As delivered o Second, anti-age discrimination law which will remove specific age requirements in the hiring of workers, especially women. o Third, the sign language interpreters law which will ensure the availability of Filipino sign language interpreters in courts and quasi-judicial bodies. We assure this Committee that the Philippines is not yet through in legislating laws that will further advance the rights and freedoms of women in the Philippine society. Now with a new administration, we will continue to advocate for the protection of women and pursue a women’s legislative agenda. Madam Chair, On the indigenous peoples’ front, the period under review has indeed highlighted the efforts pursued by the Philippines for and with indigenous peoples (IP) and their women focusing on a holistic view and inter-relationship of IP issues on health, human rights, gender, peace, security and development. On peace and security, Filipino women are performing leadership roles. Notably, the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process is led by Mme. Teresita “Ging” Deles, a leading women’s rights advocate. Seven women were lead negotiator and members of the Government Peace Panel with the communist insurgents from 1986 to 2010. Similarly, the head of the Government Peace Panel dealing with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is also a woman. Two thirds of the 15 member Bangsamoro Transition Team are women. Page 9 of 16