PCW Strengthens Leadership with the Appointment of Seasoned Advocates for Gender Equality
(From L-R: Ms. Anette Baleda, Ms. Ermelita Valdeavilla, and Ms. Nharleen Santos-Millar during the oathtaking ceremony held at the PCW Conference Room)
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) proudly announces the appointment of two longstanding champions of gender equality to its executive leadership, fortifying the Commission’s commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Philippines. These leaders have been instrumental in shaping PCW’s legacy and are now set to steer it further in alignment with the goals of Bagong Pilipinas—a future where gender equality is the cornerstone of national development.
(Ms. Nharleen Santos-Millar took her oath before PCW Chairperson Valdeavilla, in the presence of PCW employees, as the newly appointed Executive Director of the Commission.)
Ms. Nharleen Santos-Millar
Executive Director
With over 26 years of dedicated service to the Commission, Ms. Nharleen Santos-Millar brings to the role a legacy of innovation and results-driven leadership. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Executive Director in January 2025 and as OIC Deputy Director for Operations from September 2024 to January 2025. She previously served as the Chief Gender Specialist of the Technical Services and Regional Coordination Division (TSRCD).
Ms. Santos-Millar holds a Master of Social Change and Development degree from the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, where she graduated with distinction, majoring in Organizational Management and Leadership.
(Ms. Anette Baleda took her oath before PCW Chairperson Valdeavilla, joined by PCW employees and her family, as the newly appointed Deputy Executive Director for Operations of the Commission.)
Ms. Anita Baleda
Deputy Executive Director for Operations
With over 35 years of experience in GAD mainstreaming, Ms. Anita Baleda steps into her new role with a wealth of knowledge and policy expertise. As the former Chief of the Commission’s Policy Development, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (PDPMED), she played a pivotal role in shaping landmark frameworks such as the Magna Carta of Women, advancing laws addressing gender-based violence, and leading the review and assessment of government agencies’ GAD Plans and Budgets.
Her leadership also extended beyond national borders as she represented the Philippines in major global and regional forums, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), the ASEAN Committee on Women, and the APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy.
Ms. Baleda holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development, with a focus on Gender and Development, from the Australian National University, where she graduated with distinction.
(Chairperson Valdeavilla assured PCW employees that with the appointment of these seasoned GAD advocates and long-serving members of the Commission, they can look forward to a more dedicated and grounded leadership as PCW continues to carry out its mandates.)
PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla, the Commission’s first full-time Chair, expressed her confidence in the new leadership team:
“Together, we will ‘dance to the same music’ – a harmony that centers on the best interests of PCW, the women we serve, and the dedicated team behind our mission. At times, this may require self-sacrifice, but we are driven by the belief that Filipino women deserve nothing less than our absolute best.”
As the Philippines continues to lead in Asia in closing the gender gap, these new appointments reaffirm PCW’s commitment to transformative leadership, inclusive and gender-responsive governance, and the realization of every Filipino woman’s full potential. Together with its new leaders, PCW is poised to continue its vital work—ensuring that gender equality remains at the heart of Bagong Pilipinas.