CEDAW/C/PHI/5-6
b. RA 8425, or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act of 1997, which allots one seat
for the women’s sector in the National Anti-Poverty Commission.
c. RA 8551, or the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and Philippine National
Police (PNP) Reorganization Act of 1998, which specifies a 10-percent quota of the PNP
annual recruitment, training and education for women police officers; and prohibits sexual
harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation.
d. RA 8850, or the Fisheries Law of 1998, which requires that women be appointed as
members of the city or municipality fisheries and aquatic resources management council.
e. Environment department directive that requires the inclusion of women as members of the
protected areas management board, a multi-sector board created in each protected area
established under the National Integrated Protected Areas System.
251. As described on Part II, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) issued a memorandum circular on
equal representation of women and men in third-level positions in the civil service. A few bills
pending in Congress are seeking to increase the participation of women in decision making in
government. One is an enabling law on women’s sector representation in local councils, which
will make operational the women sector representation provision in the 1991 Local
Government Code. Another is the proposed Women Empowerment and Gender Balance Act,
which (as described in paragraphs 42 and 149) would mandate at least 30-percent
representation of women in decision-making positions in government.
Programs and other measures
252. The CSC leads the implementation of programs to propel more women to higher-level
positions, by increasing their capacity and leadership. In cooperation with NCRFW and the
Career Executive Service Board (CESB), among others, CSC implements three programs. One
is the Career Advancement of Women in Government Service (CAPWINGS). It seeks to
enhance support mechanisms, capability building, training and other enabling mechanisms for
women employees. Its components include improved working conditions, prevention of sexual
harassment in the work place, facilitation of career advancement, and advocacy. Among the
gender-sensitive policies instituted are paternity leave and leaves for various family-related
occasions, establishment of day care centers, flexible working arrangements which include
modified maternity leave, part-time employment and flexible working hours. A second
program, the revised Merit Promotion Plan, was formulated to ensure non-discrimination in the
selection of employees and to emphasize equal employment opportunity for women. Lastly, a
"Directory of Women on the Move" was published to provide appointing authorities with
choices as to qualified women for top posts.
253. The NCRFW, along with NGOs and other government agencies, support measures to build the
capabilities of women elected officials. In May 2003, it convened a national summit of local
women executive and legislators to develop a program to support women officials and to assist
them into formulating and/or implementing gender responsive policies and programs in their
localities.
76
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