United Nations in Philippines

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in the Philippines.

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Press Release

31 January 2025

New programme to close digital gap for 15,000 small businesses

A new program, supported by the United Nations, was launched today to provide digital tools and training to at least 15,000 small businesses in underserved communities. The launch event was attended by officials from the government, development and diplomatic communities, and the private sector. The ultimate objective is to strengthen the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through improved connectivity.The United Nations Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital PINAS) will build a digital ecosystem for MSMEs in remote regions that face barriers to connectivity. The programme will also provide training to help entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in the digital economy. The initiative is being implemented jointly by three UN entities: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the government, led by the DICT, and potential private sector partners. “Despite advances in connectivity and digital adoption, millions remain disconnected from progress. Women, indigenous communities, small entrepreneurs, and those in remote areas still struggle with limited access to digital tools and skills,” said Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy at the launch. “Digital PINAS is a declaration that we refuse to let barriers hold back our people. We are not just closing gaps; we are tearing down walls that have long excluded Filipinos from the opportunities they deserve.”With a total budget of US$5 million, the joint programme will address policy, regulatory and systemic barriers to digital inclusion.To achieve these goals, the Digital PINAS programme will use a three-pillar strategy: capacity building, support for the establishment of Digital Transformation Hubs in at least 30 geographically remote and underserved areas, and advocacy for policies and regulations that will promote digitalization and encourage investment in an inclusive digital ecosystem.“The promotion of digital transformation as a catalytic opportunity is critical to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals. This is especially relevant in the context of the Philippines and critical to supporting its ambition to be an upper-middle-income country… We are positioning Digital PINAS as a convergence point for integrated UN Country Team action to support a unified digital transformation agenda for the Philippines,” said Khalid Hassan, Director of ILO in the Philippines, who opened the launch on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Gustavo Gonzalez. Digital PINAS is funded through the United Nations’ Joint SDG Fund, an inter-agency mechanism for strategic financing of transformative actions toward achieving SDGs by 2030. The Fund is supported by the European Union (EU), which pledged an initial 30 million euros for digital transformation efforts across the developing world, including the Philippines. Other supporters to the Fund include Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.Speaking at the programme launch, EU Head of Cooperation in the Philippines Marco Gemmer said: “We envision this initiative to inspire entrepreneurs, especially at the margins to take advantage of technology and innovation to grow their businesses and build confidence to showcase their products and services before a boundless digital marketplace.”Farmer-entrepreneurs shared how simple digitalization efforts have helped their businesses grow. “We have farmers from Zambales who found a market in Manila by promoting their produce on social media,” shared Ms. Mary Elaine Timbal, founder of the agribusiness startup Sakahon. With a wider reach for their produce, “Our federation can now focus on strategizing for other things, like increasing our production to meet the demand created by our online presence,” said Ms. Fatima Ibanen, President of the Igbaras Federation of Farmers.To complement the programme’s investment, a key component of the initiative involves the mobilization of an anticipated $21 million in local government and private sector investments for digital products., filtered_html

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Press Release

22 January 2025

The Philippines operationalizes policy on terrorism and terrorism financing

Manila (Philippines), 17 January 2025 – The Department of Justice (DOJ), alongside key Philippine criminal justice agencies, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to operationalize a policy on terrorism and terrorism financing cases. This milestone will allow experts to adopt Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that focus on case build-up, which involves gathering all the necessary evidence, facts, and information to support a legal case, making the prosecution and investigation of terrorism more effective.“These SOPs provide much-needed clarity and structure to the processes of investigation and prosecution in terrorism and terrorism financing cases. They reaffirm our commitment to delivering justice with precision, fostering collaboration across agencies, and upholding the fundamental principles of human rights,” said Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. The initiative operationalizes DOJ Department Circular No. 20 (DC 20), issued in March 2023, which emphasizes the proactive role of prosecutors in case build-up for serious offenses.The SOPs were collaboratively developed over 2024 by a technical working group comprising the DOJ, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the Philippine National Police, the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippine Coast Guard. The process was supported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the Philippines and funded by the Australian Government.The SOPs are envisioned to be institutionalized through targeted training and workshops, equipping agencies to integrate them into daily operations and ensuring alignment with national and international standards for handling terrorism and terrorism financing cases.A holistic approach to justiceBy providing clear, actionable steps for case build-up, evidence handling, and inter-agency coordination, the SOPs aim to ensure that complex cases are handled effectively while safeguarding human rights, including due process rights. “These SOPs equip Philippine agencies with a comprehensive, rights-based framework tailored to meet the complex challenges of counterterrorism. By promoting operational coordination and embedding human rights safeguards, this initiative reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to a justice system that is both resilient and principled,” said UNODC Philippines Country Manager Daniele Marchesi. The SOPs reinforce existing guardrails intended to protect the rights of individuals accused of any violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act throughout investigations and prosecutions. These include strict adherence to the right against unlawful detention, protection of personal data in line with international privacy standards, and mechanisms to prevent coercion or the use of evidence obtained through torture. In cases involving vulnerable groups or witnesses, the SOPs provide additional layers of protection, such as access to psychological support and confidentiality measures.Building a sustainable frameworkBeyond supporting the Philippines’ efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force ‘grey list’, in which the country has been since 2021, they aim to establish a sustainable, rights-based framework for effectively addressing terrorism and terrorism financing through enhanced coordination and accountability.“Australia is proud to have supported the development of these SOPs, which demonstrate how inter-agency collaboration can help to address terrorism and terrorism financing. This framework will improve the quality of cases, generate better justice outcomes and enable a justice-led approach that upholds the rule of law and human rights.[U2] ,” said Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, HK Yu.UNODC has been an integral partner in this process, she added, facilitating technical working groups and workshops providing expertise to align the SOPs’ framework with international best practices. Advancing Justice for AllThe SOPs are designed not only to address the immediate needs of terrorism-related cases but also to serve as a model for broader institutional reforms within the Philippine’s criminal justice system. As these SOPs are adopted into the operations of each agency, the DOJ and its partners aim to institutionalize the framework through policy issuances, ensuring its sustainability and impact. This institutionalization underlines the Philippine government’s commitment to enhance its criminal justice mechanisms, address national security concerns, and ensure that human rights remain a central tenet of its counter-terrorism strategies, Marchesi added. , filtered_html

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Press Release

20 January 2025

Vulnerable communities in Surigao find new livelihood opportunities and improved housing with UN support

SURIGAO CITY, PHILIPPINES – A United Nations joint programme launched in Surigao in October 2024 is already showing tangible results: families from vulnerable communities in the city have identified entrepreneurial and business opportunities to improve their living conditions. The “Localize to Realize: Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDG) implementation for local and vulnerable groups and communities of women, indigenous peoples and informal settler families” (L2R SDG) implemented by UN Habitat and UN Women and funded by the global Joint SDG Fund focuses on supporting Sama Bajau and informal settler families in the city. Aquaculture development, a materials recovery facility, and a neighborhood store that can be upscaled to an e-commerce platform are some of the initial livelihood programs proposed by at least 80 families during community consultations. L2R SDG follows a participatory and community-driven model where indigenous groups and informal settler families can engage with local and national governments in SDG-based planning, budgeting, and decision-making activities. “Localizing the SDGs is about empowering communities to shape their own futures. By tailoring SDG initiatives to the unique cultural and socio-economic contexts of each community through involvement in decision-making, we pave the way for greater inclusion of vulnerable communities,” according to UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez.Representatives from the Sama Bajau Council and informal settler associations are members of the L2R SDG steering committee and are an inherent part of decision making. “Dako kaayo nig [tabang] sa amoa kay mavoice-out namo among gusto. Pasalamat kaayo mi na beneficiary mi sa mga balay ug naa pay SDG para sa among kabataan. (This is a big help for us because we can voice out what we want. We are thankful that we are beneficiaries of the housing project plus the SDGs which will benefit our youth),” Sama Bajau Council member Ronald Bastiong said. They are also given a platform to provide inputs on how local initiatives can be aligned with their realities on the ground."The city government of Surigao wholeheartedly commits to support the initiatives that uplift marginalized communities - particularly the Sama Bajau who contribute so much to the culture fabric of our city," Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II said. Housing improvementsThe Sama Bajau indigenous group is actively involved in the design and construction of culturally sensitive settlements under the Huy-anan nan Bajau sa Surigao (Home for Bajaus in Surigao) Project implemented by UN Habitat and funded by the Spanish Government through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). "We have a fantastic partnership here - not many events have so many stakeholders engaged with that level of commitment and for UN Habitat, we need to follow through at many different levels. Our commitment to the communities is to continue the people's process and we are extremely proud and happy of the partnership that we have," UN Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Human Settlements Officer Bernhard Barth said. Through the project, Sama Bajau families will move to a resettlement area which is also being developed as an ecovillage by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).Currently, these groups reside in neighborhoods with no proper access to basic water and sanitation facilities.As of this year, four housing units have been built - with one under construction. 20 units or five quadruplex stilt houses are targeted under the project.“The desire and the wish of the Spanish Cooperation is to try to be with you [Sama Bajau] in the future to be possible to build double or triple of these houses. It is not only a house - it is a future, it is a better life,” according to Violeta Dominguez Acosta, Head of AECID Philippines.Bringing SDGs to the familiesA better understanding of development principles enables vulnerable communities to overcome stigma and help themselves. This is why the communities in the city received training on sustainable development goals and its impact on the lives of the communities organized by UN Women and UN Habitat.This included a facilitated discussion on the rights of women, and children and highlighted the essential role of women-led households in improving living conditions. Trainers showed parents how to monitor the development of their children under a new scheme called Family Actions for Children and their Environs in Surigao (FACES). Over 80 families are participating in the programme.“It is a privilege to work and be part of Localize to Realize project where we hope to see lived realities and vulnerabilities of women and IP communities surfaced and addressed with an SDG lens. We know that local women and IPs when informed, engaged, and empowered will not just be beneficiaries but key contributors to inclusive and sustainable development,” according to UN Women Philippines Country Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina.The implementation of the L2R SDG joint programme and its complementing projects represent a significant step towards achieving the SDGs in Surigao City. “This collaborative approach fosters inclusivity, empowers local voices, and builds resilient communities. Joint programmes such as the L2R SDG is a driver for meaningful, fit-for-purpose development," Gonzalez added.The L2R SDG joint programme aims to localize the SDGs by establishing a participatory and community-driven model that can unlock and support vulnerable communities to engage with local and national governments in SDG-based planning and budgeting and access programs and services that are responsive to the differentiated socio-economic needs and priorities of population groups.It is funded through the Joint SDG Fund using funding from Spain as well as the governments of Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Switzerland., filtered_html

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Story

12 February 2025

A new era of medical access in the Philippines

The arrival of the CT scan at Leyte Provincial Hospital in the country’s Eastern Visayas region, was more than just a delivery – it marked a turning point for thousands of patients who once had to endure long and costly journeys for critical diagnostics. For Christian Joseph, the hospital’s CT-Scan Radiologic Technologist, the impact was immediate."The CT scan started to function in January 2024, and since then, we have been an average of five to ten patients daily," he said."Previously, patients had to be referred to other hospitals, which took additional time and incurred extra costs. Now, diagnoses are faster, treatment plans are more efficient and patient outcomes have significantly improved," he added.This transformation is part of the Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit COVID-19 (HEAL) Project, a collaborative effort between UNOPS, the Department of Health and the Asian Development Bank. The project, which has delivered over $45 million worth of medical supplies, laboratory equipment and patient transfer vehicles is redefining healthcare across the Philippines.“As we advance our support for vital health initiatives, it's evident that our efforts go beyond addressing a pandemic. They are about building a healthier, more resilient future for the people of the Philippines.” - Sanjay Mathur - UNOPS Regional Director for Asia-PacificFor hospitals like Biliran Provincial Hospital, which serves the entire province’s population of 178,000, the provision of a CT scan was life-changing."Before we had the CT scan, patients had to travel two to three hours to Tacloban or Ormoc for this service," said Dr. Joyce Pia Caneja, Chief of Hospital."For cerebrovascular cases, such delays could mean the difference between life and death. Having this equipment in our facility has made diagnosis and treatment faster, ensuring that critical care is available when it’s needed most," she said.Beyond improving emergency response, the project has also strengthened the long-term sustainability of healthcare facilities. In the Governor Benjamin T. Romualdez General Hospital and Schistosomiasis Center, where the burden of neurological disorders and trauma cases is high, the CT scan has minimized the need for patient transfers. "Previously, we had to refer patients to hospitals hours away. Now, with our own CT scan, we can diagnose conditions like stroke and cerebral schistosomiasis onsite, saving valuable time," said Dr. Lory L. Ruetas, Chief of Medical Professional Staff.Despite these successes, challenges remain. Many hospitals still face shortages in trained radiologists, requiring partnerships with external specialists for image readings. However, solutions are emerging. In Biliran, a digital imaging system now allows radiologists from Tacloban to provide remote readings, significantly reducing turnaround times.Alongside our partners, UNOPS continued support for these healthcare advancements is helping to create a more resilient and accessible system.With over 45 CT scan machines installed, 15 waste treatment facilities delivered and installed, and more than 800 healthcare workers trained, the ADB-HEAL project is making tangible strides toward a sustainable healthcare infrastructure.Additionally, the project has facilitated the delivery of more than 5,000 units of laboratory and isolation facility equipment, benefiting over 100 public health facilities across the Philippines with CT, waste treatment, and laboratory equipment.As hospitals expand and evolve, the legacy of this initiative will be measured in lives saved and expanded access for communities to quality healthcare services.About the projectWith over $59 million in funding from the Asian Development Bank, the HEAL project aims to strengthen over 160 public health facilities and laboratories across the Philippines. This four-year project, completed in February 2025, is a key step toward building a more resilient healthcare system, in close collaboration with the Philippine’s Department of Health , filtered_html

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Female doctor explaining CT scan result to patient

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23 January 2025

UN Philippines conveys over 100 civil society leaders across the country to accelerate SDGs

MANILA, Philippines – Over 100 civil society organizations (CSOs) from across the country met UN Philippines yesterday to set new bases for cooperation to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda. In the framework of the UN-Civil Society Engagement Forum, CSOs leaders and UN officials debated challenges and opportunities in the Philippines’ development agenda as well as new modalities of partnership within the context of the 2024-2028 UN Cooperation Framework for the Philippines.“Today’s forum is a critical step to strengthen coalitions with CSOs under our One UN approach. They are an indispensable link between the people and the authorities. By harnessing the insights and expertise of civil society leaders, we can tailor our initiatives to truly address the needs of the most vulnerable," said UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez. A strong civil space is key for development and the Netherlands will continue to support CSOs and the UN in consolidating their efforts towards common goals, said Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of the Kingdom of Netherlands to the Philippines in her address to the forum. “The Netherlands proudly supports the UN’s efforts to institutionalize dialogue and consultation with civil society,” she said “The UN’s work remains essential to all this, as it facilitates these partnerships and ensures the global SDG framework stays aligned with the needs of local communities. Together, we can ensure that the SDGs are truly realized and that no one is left behind.” The rights-based approach to development requires a strong civil society as distinct from and complementary to the government and business sectors, said Karen Gomez Dumpit of Human Rights and People’s Empowerment Centre during her keynote remarks. “CSOs work tirelessly on a myriad of fronts, from climate change and biodiversity, to governance, health, education, agriculture, peace, and human rights. This diversity is our greatest asset,” she said. During the forum, participants provided inputs on how the concerns and realities of their constituents can be addressed with the help of the UN around the thematic areas of inclusive human development, peace and governance, sustainable economic development and climate action. “Maganda siya, I think maraming representation yung iba ibang sectors, (It’s good, I think this event has a lot of representation among different sectors.)” according to Sheila Aggaro of the Lifehaven Center for Independent Living (CIL) – a non-profit organization for persons with disabilities (PWD) advocating for independent living and disability inclusion across the country. She said that events like the UN-CSO Engagement Forum should be cross-cutting because there are PWDs across all sectors of society. “Sana hindi lang meta level yung participation, but more dun sa specific na engagements. (I hope our level of participation is not just on the meta level, but more on the specific engagements),” Aggaro said. For Rose Trajano, international advocacy officer of In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity, partnerships between the UN and CSOs need to be systematic, programmatic, and strategic. “We’re expecting that the UN and CSOs will monitor together our obligations when it comes to joint programmes, different programmes, under this [Cooperation] framework. It’s also very critical, as you are making us understand the framework and how it relates to our priorities, on how we follow through – monitoring and evaluation,” she added. , filtered_html

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UNRC Gustavo Gonzalez, Ambassador of the Netherlands Marielle Geraedts and Human Rights and People’s Empowerment Center Karen Gomez Dumpit with participants of UNCSO Forum

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20 January 2025

Comprehensive Sexuality Education: UN calls for combatting misinformation

The United Nations appreciates and supports ongoing efforts by the government and its partners in addressing serious challenges hampering country's development pathway, including adolescent pregnancy, maternal mortality, HIV infection and various forms of gender-based violence. Age-appropriate sexuality education is a proven tool to address such challenges. Research shows that too many young people still make the transition from childhood to adulthood receiving inaccurate or incomplete information about sexual and reproductive health, leaving them vulnerable to coercion, sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. This is why the UN supports the roll out of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) around the world, in a culturally appropriate manner.“CSE addresses a complex area of intersection between health, education, prevention and social development, based on research, data and analysis of social behaviours,” said Roi Avena, Deputy Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to the Philippines. “However, in recent weeks misinformation about CSE, and the role of various United Nations agencies, has circulated in the Philippines.”The United Nations in the Philippines supports efforts by several stakeholders, including the Department of Education, legislators, the Council for the Welfare of Children and the Child Rights Network in clarifying what CSE is and what it is not. “The UN encourages all Filipinos to verify information they are exposed to,” said Mr Avena. “The UN shares accurate scientific knowledge and relevant lessons learned and good practices, which has been adapted by the Department of Education to be culturally sensitive and age-appropriate.”UNFPA, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) and the World Health Organization supports the government in providing evidence-based support in this area. CSE includes scientifically accurate information about human development, anatomy and reproductive health, as well as information about childbirth and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. For more information see:Department of Education statement on CSE Department of Education briefer on CSE Statement by Sen. Risa Hontiveros on CSE bill Ten myths and truth about CSE (UNFPA)United Nations guidance on combatting mis- and disinformation Child Rights Network statement DepEd defends sex education programme Marcos backs sex education in schools amid rising teen pregnancy rates , filtered_html

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The teacher is discussing CSE to students in a classroom

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07 January 2025

Southeast Asia provides fertile ground for women to benefit from AI

Artificial intelligence or AI technology can help to protect vulnerable women, give women a voice in male-dominated communities and increase training opportunities in Southeast Asia thanks to innovative approaches by United Nations agencies. With AI enabled technology becoming commonplace, the UN System is beginning to take advantage of the latest digital tools to bring gender equality closer to realitySoutheast Asia, a middle-income region with widespread internet coverage and relatively high digital literacy levels, is fertile ground for AI enabled development. Here are three examples of initiatives that could help large numbers of women in their private and professional lives in the coming years. The Philippines: Training entrepreneurs in remote areasThe Philippines is made up of an archipelago of thousands of islands that can be costly and difficult to reach from the country’s urban centres. This has meant that inhabitants of the more remote islands have often not been able to fully benefit from training opportunities offered by the UN and its partners.Since December 2023, however, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has been supporting business owners, particularly women entrepreneurs, with the help of the latest AI chatbots.“In many cases, trainers no longer need to travel to remote villages in far-flung islands and mountains,” says ILO Technical Specialist Hideki Kagohashi. “The trainer is a mobile phone chatbot.”On Siargao Island, this chatbot is providing women selling coconut products with technical advice, and helping women entrepreneurs create digital marketing posts for Facebook, drastically reducing the time needed for daily posting from a few hours to just 10-20 minutes.“Previously entrepreneurs often stopped posting because it took too much time over too long of a period to have demonstratable results,” Kagohashi explains. “But now with generative AI they can swiftly create higher quality content with relevant picture or video, more varied posts daily, complete with audience targeting for tone and content, leading to higher online engagement and increased sales.”The project is still in pilot phase, but ILO and its partners will scale up AI-enabled coaching to reach at least 15,000 small and medium-sized businesses nationwide over the next three years. Thailand: Protection for vulnerable women and girls For around a year, the AI-powered SoSafe platform has been providing Thai women with tailored advice on social issues including unintended pregnancies, sexual harassment, and domestic violence, amongst others. Primarily used by women and girls in vulnerable situations, SoSafe contains verified information for youth, women and the elderly about their social benefits and rights.The impact has been palpable: SoSafe is accessible to 600,000 users across 14 pilot provinces, has improved communication between affected women and support services and has led to over 1,000 cases of domestic violence being reported to the authorities.The platform, delivered by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), in cooperation with Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency and other partners, detects keywords and provides automated responses to offer users timely support. The information on SoSafe comes from government databases and reliable sources, which helps ensure that users receive accurate information. Indonesia: A stronger voice in the community In Indonesia’s 75,000 villages, decisions tend be made by middle-aged men, who are more likely to attend open debates and meetings.“Participation in village meetings is male dominated, and open voting can lead to stigmatization of those who may not agree with the head of the village, suppressing open discussion,” explains Dhany Oktaviany, the project manager of Social Innovation Platform (SIP).SIP, a project run by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in support of Indonesia’s Ministry of Village, aims to change this situation. As part of SIP, an AI-enabled digital tool gathers the aspirations of villagers and generates recommendations for subsequent village planning.The application allows the village to send ideas in a wide variety of ways, from photos and videos to text and audio. They can also submit ideas anonymously, allowing different viewpoints to be expressed. Reforming the UN“Across the Asia Pacific region, we are working to build the capacity of the UN system to take advantage of the latest technological trends and thereby accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals,” says David McLachlan-Karr, Director for Asia and the Pacific of the UN Development Coordination Office. “These projects are a great example of technological innovation at the UN, which is at the heart of the Secretary General’s reform agenda to make the UN more fit for the needs of the 21st century.” This article was first published by UN News , filtered_html

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Siargao vendor selling candies at the shore

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17 December 2024

UNODC lauds Philippine anti-corruption efforts, commits continued support to government

The Philippines has made significant progress in the fight against corruption, but work should continue to root out corruption in the country, said Daniele Marchesi, Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), at a high-profile event attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and other dignitaries. Speaking at the 5th State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation and Review held in Manila on 3 December, Mr. Marchesi lauded the country’s recent anti-corruption efforts, particularly in public procurement and the prevention of money laundering. “Public procurement, which has historically been a high-risk area for corruption, is now more transparent and accountable thanks to the institutionalization of electronic procurement, beneficial ownership transparency, and sustainability principles,” he said. Mr. Marchesi also cited the government’s anti-money laundering policy reforms, which can lead to the Philippines’ removal from the so-called “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental organization that sets international standards to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. The Task Force’s grey list is composed of jurisdictions that are under increased monitoring for these illegal activities. Following recent reforms, the country is now poised for a FATF review in early 2025, which could result in its removal from the list, enhancing its international reputation and opening doors for greater investment opportunities. The UNCAC Conference implementation and review was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Senate President Francis Escudero and other senior officials. President Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ long-standing commitment to the UNCAC, stating: “On November 06, 2006, the Philippines ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption or UNCAC. On that day, our country made a bold commitment to fight corruption not just within our borders but alongside a global community of nations.” UNCAC is the only globally binding anti-corruption framework, providing a comprehensive roadmap for transparency, accountability and integrity. UNODC serves as the secretariat and custodian of the Convention, which has now been almost universally ratified, with 191 state parties. While the Philippines has made substantial progress, further reforms are needed in the country’s fight against corruption, speakers at the event agreed. UNODC is supporting Filipino authorities on a number of initiatives, including enacting a comprehensive whistleblower protection law, developing a beneficial ownership transparency law, boosting transparency through the expansion of the Freedom of Information framework to include the legislative and judicial branches of government, and addressing the risks posed by cyber-enabled fraud including Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which have recently been banned by the Government. However, according to Mr. Marchesi, equally important to policy reform is a necessary shift in the overall culture around corruption. He said, “Ultimately, defeating corruption is not only about policies and laws. It requires systemic, incremental changes that reshape institutions and behaviors over time... Education for integrity, particularly among young people and newly appointed public officials, is an essential ingredient to preventing corruption.” The focus on collaboration and values was reiterated also by other speakers, including Ombudsman Samuel Martires, who said: “This fight requires more than policies, it demands genuine collaboration among government agencies, civil society and the private sector. It requires every Filipino to embody the values of honesty, fairness and justice in their daily lives. Let us continue to build a nation where public trust is upheld, governance is exemplary, and corruption is never tolerated.” During the event, Representatives of the Cabinet, the Senate and Congress, as well as the judiciary listed their respective commitments to continue the fight against corruption in the country, with a strong emphasis on the Integrity Management Programme (IMP) promoting anti-corruption and accountability in all government departments. This year’s UNCAC Review was held as part of anti-corruption month, which runs throughout December, and was organized jointly by the Philippine Government and UNODC. , filtered_html

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Participants during photo op at the 5th State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)

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Press Release

17 February 2025

UN Women, gov't and CSO partners tackle online GBV and why it keeps women away from politics

Manila, Philippines -- Ahead of the 2025 mid-term elections, UN Women Philippines, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and civil society partners are taking a stand against online abuse and harassment targeting female politicians. This form of gender-based violence threatens women’s leadership by discouraging their participation in governance and public life. At a forum held on February 7, 2025, at the National Cybercrime Hub in Taguig City, UN Women Philippines’ Women, Peace, and Security Programme Specialist, Catherine Rose Torres, highlighted how disinformation campaigns disproportionately harm women. “There is no shortage of discussions about online disinformation and online incivility or hate speech, but they often lack a gendered lens and fail to recognize that most of these harmful behaviors are directed at women—as usual,” Torres said. Timely conducted ahead of the Philippines’ mid-term elections, the forum explored how technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) deters women from entering and thriving in politics—and what can be done to stop it. How TFGBV Keeps Women Away from Politics Technology-facilitated gender-based violence, as defined by the United Nations Population Fund, is “an act of violence perpetrated by one or more individuals that is committed, assisted, aggravated, and amplified in part or fully by the use of information and communication technologies or digital media against a person on the basis of gender.” Government and civil society have documented cases of TFGBV in the Philippines, including disinformation attacks targeting women in public office, members of the press, and women running for election. The UN Secretary-General’s October 2024 report underscores that technology-facilitated violence against women is not just random but well-funded and well-organized, reinforcing discriminatory norms and promoting misogynistic attitudes. This form of online abuse intensifies during elections. The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) had already issued warnings against “the objectification of women during election season” during the 2022 Presidential polls. PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla outlined two major barriers to women’s political participation, saying that very few women are elected to public office because very few women run for elective posts, and that the culture of politics is not women-friendly. “It is characterized by aggression, atrocities, wasteful spending, character assassination, and all types of psychological, verbal, physical, direct, and digitally-mediated gender-based violence. These are all antithetical to the values that women generally uphold. The very culture of politics disempowers women, to the point that they shun away from it,” she said. The numbers further highlight the issue. PNP Women and Children Protection Chief, PBGen. Portia Manalad, revealed that they recorded 1,294 cases in 2023 and 1,333 cases in 2024 involving violations of the Safe Spaces Act (which penalizes online gender-based sexual harassment) and the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act. Meanwhile, Liza Garcia, Executive Director of the Foundation for Media Alternatives, cited real-world examples of TFGBV during past elections, including baseless accusations, viral scandal fabrications involving a politician’s daughter, red-tagging, and rape threats. Mel Migriño, President of the Women in Security Alliance Philippines, shared her personal experience as a victim of online impersonation and character assassination, further emphasizing how digital spaces remain hostile to women leaders. Despite its devastating impact, TFGBV is often underestimated. Dhyta Caturani, Helpline Southeast Asia Regional Coordinator of Access Now, pointed out that many dismiss it as a mere “consequence of being online” rather than recognizing its real-world harm. Dr. Jaimee Stuart of the United Nations University Macau explained that TFGBV stems from deeply ingrained gender norms that objectify women and undermine their credibility as leaders. She identified several manifestations of TFGBV, including doxing, non-consensual intimate image abuse, sextortion, online sexual harassment, cyberstalking, shallowfakes, deepfakes, misogynistic hate speech, and defamation—all of which push women out of public life. What Can We Do About TFGBV and Its Effects on Women’s Political Participation? DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development Jocelle Batapa-Sigue made a strong call to action, stating, “Technology should never be a weapon against women; rather, it should be a tool that amplifies their voices.” She emphasized that addressing TFGBV and promoting women's political participation requires a multi-stakeholder approach integrating digital safety, policy reforms, and capacity-building initiatives. The DICT is at the forefront of this effort through the Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA) project, which enhances digital literacy, cybersecurity protections, and gender-sensitive policies in the ICT sector. DICT is also pushing for AI-driven content moderation to curb online harassment, stronger enforcement of digital harassment laws, and cybersecurity education programs to equip women leaders with essential digital safety skills. Beyond online protection, women must be empowered to lead confidently in the digital era. DICT and PCW believe that webinars and training sessions or even courses on political participation are essential in building women’s confidence. Commission on Elections’ Director for Barangay & SK Elections, Michelle Frances Morales-Paredes, stressed that programs tha help build the confidence of women in pursuing politics can enable them to break free from stereotypes that keep them out of politics. From a legal standpoint, Atty. Ona Caritos of the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) highlighted that while existing laws—such as the Omnibus Election Code, Safe Spaces Act, and Cybercrime Law—offer protections, enforcement must be strengthened. Meanwhile, PBGen. Manalad assured that the PNP Women and Children Protection Center is intensifying enforcement efforts through rescue operations, legal action, investigations, capacity-building, and awareness campaigns. The tech industry must also step up. Dhyta Caturani advocated for a feminist approach to technology—one that prioritizes care and joy over profit. Dr. Stuart reinforced this by promoting human-centric cybersecurity, which means positioning people (rather than technology) as the primary subjects of cybersecurity, "protecting systems and networks so that they can support and create a foundation for the expression and exercise of human rights." On a hopeful note, Tez Cruz, Co-founder of the Feminist Media Lab, shared inspiring case studies demonstrating the impact of feminist community care. Utilizing technology, their initiatives have empowered survivors by believing them and amplifying their voices, supported feminist organizations in building safe digital communities, promoted women’s leadership through training, mentorship, and fellowships, and documented TFGBV cases among women in politics. For its part, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is taking proactive steps to combat TFGBV. Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Mary Rose Magsaysay shared that the agency is enhancing cybersecurity protections, strengthening investigations, capacitating agencies, and enforcing digital safety laws. Through partnerships with law enforcement, ICT agencies, and advocacy groups, the CICC is improving mechanisms for reporting, detecting, and prosecuting cybercrimes targeting women. A Call to Action In closing, Rosalyn Mesina, Country Programme Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, urged participants to reflect on their families and loved ones, reminding them that the fight against TFGBV is deeply personal and affects everyone. She shared UN Women Philippines' vision of building a women-led, multisectoral community of practice—one that not only fights TFGBV but also amplifies women’s political participation, creating safer and more inclusive digital and governance spaces. The “Disinformed, Disempowered, Disenfranchised” forum was jointly organized by UN Women, DICT, and CICC, with the support of the Australian Government’s Cyber and Critical Tech Cooperation Program. , filtered_html

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Press Release

17 February 2025

Boost road safety for people, planet and prosperity

If you had to guess the leading cause of death for children and young people globally, what would you say?Malaria? Pneumonia? Suicide? They’re all up there, but no, it’s road crashes.Cars have been around for over 120 years, and we know how to prevent these tragedies. Yet road crashes still claim more than two lives every minute, and nearly 1.2 million lives every year.If these deaths were caused by a virus, it would be called a pandemic and the world would scramble to develop vaccines to prevent them.And yet reducing road deaths has long been overlooked, misunderstood and underfunded.People will always make mistakes on the roads, but we have proven solutions that ensure our transport systems can absorb these errors in a way that significantly reduces the risk of death.As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, the world has set an ambitious target of halving road deaths worldwide by 2030.Just ten countries - including some hard-hit low and middle-income countries – managed to reduce road deaths by more than 50% in a decade, and more than 30 countries are close behind. This shows that the target can be met but it is nowhere near enough. We need urgent action.Key to meeting this goal is the decision to design and build our transport systems for people - not for motor vehicles - and to make safety paramount in all decisions and actions.This is especially important for the most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders, who are often left dangerously exposed.Advancing road safety is crucial in itself, but it is also key to sustainable development overall.The world is going through an unprecedented wave of motorization. More than a billion vehicles are on the roads. This is unsustainable, so we must focus on moving people, not cars, motorbikes and trucks.Transport accounts for one quarter of global carbon emissions, and fuels congestion in our cities. Yet when mobility is made safe and accessible, people choose the greener options of public transport, walking and cycling.Designing cities around sustainable transport - with cycling lanes, pedestrian zones, and accessible public transport - also strengthens communities by making spaces safer and more livable, while improving access to adequate housing and basic services for all.Safe roads power economies. Road deaths can cost countries around 3 to 5% of GDP, and ensuring more people can move safely to their jobs, schools and vital services drives development.Safe, accessible and affordable transport also breaks down barriers to jobs, schools and opportunities for disadvantaged groups. This helps ensure everyone can reach their potential.The same holds true for gender equality, and in some countries up to 80% of women report suffering harassment on public transport, so we must make transport safe for women and girls.Road safety is everyone’s business and to succeed we need a range of sectors to be involved.Urban planners and engineers must ensure safety is built into infrastructure. Academia and civil society can generate evidence. The media can dig deeper into what works, what doesn’t and why.The private sector has tremendous influence. Businesses can contribute to safe and sustainable mobility by applying proven principles and practices throughout their value chains. They must only sell vehicles that meet United Nations safety standards.Yet the role of government is paramount. Governments must provide strategic and well-coordinated approaches, strong policy and legal frameworks that enforce safety standards and safe behaviors, and sufficient funding. Law enforcement and education are also key.This vision is right at the heart of the Global Plan for the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which offers a blueprint for governments to reduce road deaths.This week, world leaders will meet for a Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Morocco. They will assess progress, share knowledge, and advance actions to halve road deaths by 2030.They are set to adopt a new Marrakech Declaration, which recognizes road safety as an urgent public health and development priority, and that our efforts must be guided by the principles of equity, accessibility, and sustainability.The Declaration calls on leaders to step up efforts to action the Global Plan for the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety. We need a step change in political will, a sense of urgency, evidenced-based, strategies that are costed and implemented, strong coordination and adequate financing.Road safety is a crisis that has gone on far too long. No road deaths are necessary or acceptable.Yet it is also much more than that. Safe and sustainable mobility can power a better future for us all. Op-Ed co-signed by the 15 Heads of UN agencies/departments in Morocco, Jean Todt, UN Special Envoy on Road Safety, Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and by H.E. Mr. Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Morocco, Host of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety. , filtered_html

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Press Release

11 February 2025

Spain and WFP partner to strengthen resilience of indigenous women in the Philippines' Bangsamoro region

The project will reach 28,000 people from indigenous and rural communities. It also aims to promote leadership opportunities for women and strengthen their skills for adapting to climate change that threatens food and nutrition security. “Despite significant progress at the global level, no country in the world has achieved gender equality. That is the reason why Spanish Cooperation aims to not only boost but also accelerate the progress of women's participation and leadership at all decision-making levels. If we are talking about climate resilience in a country most at risk of extreme climate, we must put indigenous women and their communities at the centre of the action,” said Violeta Dominguez Acosta, Head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines.Climate change is impacting food security, nutrition and gender equality in conflict-affected BARMM. In 2024, WFP conducted a ‘Leaving No One Behind’ study that showed barriers such as climate-related risks hinder rural and indigenous women from accessing resources and decision making processes, resulting in the loss of livelihood opportunities and poverty.Under the AECID-funded project, rural and indigenous women will undergo training in climate-resilient agriculture and leadership skills. The project will aim at strengthening women’s cooperatives by linking their agricultural production to reliable markets. The activities will also incorporate social behavior change to improve local food and nutrition practices.“WFP thanks AECID for their important contribution to enhancing resilience in BARMM. With the increasing frequency and intensity of climate emergencies in the Philippines, women are especially vulnerable. It is urgent that we strengthen their capacities and so that they can withstand shocks better,” said WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman.In partnership with the BARMM Government, WFP will work closely with other UN agencies, community-based organizations and indigenous communities to ensure greater participation and grassroot implementation.Since 2006, WFP has been supporting the Philippine Government in augmenting emergency response operations, enhancing disaster management capacities, conducting resilience-building activities and strengthening food and social protection systems to improve development.# # #The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.Follow WFP on Twitter @wfp_media @wfp_philippines , filtered_html

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Press Release

04 February 2025

Asia-Pacific region to chart bold path for migration governance

The second Regional Review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in Asia and the Pacific opened today with a call for migration policies that prioritize the needs and rights of migrants while ensuring broad collaboration across governments, communities and key stakeholders.

The region, home to over 40 per cent of the world’s international migrants, is witnessing significant shifts driven by demographic changes, rapid digital transformation and the increasing effects of climate change and other crises. Intraregional migration remains predominant, with 70 per cent of migrants moving within the region.

Much of international migration is propelled by the search for decent work, with women migrants playing a critical yet often undervalued role in sectors such as care and domestic work. Children also make up a significant proportion of migrants in the region, with unique needs for services and protection due to their heightened vulnerability.

“Migration, if managed in a well-informed, planned and voluntary manner, with full respect and protection of human rights, can bring benefits to all. Migrants should have their potential fully harnessed to play key roles in enhancing sustainable development in countries of origin and destination,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in her opening remarks.

"With over 40 per cent of the world’s migrants calling Asia and the Pacific home, the region has a unique opportunity to lead by example—expanding regular pathways, protecting lives and ensuring migration benefits all," said Catalina Devandas, representing IOM Director General Amy Pope in her capacity as Coordinator of the UN Network on Migration.

Expected outcomes and commitments

Over the next three days, participants will share progress, challenges and good practices in implementing the 23 objectives of the GCM. Discussions will focus on the critical role of migrants in the region’s resilience and sustainable development, particularly in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In host countries, migrants bring with them not only the needed manpower, but also skills, expertise and social interactions, that can help accelerate economic and social development. Meanwhile, home countries can enjoy the economic boost from remittances from migrant workers and diaspora,” shared Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Speaking on behalf of the Stakeholder Action Group, migrant domestic worker and member of the International Domestic Workers Federation Nasrikah highlighted the importance of having segregated data on migration to inform policymakers on the key needs and situations of migrants and their families and take action based on analysis and true stories of unsafe migration.

Recognizing the importance of addressing the interconnected challenges shaping migration dynamics such as rapid digital transformation, climate change, demographic shifts and economic disparities, several key commitments are expected to emerge from the review including:Protecting migrants’ rights and saving lives: Governments are expected to renew their commitments to policies that uphold migrants’ rights, promote gender equality, tackle discrimination and ensure access to health care, education, decent work and social protection for all migrants, including their children.Using technology to improve migration systems: Key priorities include reducing remittance transfer costs, promoting digital and financial inclusion, closing gender gaps in financial access, simplifying migration processes and increasing transparencyPreparing for crises and climate impacts: Governments are expected to recognize the need for migration policies that help migrants and communities better withstand climate change, economic shocks and health emergencies, using reliable, timely and disaggregated data.Strengthening regional cooperation: The meeting will highlight cross-border collaboration, stronger partnerships and meaningful engagement with migrants, civil society, women’s rights organizations and the private sector to improve migration governance.The outcomes of this meeting will contribute to global discussions at the 2026 International Migration Review Forum. Governments are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to aligning migration governance with the Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing that protecting all migrants and enabling their full contributions to society are essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.Note to Editor:
The second Regional Review benefited from insights shared in the Asia-Pacific Migration Report 2024, developed by ESCAP and the Regional United Nations Network on Migration for Asia and the Pacific, as well as extensive stakeholder consultations held in its lead-up.

For more information: https://www.unescap.org/events/2025/second-asia-pacific-regional-review-implementation-global-compact-safe-orderly-and

For media enquiries or UN expert interview requests, please contact:
Kavita Sukanandan
Public Information Officer
Communications and Knowledge Management Section, ESCAP
E: escap-scas@un.org

Florence Kim
Sr Strategic Communications and Advocacy Coordinator
UN Network on Migration secretariat
E: fkim@iom.int, filtered_html

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Press Release

06 December 2024

BARMM law to protect internally displaced persons comes into effect

The over 92,000 internally displaced in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) can expect more comprehensive government support to address their basic needs and access to services, livelihoods and settlement solutions as a result of a new law, a first-of-its kind in the country thanks to the work and commitment of BARMM legislators, supported by the United Nations.Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 62 or the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Act of 2024 came into effect on 4 December after being signed into law by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim in November.“The United Nations in the Philippines commends the BARMM Parliament for passing this critical legislation that protects the rights of people who have been forced to flee their homes by conflict or disaster and provides pathways for the development of durable solutions to their displacement,” said United Nations Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo González.Amid the ongoing implementation of the peace process, the passage of the BARMM IDP Law represents a significant victory for communities in the region that have been protractedly displaced by past conflicts, as well as those who are continually and cyclically displaced—either by extreme weather events, by violent clan and land disputes, or by clashes between the security sector and armed groups that did not sign up to the 2014 peace agreement. Among the salient features of this law are measures to prevent displacement, identification and institutionalization of IDPs’ rights during and post-displacement, and provisions for voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement, as well as IDPs’ participation in the development of early recovery and rehabilitation plans in conflict-affected areas.The law creates the Bangsamoro Internal Displacement Coordinating Council (BIDCC) and the Bangsamoro Internal Displacement Program within the Ministry of Social Services and Development for better coordination and management of government support for IDPs.The United Nations has been strongly advocating for the passage of this law at both the regional and national levels to safeguard the rights of displaced populations and forge pathways towards long-term solutions to protracted and cyclical displacement, most often caused by armed conflict, disputes over land, and unchecked extraction of natural resources in the region.The development of the law was supported by the UN, including with funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has provided technical draft legislation for the protection of IDP rights. UNHCR provided capacity for parliamentarians and legislative staff on displacement and IDP rights, as well as consultations that directly informed and enhanced the IDP Law. UNHCR also supported development of 16 municipal-level ordinances on IDP protection.UN Joint Programmes with the participation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as well as UNHCR, have supported the Bangsamoro peace process and critical peacebuilding initiatives over the years by providing technical support to mediators, empowering conflict-affected communities and capacitating regional and local governments as well as civil society.The ongoing Joint Programme for the Sustainable and Empowering Displacement Solutions for Peace (SEEDS for Peace) helps address the causes and impacts of conflict-induced displacement by strengthening governance processes and systems, improving IDPs’ access to rights and services, boosting socio-economic inclusion and creating safe and voluntary pathways to resolve situations of displacement – all of which bolster the legal safeguards for IDP rights now enshrined in the newly enacted law.“In the wake of this legislative victory for IDP rights, the United Nations urges national authorities to prioritize the passage of a national IDP bill—a version of which has already been passed on third and final reading in the House of Representatives,” said Mr. González. Various versions of the bill are under deliberation in the Senate.To complement these laws for the protection of IDPs, the United Nations continues to advocate for the passage of an Indigenous Peoples (IP) Code in the BARMM. This would address the concerns of non-Moro IPs, particularly on issues of ancestral domain, which are the territories and resources historically and culturally tied to indigenous groups. Disputes over these lands are a root cause of conflict and displacement in the region. “The United Nations reiterates our commitment to supporting the continuing implementation of the peace process in the region by helping address pervasive issues, such as internal displacement, land disputes involving ancestral domain, and other emerging concerns, particularly those of the region’s indigenous peoples,” Mr. González said. (end) MEDIA CONTACT
Fritz Flores
National Information Officer
fritz.flores@un.org
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