CEDAW/C/SR.l79 English Page 3 (Ms. Licuanan) Article 3 7. The recent amendment to the second periodic report (CEDAW/C/13/Add.l7/Amend.l) covered some of the questions under article 3. The necessary structures had been established for the regular updating of the Development Plan for Women. A report had been prepared which would provide a basis for evaluation of progress under the Medium-Term Development Plan. The Medium-Term Development Plan had achieved some results, but they had to be seen in the context of the country's serious political and economic problems. Article 5 8. As far as question 1 was concerned, the concept of "complementarism of man and woman" was somewhat unfortunate in that it tended to support the status gUQ and rather specific roles for women; equality was a far more appropriate goal. In the Philippines, however, allies had to be chosen carefully because not everyone had the same awareness of women's problems, and constant efforts were needed in that area. When the second report was being prepared, it had been necessary to seek the views of various women's groups, and any achievements which they had acknowledged, however slight, had had to be included. She nevertheless agreed that complementarity did not necessarily mean equality. 9. On question 2, she said that, as had been pointed out in the second periodic report, sex-role stereotyping still existed and efforts were being made to counteract the problem. The Department of Education, Culture and Sport, one of the agencies in which a focal point for women had been established, was working on new guidelines for teaching materials, particularly textbooks, based on an array of core messages in relation to gender. The focal point for women had also developed a consciousness-raising programme which included a symposium on women's concerns each year. In March of each year all departments would be encouraged to initiate activities, aimed at increasing awareness. 10. With regard to question 3, there were few women in the media but they constituted a very visible group particularly in the broadcasting and print media. A group known as "Women in Media" had been organized and was very supportive of women's causes; women's groups knew who could best be relied upon to publicize women's programmes. With regard to the media in general, the majority of programmes focusing on women appeared during "Women's Month". There was also a weekly television progrannne called "Women's Watch" and children's television progrannnes were starting to show gender sensitivity. Other regular television programmes were also starting to include women's issues and, as indicated in the second periodic report, there was a strong lobby concerned with the way in which women were projected in the media. 11. The practical skills development courses referred to in question 4 were continuing as part of the high school curriculum. The programme was not aimed at enhancing the economic potential of women; as part of the academic programme, it served as an introduction to practical skills. Efforts were made to prevent sexist stereotyping by providing the same courses for boys and girls. Article 6 12. For the time being no answer was available to question 1. As far as question 2 was concerned, poverty was undoubtedly the main reason why women engaged I ...