CEDAW/C/PHI/5-6 Article 13 Social and Economic Benefits Equal access in other economic and social life particularly family benefits, financial credit and recreation, sports and cultural opportunities A. WOMEN’S SITUATION 483. The Constitution advocates as state policy the promotion of a just and dynamic social order and social justice in all phases of national development (Article II, Sections 9 and 10). It aspires to free the people from poverty by providing adequate social services and promoting full employment, a rising standard of living and an improved quality of life for all. It also enunciates equal rights for all. Contrary to these aspirations, poor economic condition and certain cultural norms have created inequalities between men and women, rich and poor, and urban and rural women. Women bear most of the burden of poverty owing to their roles as caretaker of the family’s health and welfare. 484. Alleviating poverty has been the concern of the previous and present administration. As a result, various policies were issued and programs pursued to improve the conditions of the poor. A number of these specifically target women as primary beneficiaries. B. POLICY AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENTS Family benefits 485. In recognition of the far-reaching effects of poverty in Philippine society, presidents have made poverty alleviation a major goal of their administration. a. The Ramos presidency (1992-1998) institutionalized people’s participation and unified poverty programs and projects into the Social Reform Agenda (SRA). Guided by the minimum basic needs approach (MBN) and comprehensive and integrated delivery of social services (CIDSS) framework, the SRA included a package of government interventions aimed at integrating society’s disadvantaged groups into Philippine political and economic mainstream. b. The Estrada presidency (1998-2000) made social services available to families and communities through its CIDSS Flagship Program. Aside from providing social services, the program built capability of communities and local government units in community planning, project preparation and management and resources mobilization, and gained international recognition for its capacity to expand rapidly and effectively. Its technology approach was also adopted in other social welfare department flagship programs. The social welfare department provided the guidelines for the implementation of the CIDSS project, which sought to address the minimum basic needs of the disadvantaged families and communities in all the fifth and sixth class municipalities and in urban poor barangays to enable them to access social services. CIDSS uses the four-pronged approach of 131