Pasay city: Empowering women is essential not only in advancing equality but also in laying the foundation for lasting peace, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said. Pangandaman emphasized that true peace cannot exist without women who help restore communities affected by conflict through leadership, compassion, and resilience.
According to Philippines News Agency, women's leadership is indispensable in healing communities torn by conflict, as Pangandaman highlighted in her keynote address during the 2025 Philippine Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City from October 28 to 30. The conference, themed 'Empowering Local Women, Peace, and Security Champions as Agents in Socioeconomic Transformation,' gathered approximately 600 delegates from government, civil society, academia, media, and international organizations to promote inclusive and participatory peacebuilding.
The event supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision to strengthen women's role in achieving a just and lasting peace. It also reflects the government's commitment to gender-responsive leadership and community-based peace processes. Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. joined Pangandaman in leading the opening ceremony, reaffirming the government's commitment to inclusive peace. Galvez stressed the link between women empowerment and the success of peace initiatives nationwide.
Solicitor General Darlene Marie Berberabe, serving as guest of honor, urged women to move beyond being mere beneficiaries and take on leadership roles. She stated, 'Women should stop being just beneficiaries. We should take part in leadership.'
The conference built on the achievements of the 2024 International Conference on WPS and the Pasay Declaration, advancing the four pillars of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security 2023-2033: Empowerment and Participation; Protection and Prevention; Promotion and Mainstreaming; and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning.
An exhibit during the conference showcased stories of women peacebuilders whose courage and compassion transformed communities once divided by conflict. Participants concluded the conference with a shared message that empowering women is not only a matter of inclusion but the very foundation of peace.
