DBM PRESS RELEASE
October 23, 2024
As the Philippines prepares to host the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman shines a spotlight on the transformative peacebuilding initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“In conflict-affected areas, women have emerged as indispensable architects of peace, demonstrating that we are not just participants in the process; we are its heart and soul,” stated Secretary Mina in an interview at the Kapehan sa Manila Bay.
“This conference is not just about dialogues; it is a global call to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of inclusivity, equity, and justice,” she added, reflecting on the purpose of the upcoming event.
Speaking alongside the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Secretary Pangandaman underscored the importance of localizing peace efforts, empowering women in public financial management, and fostering sustainable development, especially in conflict-afflicted areas like Bangsamoro.
She explained that one of the conference's goals is to push for the localization of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework. “It [WPS] is already embedded in our Philippine Development Plan, tapos meron din po tayong National Action Plan. So, we want to lower it to the locals and local government units. We want women first to be involved in their localities,” Sec. Mina elaborated.
“In the DBM, when BARMM started through the help of our development partners like Japan and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), we have been helping our counterpart in Bangsamoro, the Ministry of Finance and Budget [Management], with capacity building,” she added.
Over 1,000 PFM practitioners in BARMM, more than half of whom are women, have undergone training in budgeting, procurement, and auditing, equipping them to effectively manage the region's financial resources.
Meanwhile, at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Maguindanao, a new diploma course on Women, Peace, and Security was launched this year, with 40 students currently enrolled.
The Budget Secretary expressed optimism about the program's potential to expand, saying, "Hopefully, when we gain momentum from this conference, we can extend the program to all MSU campuses, and even to UP as our national university."
She outlined plans for institutionalizing research and capacity-building programs in Mindanao, emphasizing that legislative support is vital for the long-term success and sustainability of these initiatives.
Her work in securing financial support for key projects, such as the Marawi Rehabilitation and regional development was also discussed. Under Sec. Pangandaman's leadership, the DBM facilitated the timely release of funds to support Marawi City's recovery. She is likewise actively attracting private sector investments in Bangsamoro, focusing on agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure to create jobs and boost the local economy.
She concluded with a call to action, inviting participation in the ICWPS: “Join us for the upcoming International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security, where every individual’s voice, regardless of gender, matters. Together we can break barriers, share inspiring stories, and forge powerful collaborations that will drive meaningful action. Bilang isang anak ng Mindanao, sisikapin ko po na ang boses at karapatan ng mga kababaihan lalong-lalo na sa Bangsamoro ay aking maitataguyod.”
The ICWPS will take place from October 28 to 30, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.
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