CEDAW/C/PHI/5-6 measures to address the country’s priority issues. These encompass the need to improve the peace and order situation, strengthen security and peaceful conflict resolution processes and mechanisms, put a speedy end to terrorism especially in Mindanao, and accelerate efforts to restore peace and order in that region; enhance the delivery of basic social services (including housing) and protection of the vulnerable sectors, especially the poor, displaced workers and women victims of violence; increase competitiveness, productivity and social equity in agriculture, industry and services; promote employment, workers’ rights, social dialogue and industrial peace; and provide more efficient and effective governance and combat all forms of corruption; and ensure economic stability through sound macroeconomic management; maintain commitment to asset reform; and sustain and enhance continuing dialogue on development strategies, programs and paradigms. Social and human conditions 74. After their successful ouster of a dictator in 1986, Filipinos have become more socially and politically vigilant and continue to take an active interest in the affairs of state. It has also shifted the stance of civil society organizations and the private sector from being merely cynical critics to that of critical collaborators towards more meaningful change. The second “people power” movement that pressured President Estrada to leave his office demonstrated this engagement. Information Communications and Technological (ICT) Developments 75. Rapid technological developments particularly in the field of electronics communications and computer technology have enhanced Filipinos’ connectedness with the rest of the world. The World Bank noted an increase in the circulation of newspapers, subscription or ownership of cellular phones, and Internet hosts between the mid-1990s and 1997/1999 (cited in Illo 2002a). More dramatic changes occurred between 1997 and 2000/2001, with fixed lines and mobile phones per 1000 population leaping from 47.2 to 124.4 in 2000 and 192.0 in 2001; personal computer ownership rising from 13.4 per 1000 population to 21.7 in 2001; and Internet users increasing dramatically from 100,000 to 1.5 million in 2000 and 2.0 million in 2001 (UNDP/HDR 2003, WB 2003). By 2003, cellular phone subscribers reportedly numbered 22 million, an increase by 9.4 million since 2001, while Internet subscribers reached 2.2 million, up from 500,000 in 2001 (SONA 2004). 76. Daily, Filipinos perceive contrasting images of poverty and prosperity, turbulence and peace, justice and inequity, indifference and active participation. There has been a growing number of computer schools, the inclusion of computer subjects in the elementary, secondary and tertiary educational levels (academic or vocational-technical degree) and the increasing number of Filipino professionals in computer, electronic and information technology. The cellular phone is no longer a luxury but a necessity for business and personal use. The second people power movement reportedly occurred due to the speedy communication afforded by the cellular phone. Moreover, Filipino consumption and lifestyle preferences have been influenced by their daily exposure to advertisements and cultures from around the world, and from relatives working abroad who send or bring home goods and new lifestyles. ICT development has its underside as it has also been extensively used in aid of pedophilia, trafficking and prostitution. Health and Nutrition 77. As evident in the discussions in Article 12, major improvements were observed in health and nutrition. Official data on life expectancy, infant and child mortality and maternal mortality 32