PCW Showcases Philippine Leadership on Access to Justice
at the Asia-Pacific CSW70 Preparatory Meeting
Delegates at the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women listen as Philippine Head of Delegation PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla
presents the brochure, with Atty. Ma. Sophia Isabella P. De Castro, PDPMED Division Chief, at the panel. Photo taken by UN Women Asia and the Pacific.
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) asserted the Philippines’ leadership in advancing gender equality and access to justice at the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held on 29–30 January 2026. As Head of Delegation, PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla highlighted the country’s sustained reforms and concrete gains in dismantling systemic barriers faced by women and girls, anchored on a strong rights-based and legal framework and a whole of government approach.
Central to the Philippines’ participation was the launch and dissemination of the PCW-produced UN CSW70 brochure titled, Justice for Every Filipina: The Philippine Blueprint for Women’s Access to Justice. The brochure captures the country’s key accomplishments and good practices aligned with the CSW70 priority theme on accelerating gender equality through improved access to justice. The publication was featured prominently in the Chairperson’s official intervention and in one-on-one dialogues with fellow UN representatives, positioning the Philippines as a credible source of policy experience and reform pathways for improving women’s access to justice. She also read to the body a message of His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on the significance of the world’s collective work on women’s empowerment.
Philippine Head of Delegation PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla presents the contents of the CSW70 brochure
at the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
“Access to justice is the bedrock of human dignity, equality, and rights. The Philippines actively reforms its legal frameworks and educates our people to accelerate substantive equality for women in all aspects of life,” Chairperson Valdeavilla emphasized during the high-level meeting.
A Regional Blueprint for Equality
The Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting served as a critical platform for governments, UN agencies, and civil society organizations to take stock of regional progress under key international human rights and development frameworks, including the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Discussions this year focused on closing persistent justice gaps by strengthening legal systems, institutions, and accountability mechanisms that directly affect women’s dignity, freedom, voice, and agency.
Against this backdrop, the PCW brochure presented a concise yet comprehensive overview of the Philippines’ gender equality journey—highlighting landmark laws, institutional mechanisms, and policy innovations implemented in line with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). It underscored how legal reforms are translated into practical measures, from prevention of gender-based violence to protection in public and private spaces, and from accountability of duty-bearers to empowerment of women as rights-holders.
Updated cover of the CSW70 brochure, showcasing the Philippine Seal
By sharing this publication with regional partners, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to regional solidarity and collective action. The brochure serves not only as a record of national progress, but as a strategic reference for other Member States seeking to bridge the gap between legal commitments and the lived realities of women and girls.
Through its active engagement at the CSW70 preparatory process, PCW reinforced the Philippines’ role as a strong regional advocate for gender-responsive justice systems—one that demonstrates how sustained legal reform, strong institutions, and inclusive dialogue can accelerate substantive equality for all women and girls and a bankable partner in sustaining the gains achieved thus far.
About the Blueprint: Justice at the Grassroots
Exterior and Interior Spread of the CSW70 brochure
The brochure meticulously outlined the strategic pillars of the Philippines’ commitment to a gender-equal society, showcasing a roadmap of policy reforms and institutional milestones. It highlighted the nation’s success in mainstreaming gender-responsive governance and provided a detailed look at how the Philippines translates international mandates, such as CEDAW, into localized, actionable programs.
One of the highlights discussed is the Philippines’ continued global leadership in gender parity, ranking 20th worldwide and 3rd in the Asia-Pacific region as of 2025. This performance is anchored in a robust and progressive legal framework on gender equality, built on 111 gender-related laws. At the core of this framework are landmark legislations, such as the Magna Carta of Women (R.A. No. 9710), the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (R.A. No. 9262), and the Safe Spaces Act (R.A. No. 11313), which collectively institutionalize gender equality, protect women’s rights, and strengthen accountability across government and society.
Another highlighted discussion is the unique features of the MCW. One of which is the mandatory allocation by all government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) of at least 5% of their total annual budget appropriations to Gender and Development (GAD) programs.
Another is the establishment of a Violence Against Women (VAW) desk, through the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the said law, to ensure justice is accessible at the community level. The VAW Desk is a barangay-level facility which serves as a frontline service provider to victim-survivors who experience physical, sexual, psychological, economic, and other forms of abuse. It is managed by a VAW Desk Officer designated by the Punong Barangay and is usually situated within the premises of the barangay hall. As of the year 2025, the country has established 41,790VAW Desks across its barangays.
Moving forward, the PCW outlined four strategic pillars to enhance justice. First is to strengthen justice in the Digital Age by ensuring protection of women against technologically-facilitated cybercrimes and exploitation. Second is to advance women’s economic justice by implementing more women-friendly livelihood and entrepreneurial projects. Third is to deliver climate justice with a gender lens perspective by integrating gender perspectives into national climate policies and financing platforms. And fourth is to ensure inclusive justice for marginalized women by expanding the reach of PCW to rural areas.
“The Philippines remains committed to this agenda. No push back will discourage us,” affirmed PCW Chairperson Valdeavilla. The Philippine delegation’s presence at the CSW70 Preparatory Meeting signifies more than a report on progress; it is a renewal of a national vow to leave no woman behind. The PCW reaffirms its role as the nation’s primary safeguard against gender inequality. Through the continuous vetting of legislative measures and the training of gender-responsive leaders, the Commission ensures that the Philippine legal system serves as an unbreakable fortress of protection for every Filipina, today and for generations to come.