTA Chief John
[01:32:43] >> Thank you so much. from DTA Chief John William Lucero.
[01:32:53] Uh thank you Madame Chair and uh
[01:32:56] Uh thank you Madame Chair and uh honorable members of the committee on
[01:32:58] honorable members of the committee on women. Uh I will read the
[01:33:02] women. Uh I will read the uh uh the paper from DTI. Uh this will
[01:33:06] uh uh the paper from DTI. Uh this will be submitted as soon as uh it clears our
[01:33:09] be submitted as soon as uh it clears our legal Uh the DTI experienced during the
[01:33:13] legal Uh the DTI experienced during the COVID 19 pandemic crisis points to the
[01:33:16] COVID 19 pandemic crisis points to the fact that the enterprises owned by women
[01:33:19] fact that the enterprises owned by women were particularly vulnerable compared to
[01:33:22] were particularly vulnerable compared to that owned by males.
[01:33:25] that owned by males. DTI instituted emergency programs to
[01:33:28] DTI instituted emergency programs to address this vulnerability.
[01:33:30] address this vulnerability. Number one, affordable and accessible
[01:33:33] Number one, affordable and accessible financing program to address emergency
[01:33:37] financing program to address emergency needs uh particularly hit by the crisis.
[01:33:40] needs uh particularly hit by the crisis. Second, cap capacity building programs
[01:33:43] Second, cap capacity building programs for women entrepreneurs
[01:33:45] for women entrepreneurs to be able to digitally scale up and
[01:33:48] to be able to digitally scale up and make use of electronic platforms to
[01:33:50] make use of electronic platforms to source raw materials, do financial
[01:33:54] source raw materials, do financial transaction and market their products
[01:33:56] transaction and market their products and services. Third, set up uh
[01:33:59] and services. Third, set up uh protection programs for women producers
[01:34:02] protection programs for women producers and consumers from unscrupulous persons
[01:34:06] and consumers from unscrupulous persons and scammers taking advantage of virtual
[01:34:08] and scammers taking advantage of virtual markets. Fourth, creation of digital
[01:34:11] markets. Fourth, creation of digital platforms for women entrepreneurs to
[01:34:14] platforms for women entrepreneurs to network and exchange information.
[01:34:19] uh from the experience during the co 19
[01:34:21] uh from the experience during the co 19 and based on the NDRRMP
[01:34:24] and based on the NDRRMP process DTI's task to ensure that women
[01:34:27] process DTI's task to ensure that women entrepreneurs are provided adequate
[01:34:31] entrepreneurs are provided adequate protection and assistance during health
[01:34:33] protection and assistance during health emergencies
[01:34:35] emergencies uh at the preparedness stage incorporate
[01:34:38] uh at the preparedness stage incorporate in the business planning and capacities
[01:34:40] in the business planning and capacities for womenowned enterprises to include
[01:34:43] for womenowned enterprises to include alternative protocols when supply chains
[01:34:47] alternative protocols when supply chains human resources and financial
[01:34:49] human resources and financial transactions are disrupted by sudden
[01:34:52] transactions are disrupted by sudden declaration of emergency.
[01:34:54] declaration of emergency. uh during early recovery. Uh ensuring
[01:34:57] uh during early recovery. Uh ensuring that the restart of business activity is
[01:35:00] that the restart of business activity is done during and or immediately after
[01:35:03] done during and or immediately after health emergencies and similar
[01:35:04] health emergencies and similar disasters.
[01:35:06] disasters. And uh at the long-term recovery and
[01:35:09] And uh at the long-term recovery and rehabilitation, ensuring that women
[01:35:12] rehabilitation, ensuring that women owned businesses are able to recover and
[01:35:15] owned businesses are able to recover and rebuild from health emergencies and
[01:35:17] rebuild from health emergencies and disasters.
[01:35:19] disasters. Incorporating capacities for resilience
[01:35:21] Incorporating capacities for resilience and sustainability
[01:35:23] and sustainability through adequate capacity building,
[01:35:26] through adequate capacity building, planning, financing and access to
[01:35:29] planning, financing and access to business information.
[01:35:31] business information. And
[01:35:33] And on this basis, DTI uh uh supports the
[01:35:38] on this basis, DTI uh uh supports the legis legislations that would provide
[01:35:41] legis legislations that would provide gender responsive protocols and programs
[01:35:44] gender responsive protocols and programs that would protect women's access to
[01:35:46] that would protect women's access to essential health services from gender
[01:35:49] essential health services from gender based violence, resilient businesses and
[01:35:51] based violence, resilient businesses and sources of livelihood during times of
[01:35:55] sources of livelihood during times of public health emergencies and similar
[01:35:57] public health emergencies and similar disasters.
[01:35:59] disasters. Uh further uh we uh we will support the
[01:36:02] Uh further uh we uh we will support the consolidation of all four bills into one
[01:36:06] consolidation of all four bills into one with the role of DTI and other economic
[01:36:08] with the role of DTI and other economic agencies elaborated
[01:36:11] agencies elaborated to provide gender responsive programs
[01:36:14] to provide gender responsive programs and assistance to first uh access to
[01:36:17] and assistance to first uh access to afford affordable financing during and
[01:36:21] afford affordable financing during and after the public health emergencies.
[01:36:24] after the public health emergencies. Second, access to resilient
[01:36:26] Second, access to resilient ski uh resiliency skills and
[01:36:29] ski uh resiliency skills and technologies. Third, access to digital
[01:36:32] technologies. Third, access to digital market. Fourth, uh an enabling
[01:36:35] market. Fourth, uh an enabling environment that would build on women's
[01:36:37] environment that would build on women's women entrepreneurs resilience and
[01:36:40] women entrepreneurs resilience and ability to build back better. Uh that is
[01:36:43] ability to build back better. Uh that is all uh madame chair. Thank you very
[01:36:46] all uh madame chair. Thank you very much.
[01:36:48] much. >> Thank you so much sir. From PSA senior
[01:36:50] >> Thank you so much sir. From PSA senior statistical specialist, let's call on
[01:36:52] statistical specialist, let's call on Mr. JSON Ki.
[01:36:56] Mr. JSON Ki. >> Madame Chair and the esteemed committee
[01:36:57] >> Madame Chair and the esteemed committee members, maganda po, please allow me to
[01:37:00] members, maganda po, please allow me to read our trap position paper for the
[01:37:03] read our trap position paper for the House Bill 3405.
[01:37:06] House Bill 3405. The Philippine Statistics Authority
[01:37:07] The Philippine Statistics Authority would like to express its sincere
[01:37:09] would like to express its sincere appreciation and support to the passage
[01:37:12] appreciation and support to the passage of the House Bill 305 which envision
[01:37:14] of the House Bill 305 which envision that women especially the marginalized
[01:37:16] that women especially the marginalized and most vulnerable are empowered during
[01:37:19] and most vulnerable are empowered during public health emergencies to access
[01:37:22] public health emergencies to access gender differentiated needs. As the
[01:37:25] gender differentiated needs. As the government central statistical
[01:37:27] government central statistical authority, the PSA remains committed to
[01:37:30] authority, the PSA remains committed to support policies and programs anchored
[01:37:33] support policies and programs anchored on reliable data, sound evidence, and
[01:37:36] on reliable data, sound evidence, and inclusive development principles.
[01:37:39] inclusive development principles. In keeping with our commitment towards
[01:37:41] In keeping with our commitment towards postering datadriven policym, the PSA
[01:37:44] postering datadriven policym, the PSA stands ready to provide pertinent data
[01:37:47] stands ready to provide pertinent data and technical assistance as needed as a
[01:37:50] and technical assistance as needed as a support for the House bill's data
[01:37:52] support for the House bill's data monitoring.
[01:37:54] monitoring. In addition, as an innovative step, the
[01:37:56] In addition, as an innovative step, the PSA is now exploring on the data
[01:37:59] PSA is now exploring on the data collection of time spent on unpaid care
[01:38:01] collection of time spent on unpaid care and domestic work of women and men as
[01:38:04] and domestic work of women and men as part of the 2026 labor force survey
[01:38:07] part of the 2026 labor force survey April round. This will reflect national
[01:38:11] April round. This will reflect national data on unpaid care and domestic work.
[01:38:16] data on unpaid care and domestic work. We are certain that providing timely and
[01:38:18] We are certain that providing timely and accurate information will aid in the
[01:38:20] accurate information will aid in the formulation of well-informed policies.
[01:38:23] formulation of well-informed policies. ultimately benefiting the nation as a
[01:38:25] ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole. We appreciate the committee's
[01:38:27] whole. We appreciate the committee's efforts in postering a collaborative
[01:38:30] efforts in postering a collaborative approach to policy development and
[01:38:32] approach to policy development and remain available for any further
[01:38:34] remain available for any further discussion or clarification of needed
[01:38:36] discussion or clarification of needed data. We will be sending our position
[01:38:39] data. We will be sending our position paper once finalized. Thank you so much.
[01:38:43] paper once finalized. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much Mr. Ki from Care
[01:38:45] >> Thank you so much Mr. Ki from Care Philippines. Our country director Risa
[01:38:48] Philippines. Our country director Risa Dejito is here.
[01:38:51] Dejito is here. Apologies.
[01:39:03] Madame chair, honorable members of the
[01:39:05] Madame chair, honorable members of the committee, uh, distinguished authors and
[01:39:08] committee, uh, distinguished authors and colleagues from government, civil
[01:39:09] colleagues from government, civil society, and the humanitarian community.
[01:39:12] society, and the humanitarian community. Um with permission of the chair um care
[01:39:15] Um with permission of the chair um care and the NGO community respectfully
[01:39:18] and the NGO community respectfully manifest our strong support for the
[01:39:20] manifest our strong support for the intent of these measures to
[01:39:22] intent of these measures to institutionalize gender responsive and
[01:39:24] institutionalize gender responsive and inclusive protocols during emergencies,
[01:39:27] inclusive protocols during emergencies, disasters, public health threats and
[01:39:29] disasters, public health threats and other crisis. Madame Chair, our
[01:39:31] other crisis. Madame Chair, our principal recommendation is for the
[01:39:33] principal recommendation is for the consolidated bill to reflect the real
[01:39:36] consolidated bill to reflect the real Philippine context which is compounding
[01:39:38] Philippine context which is compounding emergencies. Communities rarely
[01:39:41] emergencies. Communities rarely experience one crisis at a time. A
[01:39:43] experience one crisis at a time. A typhoon may be followed by flooding,
[01:39:46] typhoon may be followed by flooding, displacement, disease risk, school
[01:39:48] displacement, disease risk, school disruption, livelihood loss, and
[01:39:50] disruption, livelihood loss, and heightened protection risk. In
[01:39:52] heightened protection risk. In conflictaffected areas, a displacement
[01:39:55] conflictaffected areas, a displacement may also overlap with food insecurity
[01:39:58] may also overlap with food insecurity and limited humanitarian access. For
[01:40:01] and limited humanitarian access. For women and girls, these risk do not
[01:40:02] women and girls, these risk do not merely accumulate, but they multiply.
[01:40:06] merely accumulate, but they multiply. Gender-based violence referral pathways
[01:40:08] Gender-based violence referral pathways may be disrupted.
[01:40:09] may be disrupted. Sexual and reproductive health services
[01:40:12] Sexual and reproductive health services may become harder to access. Safe
[01:40:15] may become harder to access. Safe shelter, wash, psychosocial support,
[01:40:18] shelter, wash, psychosocial support, cash assistance, and protection services
[01:40:20] cash assistance, and protection services may become unavailable precisely when
[01:40:22] may become unavailable precisely when they are most needed.
[01:40:24] they are most needed. But women are not only survivors of
[01:40:27] But women are not only survivors of crisis. They are also responders and
[01:40:29] crisis. They are also responders and leaders. They know who is missing, who
[01:40:32] leaders. They know who is missing, who needs medicine, who is unsafe in
[01:40:34] needs medicine, who is unsafe in evacuation centers, and which families
[01:40:37] evacuation centers, and which families are being left behind. The bill should
[01:40:39] are being left behind. The bill should recognize women not only as
[01:40:41] recognize women not only as beneficiaries but as essential decision
[01:40:44] beneficiaries but as essential decision makers in preparedness, response,
[01:40:47] makers in preparedness, response, recovery, and accountability.
[01:40:49] recovery, and accountability. We also respectfully recommend, madame
[01:40:52] We also respectfully recommend, madame chair, that this bill be aligned with RA
[01:40:55] chair, that this bill be aligned with RA 12287 or declaration of state of
[01:40:58] 12287 or declaration of state of imminent disaster act or the
[01:40:59] imminent disaster act or the anticipatory action law. If we can now
[01:41:03] anticipatory action law. If we can now act before a disaster's worst impacts
[01:41:06] act before a disaster's worst impacts are felt, then gender responsive action
[01:41:08] are felt, then gender responsive action must also begin before impact, including
[01:41:11] must also begin before impact, including early warning, prepositioning of dignity
[01:41:14] early warning, prepositioning of dignity kits, protection services, safe
[01:41:17] kits, protection services, safe evacuation planning, inclusive cash
[01:41:19] evacuation planning, inclusive cash assistance, and support for women,
[01:41:22] assistance, and support for women, girls, persons with disabilities, and
[01:41:23] girls, persons with disabilities, and other atrisisk groups. In this regard,
[01:41:26] other atrisisk groups. In this regard, CARE recommends that the bill adopt an
[01:41:28] CARE recommends that the bill adopt an all hazards and compound risk framework,
[01:41:31] all hazards and compound risk framework, protect essential services, include
[01:41:34] protect essential services, include women led organizations,
[01:41:36] women led organizations, indigenous people's groups, LGBTQIA
[01:41:39] indigenous people's groups, LGBTQIA plus groups, organizations of persons
[01:41:42] plus groups, organizations of persons with disabilities, local NOS's and I
[01:41:45] with disabilities, local NOS's and I NOS's in planning and accountability.
[01:41:48] NOS's in planning and accountability. Establish humanitarian access protocols,
[01:41:51] Establish humanitarian access protocols, ensure predictable financing and
[01:41:53] ensure predictable financing and strengthen safeguarding referral
[01:41:56] strengthen safeguarding referral pathways, complaints mechanisms and
[01:41:58] pathways, complaints mechanisms and ethical data systems.
[01:42:01] ethical data systems. Madame chair, care has already submitted
[01:42:03] Madame chair, care has already submitted to the committee by email a written
[01:42:05] to the committee by email a written position paper further detailing these
[01:42:07] position paper further detailing these recommendations. Thank you.
[01:42:10] recommendations. Thank you. >> Thank you also and I totally agree with
[01:42:13] >> Thank you also and I totally agree with you Miss Janet Kindly Pendulawan from
[01:42:16] you Miss Janet Kindly Pendulawan from UNFPA.
[01:42:28] Good afternoon everyone and thank you
[01:42:31] Good afternoon everyone and thank you for the opportunity to provide inputs on
[01:42:33] for the opportunity to provide inputs on the proposed bills. UNFPA appreciates
[01:42:36] the proposed bills. UNFPA appreciates the leadership of the authors and
[01:42:38] the leadership of the authors and sponsors of these measures and we
[01:42:39] sponsors of these measures and we commend the strong commitment reflected
[01:42:42] commend the strong commitment reflected in the bill towards advancing gender
[01:42:44] in the bill towards advancing gender equality, human rights and inclusive
[01:42:45] equality, human rights and inclusive emergency governance in the Philippines.
[01:42:48] emergency governance in the Philippines. UNFPA also welcomes and strongly support
[01:42:51] UNFPA also welcomes and strongly support the overall direction of the proposed
[01:42:53] the overall direction of the proposed bills. Uh collectively, these measures
[01:42:56] bills. Uh collectively, these measures represent a significant and progressive
[01:42:58] represent a significant and progressive step towards institutionalizing
[01:43:01] step towards institutionalizing um emergency governance in the
[01:43:02] um emergency governance in the Philippines. The bills are also highly
[01:43:06] Philippines. The bills are also highly aligned with the Magna Cart of Women,
[01:43:08] aligned with the Magna Cart of Women, the ICPD program of action, the SDG and
[01:43:11] the ICPD program of action, the SDG and international humanitar humanitarian
[01:43:14] international humanitar humanitarian standards, particularly in recognizing
[01:43:16] standards, particularly in recognizing that emergencies disproportionately
[01:43:18] that emergencies disproportionately affect women and girls, especially those
[01:43:20] affect women and girls, especially those already marginalized.
[01:43:22] already marginalized. UNFPA particularly commends the bills
[01:43:24] UNFPA particularly commends the bills for recognizing GBV as essential
[01:43:27] for recognizing GBV as essential services, promoting women's
[01:43:28] services, promoting women's participation in emergency governance,
[01:43:31] participation in emergency governance, integrating intersectionality and
[01:43:33] integrating intersectionality and non-discrimination,
[01:43:35] non-discrimination, strengthening community and local
[01:43:37] strengthening community and local government engagement, and ensuring
[01:43:39] government engagement, and ensuring continuity of sexual and reproductive
[01:43:42] continuity of sexual and reproductive health services during emergencies.
[01:43:45] health services during emergencies. At the same time, UNFPA respectfully
[01:43:47] At the same time, UNFPA respectfully recommends several key enhancements to
[01:43:49] recommends several key enhancements to further strengthen the bill's alignment
[01:43:51] further strengthen the bill's alignment with international humanitarian and
[01:43:52] with international humanitarian and public health standards. First, we
[01:43:55] public health standards. First, we recommend explicitly institutionalizing
[01:43:57] recommend explicitly institutionalizing the min minimum initial service package
[01:44:00] the min minimum initial service package for sexual and reproductive health in
[01:44:02] for sexual and reproductive health in emergencies to ensure continuity of
[01:44:04] emergencies to ensure continuity of life-saving maternal, newborn, family
[01:44:07] life-saving maternal, newborn, family planning, HIV, and GBV related services
[01:44:10] planning, HIV, and GBV related services during emergencies. Second, we recommend
[01:44:13] during emergencies. Second, we recommend stronger provision on life-saving
[01:44:14] stronger provision on life-saving reproductive health care including
[01:44:17] reproductive health care including emergency obstet obstetic care clinical
[01:44:20] emergency obstet obstetic care clinical management of rape and treatment of
[01:44:22] management of rape and treatment of pregnancy related complications.
[01:44:25] pregnancy related complications. Third, adolescent responsive programming
[01:44:27] Third, adolescent responsive programming should be further strengthened
[01:44:29] should be further strengthened particularly access to adolescent
[01:44:31] particularly access to adolescent friendly SRHR mental health and
[01:44:33] friendly SRHR mental health and protection services during emergencies.
[01:44:36] protection services during emergencies. Fourth, menstrual hygiene supplies and
[01:44:38] Fourth, menstrual hygiene supplies and dignity kits should be explicitly
[01:44:40] dignity kits should be explicitly recognized as essential emergency
[01:44:43] recognized as essential emergency commodities for women and girls. Fifth,
[01:44:45] commodities for women and girls. Fifth, stronger safeguards on survivor
[01:44:47] stronger safeguards on survivor confidentiality, ethical GBB data
[01:44:50] confidentiality, ethical GBB data management and protection from sexual
[01:44:52] management and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse should also be
[01:44:54] exploitation and abuse should also be integrated. Lastly, UNFPA encourages
[01:44:57] integrated. Lastly, UNFPA encourages strong provisions on mental health and
[01:45:00] strong provisions on mental health and psychosocial support, climate related
[01:45:02] psychosocial support, climate related vulnerabilities and sustainable
[01:45:04] vulnerabilities and sustainable financing and accountability mechanisms
[01:45:06] financing and accountability mechanisms for implementation.
[01:45:08] for implementation. Overall, UN uh UNFPA recognizes these
[01:45:11] Overall, UN uh UNFPA recognizes these bills as strong foundations for
[01:45:13] bills as strong foundations for transformative gender responsive
[01:45:15] transformative gender responsive emergency governance. We will likewise
[01:45:18] emergency governance. We will likewise be submitting our more detailed uh
[01:45:19] be submitting our more detailed uh written comments and recommendations for
[01:45:21] written comments and recommendations for the consideration of the committee and
[01:45:23] the consideration of the committee and the bill authors. Thank you very much.
[01:45:27] the bill authors. Thank you very much. >> Thank you
[01:45:29] >> Thank you resource speakers.
[01:45:32] resource speakers. Thank you for sharing your views, your
[01:45:34] Thank you for sharing your views, your comments and your recommendations for
[01:45:35] comments and your recommendations for the refinement of the proposed measures.
[01:45:38] the refinement of the proposed measures. So again, may I also remind each and
[01:45:41] So again, may I also remind each and everyone to have those who have not
[01:45:44] everyone to have those who have not submitted their position papers, please
[01:45:47] submitted their position papers, please submit it to the committee secretariat.
[01:45:50] submit it to the committee secretariat. Representative Cressel
[01:46:06] Yes. Uh madame chairperson
[01:46:08] Yes. Uh madame chairperson um since a similar measure has been
[01:46:12] um since a similar measure has been passed by the committee in previous
[01:46:14] passed by the committee in previous congresses particularly the 18th and
[01:46:17] congresses particularly the 18th and 19th congress and this uh particular
[01:46:20] 19th congress and this uh particular measure also is included in the women's
[01:46:23] measure also is included in the women's priority legislative agenda. May I move
[01:46:27] priority legislative agenda. May I move to approve the bill in principle
[01:46:30] to approve the bill in principle and uh for the committee secretariat to
[01:46:33] and uh for the committee secretariat to consolidate the bills, the four bills
[01:46:36] consolidate the bills, the four bills and come up with a draft substitute bill
[01:46:39] and come up with a draft substitute bill and to consider the comments and
[01:46:42] and to consider the comments and recommendations
[01:46:43] recommendations uh that are submitted and will be
[01:46:45] uh that are submitted and will be submitted to the committee subject to
[01:46:48] submitted to the committee subject to style. Madame chairperson, I so move.
[01:46:54] There was a duly seconded motion to
[01:46:56] There was a duly seconded motion to approve the bill in principle and for
[01:46:58] approve the bill in principle and for the secretariat to come up with a draft
[01:47:01] the secretariat to come up with a draft substitute bill to house bills number
[01:47:04] substitute bill to house bills number 3405,6881,
[01:47:07] 7834
[01:47:09] 7834 and 8407 regarding gender responsive and
[01:47:12] and 8407 regarding gender responsive and inclusive protocols
[01:47:14] inclusive protocols and the programming to address the
[01:47:16] and the programming to address the gender differentiated
[01:47:19] gender differentiated needs of women during public health
[01:47:21] needs of women during public health emergencies, public threats.
[01:47:24] emergencies, public threats. disasters and other health events of
[01:47:26] disasters and other health events of public concerns in conser consideration
[01:47:28] public concerns in conser consideration of comments and recommendations
[01:47:30] of comments and recommendations forwarded subject to style. Are there
[01:47:33] forwarded subject to style. Are there any comments? Uh any objections?
[01:47:36] any comments? Uh any objections? There being none, the motion is
[01:47:39] There being none, the motion is approved.
[01:47:41] approved. Madame Chair.
[01:47:43] Madame Chair. Yes, Representative Lada. Uh Madame
[01:47:46] Yes, Representative Lada. Uh Madame Chair, may I move to include all members
[01:47:48] Chair, may I move to include all members present to be co-authors as well of the
[01:47:51] present to be co-authors as well of the bills. Um I so move m madame chair
[01:47:56] bills. Um I so move m madame chair >> is there any objection
[01:47:58] >> is there any objection hearing none of course the motion is
[01:48:01] hearing none of course the motion is approved
[01:48:05] >> madame chair
[01:48:06] >> madame chair >> yes ma'am
[01:48:07] >> yes ma'am >> I move to adjourn
[01:48:09] >> I move to adjourn >> yeah there being no other matters to
[01:48:11] >> yeah there being no other matters to discuss there's a motion for adjournment
[01:48:14] discuss there's a motion for adjournment by representative tita linda bell
[01:48:16] by representative tita linda bell villera
[01:48:19] villera and Julie second seconded
[01:48:21] and Julie second seconded The motion is carried and approved.
[01:48:24] The motion is carried and approved. Thank you.