CEDAW/C/PHI/5-6
Actions addressing needs of women in armed conflict and other internally displaced persons
228. The Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process (OPAPP), which is tasked with the
management and supervision of the comprehensive peace process, is implementing a six-path
comprehensive program to achieve peace and development in the Philippines. These “paths,”
are: pursuit of social, economic and political reforms to address the root causes of internal
armed conflicts and social unrest (Path 1); consensus building and empowerment for peace
(Path 2); sustaining and enhancing the viability of Peace Zones-SDAs through negotiated
settlement with the different rebel groups (Path 3); programs for reconciliation, reintegration
into mainstream society and rehabilitation of former combatants and their families (Path 4);
addressing concerns arising from continuing armed hostilities, such as children in armed
conflict and immediate relief and rehabilitation of conflict-affected families and communities,
through the Civilian Victim of Internal Armed Conflict Program (Path 5); and building and
nurturing a climate conducive to peace (Path 6).
229. With Asia Foundation assistance, the Institute for Women’s Leadership organized meetings for
the Mindanao Commission on Women. Composed of Muslim, Christian, and indigenous
women leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector, the Commission pursues
an agenda for peace and development in Mindanao with special emphasis on training young
women leaders in peace-building (Asia Foundation 2002).
230. The Government of the Philippines (GOP)-UN/Multi-donor Assistance Programme (Phases I
and II), involving the UN Agencies in the Philippines and 10 donor countries, supported the
reintegration of some 70,000 former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants,
supporters and their families into the mainstream of civilian, economic and social life. Its
activities and outputs included cooperative formation and community organizing for livelihood,
which reached a total of 14,056 beneficiaries; and agriculture-based livelihood training in
aquaculture, crops, farm machinery, livestock, and women’s concerns to almost 2,000 trainees,
resulting in the establishment of 532 livelihood activities that benefited some 20,084 MNLF
combatants and their families (GOP-UNDP/MDP, n.d.). Moreover, the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA) released PhP11.5 million to finance community-based
training for enterprise development. With the support of Netherlands and UNFPA, 1,286 local
health personnel were trained and 24 MNLF communities benefited from programs on family
planning and reproductive health. The Bangsa Moro Women’s Foundation for Peace and
Development was the main partner, particularly in the conduct of community-based surveys.
C.
REMAINING CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES
231. In the absence of baseline data, as well as reliable estimate of prevalence of VAW and other
gender-based violence, the government cannot gauge any concrete progress in this area. In
contrast, some challenges are notable.
232. Anti-trafficking. The full implementation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 needs
to be ensured. There is a need to establish effective data generation mechanism to monitor
cases of trafficking and address data gaps. It should build on the achievements and mechanism
now in place in the Philippines and in the countries of destination, involving both government
and NGOs. Bilateral cooperation should be pursued with priority to hotspots.
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