The Procurement Service – Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) commemorated the 14th Anniversary of the Signing of Republic Act 9710, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women (MCW), as it took part in the Philippine Commission on Women’s (PCW) event with the theme, “MCW@14: Strengthening and Recognizing Gender Mainstreaming Initiatives Towards Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls.” The celebration was held on August 14, 2023 in Taguig.
Representing PS-DBM was Director for Administrative and Finance Group, Ms. Samantha Grace E. Moscoso, who also chairs the agency’s Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS). Under her leadership, PS-DBM spearheads gender mainstreaming practices, programs, and policies to ensure that MCW is championed in the workplace.
The PCW defines MCW as a comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination through the recognition, protection, fulfillment, and promotion of the rights of Filipino women.
Part of the anniversary celebration was the bestowment of GADtimpala (Gender and Development Transformation and Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages and Advocacies) Awards. Various national government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations were recognized “for their outstanding achievement and/or performance in upholding the rights of women and effective implementation of gender-responsive programs.”
The event also featured an audio-visual presentation on MCW Assessment Report; a cultural performance; as well as congratulatory and solidarity messages from Philippine Government officials — capped off with a dinner celebration.
“The event was an important way to honor progress, raise awareness, inspire action, and reinforce the commitment to achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment,” Dir. Moscoso says.
PS-DBM, for its part, acknowledges the efforts and initiatives of its fellow government agencies ultimately geared towards solidifying the country’s commitment to putting forward the fundamental rights of women and girls.
“PS-DBM reaffirms our unwavering commitment to achieving equality and empowering women. By fostering an environment where every woman’s voice is heard, her rights are respected, and her potential is fully realized, we create a world that is stronger, fairer, and more just. I encourage every Juan and Juana to stand together, challenge norms, break barriers, and uplift one another so we can build a future where all women can thrive, contribute and lead,” Dir. Moscoso adds.
