By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has issued an executive order (EO) strengthening the organizational structure of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
EO 167, inked by Duterte on Wednesday (April 6), amends EO 208 signed in 1994 to introduce changes in the PCW’s composition.
“Considering the expanded role and scope of work of the PCW, there is a need to strengthen the organizational structure of the Commission, including its current composition,” the order read.
Under EO 167, the PCW chairperson appointed by the President will serve on a full-time basis with the rank and emoluments of an undersecretary.
The EO also directs the inclusion of two additional members who will represent the senior citizens and persons with disabilities, respectively.
The incumbent PCW members from the government include the chair of the National Economic and Development Authority and heads of the departments of Agriculture, Budget, Education, Foreign Affairs, Health, Local Government, Labor, Social Welfare, and Trade.
“The heads of government agencies mentioned are authorized to designate their permanent alternates with a rank not lower than Assistant Secretary to represent them during Commission meetings and other official functions. The ex-officio member shall inform the Commission in writing of such designation,” according to EO 167.
The PCW also has members from non-governmental organizations representing the labor; business and industry; science and health; education or academe; urban poor; indigenous peoples; farmers and fisherfolk; media, culture, and the arts; and youth sectors.
A representative of the National Council of Women in the Philippines also serves as a member of the commission.
The new EO creates a PCW secretariat which will be headed by an executive director and assisted by two deputy directors.
The PCW Secretariat is mandated to supervise the provision of requisite technical and administrative services to the members of the Commission.”
“Except as expressly modified by this Order, all other provisions of EO No. 208, as amended, shall remain in full force and effect,” EO 167 said.
The PCW serves as the primary policy-making and coordinating body of all women’s development programs and institutions in the country.
The commission is designated to institute the gender responsiveness of national development plans, coordinate the assessment and updating of the National Plan for Women, undertake continuing advocacy to promote women empowerment, and ensure Filipino women’s gains.
Malacañang released a copy of EO 167 on Friday. (PNA)
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