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Press Release
17 May 2024
UNSGSA Queen Máxima to visit the Philippines to support scaling up financial services for better financial health
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Press Release
17 May 2024
The Philippines, KOICA, UN agencies launch 2 mobile health clinics to reduce adolescent pregnancies in Samar, Southern Leyte
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Story
04 May 2024
PH gov't, UN hold inaugural joint meeting to strengthen strategic partnership for SDGs, PDP implementation
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The Sustainable Development Goals 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.
Data in this section is currently being updated and under review.
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24 October 2023
Government of the Philippines and the United Nations embark on a new partnership for sustainable development
24 OCTOBER, MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The United Nations and the Philippine Government have signed today in the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a landmark document that outlines the UN’s plan to support the country on its sustainable development path and accelerate local progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The UN Philippines Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF) is the UN’s blueprint for action from 2024 to 2028, which will mobilize the global knowledge, capacities and resources of 23 UN entities supporting the country in addressing its major national priorities.
The new framework sets the stage for the UN’s shift from traditional development assistance to transformative strategic partnerships for policy and capacity development, knowledge generation and financial resources-leveraging by playing a strong development-enabling role.
“The new cooperation instrument is based on the principle that the magnitude and complexity of today’s development challenges requires collective and integrated responses. For such reason, the UN is mobilizing the best of its capabilities to effectively support the Philippines in its noble aspiration to become an upper middle-income country,” said UN Philippines Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo González.
Co-created with the Philippine Government, the CF identifies three key priorities and outcomes, as well as the activities that need to be done to make this vision of a better future for the Philippines a reality.
First of these priorities is human capital development to ensure that by 2028, the Philippine population is more resilient to crises brought about by economic downturns, climate disasters, and public health risks. With this goal, the UN will work with an expanded range of partners to enhance good governance, accountability and human rights, maintain a healthy environment and improve the quality of and access to social services such as healthcare, education, and social protection. In this context, sustaining peacebuilding investments in the Bangsamoro region and other parts of the country will be critical for SDG acceleration.
The second priority underscored in the CF is sustainable and inclusive economic development and innovation, with the goal that by 2028, all people benefit from a more integrated, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable economy that generates decent work and livelihood opportunities.
Finally, the third key priority is climate action for environmental sustainability and disaster resilience. By investing in a just transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient development and cultivating a culture of sustainability in the management of natural resources and biodiversity, the UN and its partners hope to bolster current efforts to protect and preserve the country’s rich natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
The CF is ambitious to match the scope of the challenges we face, but it reflects the UN Country Team’s renewed and revitalized solidarity and commitment to a vision of a future where no one is left behind.
The 2024-2028 CF can be downloaded here [https://philippines.un.org/en/download/145870/250609].
Media contact
Maria Jorica Pamintuan I Public Information Assistant I United Nations Information Centre Manila I Mobile: 0917 8966191 I Email: maria.pamintuan@un.org
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Speech
17 April 2024
Speech of UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez at the Launch of the 2024 State of the World Population Report
The speech was delivered during the launch of UNFPA's 2024 State of the World Population Report. Read more about the report's key findings here. -- Every year, I have the opportunity of joining the Government and UNFPA in the launch of one of the most relevant reports of the United Nations: the State of World Population report. This piece of research has been framing UN’s policies on development and population for decades. Thus, allow me to start by congratulating the Commission on Population and Development and my UNFPA colleagues for such valuable contribution to development. This year, the report focuses on “Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights”. Over the years we have learned about the tremendous impact that sexual and reproductive health can have on a country's development trajectory. We know that suitable access to sexual and reproductive health and rights can decrease child marriage, decrease teenage pregnancies and of course prevent a number of sexually transmitted infections. The report highlights two critical dimensions across population issues: “Inequality” and “Intersectionality”. On inequality, we still face significant inequities in access to sexual and reproductive health rights, worldwide. On intersectionality, sexism and racism have significantly influenced health structures, systems and services. More broadly, we also see that these two dimensions have slowed down progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals even here in the Asia-Pacific. Inequality shows that countries in special situations have experienced much slower progress compared to the rest of the region, and intersectionality reflects where some groups become disadvantaged and are at greater risk of being left behind depending on sex, education level, age, income, ethnicity and other factors. The report is, fundamentally, a call to action to partners involved in sexual and reproductive health and rights to: To promote inclusivity through greater mindfulness of intersectionality – that takes into account factors like ethnicity, race, and sexual orientation is vital for addressing inequities. To invest in sexual and reproductive health and rights and mainstream gender equality – because these benefit society as a whole and enables us to harness gender dividends. For us, the United Nations Country Team in the Philippines, our response to this call to action is captured in our United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2024 to 2028. Under our first strategic priority on Human capital development, inclusion, and resilience building, we will contribute to government programs to facilitate access to maternal, newborn, child development, sexual and reproductive health services. We will work with government to improve resilience of and access to reproductive and child health services during emergencies. We will also enhance capacities of government institutions and civil society to protect women, children and vulnerable groups against violence and harmful practices. In closing, I would like to note that this State of the World Population Report 2024 is a great contribution to the on-going preparations for the UN Summit of the Future to be held in New York in September later this year. The Summit is intended to forge a new consensus on multilateralism to better meet the needs of the present while also preparing for the challenges of the future. Ending inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and rights will require a reinvigorated people-centered global architecture that is forward-looking and responsive to the needs not only of this generation but also the next one. Thank you.
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03 May 2024
PH gov't, UN hold inaugural joint meeting to strengthen strategic partnership for SDGs, PDP implementation
MANILA – The Philippine government and the United Nations (UN) in the Philippines operationalized a strategic partnership toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and implementing the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. Held at the NEDA Central Office on Friday, May 3, the inaugural meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on the 2024-2028 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) of the Philippines brought together key stakeholders, including the Philippine government and the UN, with the former represented by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).The Terms of Reference (TOR) approved during the meeting outline the cooperation between the Philippine government and the UN under a new partnership for 2024-2028. This blueprint sets the stage for coordinated efforts to achieve the UN’s SDGs while aligning with the country’s PDP 2023-2028. Secretary Balisacan highlighted the significance of this partnership: “The UNSDCF complements our national development plan, serving as a guiding framework that fosters synergy with the international community. By crafting the UNSDCF collaboratively, the government and the UN aim to maximize impact and create a harmonious approach to sustainable development.”During the meeting, the JSC also endorsed key documents from the Cooperation Framework and reviewed the current UN portfolio in the Philippines, focusing on human capital development, inclusion, and resilience building; sustainable economic development, decent work, and innovation; as well as climate action, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience. Additionally, the UN Philippines presented an overview of resource requirements for the next four years, along with a joint work plan for 2024 that carries an estimated budget of USD211 million. NEDA presented the TOR for the JSC and the Joint Results Group (JRG), emphasizing the primary role of each JRG in facilitating the implementation of programming priorities and ensuring internal coherence.Foreign Secretary Enrique A. Manalo emphasized that the UNSDCF is anchored in the spirit of strategic partnership and collaboration, aligned with the Philippines’ economic trajectory to become an upper-middle income country. He stressed that no strategic priority is self-contained, with each one contributing to attaining the country’s mid-term and long-term priority development goals, as well as Ambisyon Natin 2040.“We can all look forward to reaping the benefits of a partnership with the UN that is characterized by Philippine ownership of the process, greater transparency, as well as targeted programs and deliverables tailor-made for us to enjoy the benefits of the reformed United Nations development system,” Secretary Manalo said.The UNSDCF recognizes the Philippines’ localization agenda of the SDGs and its transition toward achieving upper-middle income status to ensure that no one in the Philippines is left behind.Under this new modality of the UN organization, resources will be allocated to capacity development, technical assistance, policy advice, thought leadership, partnerships, and knowledge sharing.“The CF marks the start of a new generation of UN-Government cooperation instruments, and with this change, we are innovating ways to enhance our collaborative work with the Philippine government as we shift from traditional development assistance to transformative strategic partnerships for policy and capacity development, knowledge generation and the leveraging of financial resources,” stated UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Gustavo Gonzalez. The UNSDCF was signed on October 24, 2023, by the Philippine government and the United Nations in the Philippines. The JSC serves as the main governing body of the UNSDCF and is a key mechanism for providing strategic direction and oversight for UN support in the country towards the joint development priorities outlined in the Cooperation Framework.-END-
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25 April 2024
Philippines hosts global Girls in ICT Day celebration
MANILA, PHILIPPINES. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) of the United Nations has partnered with the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to bring the global celebration of the Girls in ICT Day to the country, marking the first time the annual commemoration’s main event is being hosted in Asia.With the theme of “Leadership,” the Girls in ICT Day celebration for 2024 focuses on empowering both current and future generations of girls and women in the ICT sector.This year’s banner event held on 25 April at the Far Eastern University in Manila brings together students and women experts and leaders in ICT for an inter-generational dialogue to inspire and encourage girls to pursue careers in ICT. The celebration, which has been held on the fourth Thursday of April since 2011, is the cornerstone of a continuing advocacy to address the critical underrepresentation of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). “While inequality exists in every industry, this gap is most pronounced in STEM fields, where less than one-third of STEM roles globally are held by women,” said Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau.He added, “One of the main reasons for this gender divide is the lack of encouragement and mentorship to empower girls and young women to pursue leadership roles and develop the necessary skills and networks to successfully achieve their objectives.”UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez meanwhile highlighted the gender disparity in science education and employment among Filipinos.“Close to half of science students in the Philippines are women, making the country a global leader. Yet, when it comes to jobs in science, including ICT, men still dominate,” he said, adding, “On Girls in ICT Day, let’s commit to supporting women who study and work in science.”Gonzalez added that the event will inform the ongoing preparations for the UN Summit of the Future to be held in New York in September later this year. The whole day event features messages from the DICT, as well as women and girl leaders, including video addresses from UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, H.R.H. Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom, United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, among others.Representatives from science and technology organizations from across the globe also led panel discussions and mentorship sessions with students to share insights, reflections and strategies on leadership in ICT. Among the topics covered are artificial intelligence and data analytics, blockchain, cybersecurity, digital creatives, robotics, digital arts, the internet of things, and digital careers in the gig economy.
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17 April 2024
UN emphasizes public health and human rights-based approaches at the Philippine Drug Policy Summit Launch
This launches a series of sectoral dialogues, which aims to inform the proposed amendments to the national drug legal framework to embody a public health approach that centers on human rights.The UN Joint Programme for Human Rights in the Philippines (UNJP), led by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), convened representatives from various sectors at the University of the Philippines College of Law, the academic host for the dialogues. Government officials, civil society organizations, the academe, and development partners engaged in initial discussions on the new approach of the country to drug policy under a novel health, social, and developmental pillar in the Enhanced Philippine Drugs Strategy. Speaking at the event, UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez emphasized the importance of employing a comprehensive and holistic approach to drug policy and law reform. “As a problem rooted in socioeconomic circumstances, controlling drug use requires a more comprehensive approach. This means putting people first by ending stigma and discrimination, while strengthening prevention efforts,” he said.Gonzalez added, “This entails upholding the human rights of people who use drugs by providing prevention and treatment programmes, health services, etc. On the other hand, it also involves protecting communities by stopping drug traffickers who profit from people’s suffering and ensuring accountability for their actions.”The Philippine Drug Policy Summit is an initiative under the Human Rights-Based Approach to Drugs Technical Working Group of the UNJP. It has institutional support from various organizations, including the University of the Philippines Institute of Human Rights, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS), Drug Policy Reform Initiative (DPRI), NoBox Philippines, IDUCare, StreetLaw PH, and the Institute of Politics and Governance.The sectoral dialogues are scheduled for 8-24 May. The UNJP invites civil society partners and stakeholders to engage in open and meaningful conversations to promote and protect the health, lives, and well-being of Filipinos through evidence-informed, scientific, and human rights-based drug policies.
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13 November 2023
DOH, UN sign agreement to address malnutrition in the Philippiness
13 November 2023
The Department of Health (DOH), along with United Nations (UN) agency partners, UNICEF and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and World Bank inked a memorandum of understanding formalizing the partnership in addressing malnutrition in the Philippines.
As part of the broader Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), a four-year project spearheaded by the DOH and co-led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), this agreement adopts a bold multi-sectoral approach to achieve nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across 235 local government units (LGUs) in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as 40 municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This project aims to increase the utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and improve key behaviors and practices known to reduce stunting. It also enhances the capacity of the DOH and will support the delivery of nutrition and health care services at the primary care and community levels in municipalities known to have a high incidence of poverty and malnutrition.
"Improving the nutritional status of children is crucial for achieving the country's goals of enhancing human capital, strengthening economic recovery, and fostering long-term growth," said Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand.
The partnerships formalized today with UNICEF and UNOPS, as implementing partners, aim to strengthen primary health care and nutrition service delivery. This will be achieved through the provision of healthcare equipment and supplies, basic primary care and nutrition commodities, multisectoral information systems development for localized decision-making, capacity building for frontline healthcare workers, community health navigation, and health and nutrition leadership and governance for local chief executives. Additionally, the partnerships will focus on social behavior change and communication (SBCC), verification of LGU performance and finance systems for the performance-based grants, as well as project measurement and evaluation.
“Good nutrition is a fundamental child’s right. The need for healthy diets, multisectoral services, and practices that protect, promote, and support good nutrition has never been greater. By strengthening national and local systems and improving access to essential services in communities, we can help children not only survive but thrive. UNICEF is committed to supporting efforts to end child stunting, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential," said UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.
This is also in association with the community-driven development approach of DSWD Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), where to date implementing communities have initiated more than 3,000 procurement packages using the community-based procurement system, with over 600 contracts successfully fulfilled. All these efforts are dedicated to improving access to and utilization of clean water, proper sanitation, enhanced hygiene practices (WASH), and access to Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) services.
"When children have better nutrition, they learn better. They can create opportunities to gradually break the cycles of poverty and hunger. By working together in the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project, UNOPS and its partners will reach those furthest behind and help achieve the SDGs”, said UNOPS Philippines Country Manager, Oscar Marenco.
The partnership between the DOH and the UN will enhance the DOH's access to global expertise and resources, thereby expanding its knowledge base and network. Leveraging the UN's global portfolio of programs and initiatives, the DOH will gain a wealth of information and best practices, enabling it to enhance and optimize its public health programs and services.
“The PMNP is a recognition that nutrition is not just a matter of health. The Marcos Administration sets this intervention as part of its foundation for social and economic development by ensuring women and children’s access to the first 1,000 days of services as a critical investment in our country’s human capital. This collaboration between the DOH and the UN is a testament to our shared commitment to building a healthier and better future for the Filipino people, especially women and children," said DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
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Media Contacts
Mario Villamor, (mariovi@unops.org)
Marge Francia, (mfrancia@unicef.org)
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30 October 2023
UNEP honors Quezon City mayor for environmental policy leadership
Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte’s commitment to environmental protection can be traced to the aftermath of the worst storm to hit the Philippines in decades.
When Typhoon Ketsana struck in 2009, it unleashed ferocious downpours and floods that submerged roads and forced residents onto their rooftops for refuge. As the floodwaters receded, they left a river of plastic bags, sachets and other litter in their wake.
That sight left a lasting impact on Belmonte, who successfully ran for vice mayor of Quezon City in 2009 before becoming its mayor in 2019.
“I'm a good governance advocate,” Belmonte told the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “Good governance involves good stewardship of the environment.”
Only the second female mayor in the history of Quezon City, home to 3.1 million, Belmonte has pursued a raft of policies to end plastic pollution, counter climate change and green the city.
For her efforts to transform Quezon City into an environmental trailblazer, Belmonte has been named the 2023 Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership, one of the UN’s highest environmental honours.
“Mayor Josefina Belmonte’s passionate leadership and policy achievements exemplify how local authorities can solve global environmental problems,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “Cities can be the dynamic engines of change we need to overcome the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste – and mayors can help to lead that charge.”
Fighting the throwaway culture
Quezon City was the Philippines’ capital for 27 years until the title returned to Manila in 1976. Today, it is the country’s most populous city and is part of Metro Manila.
Belmonte’s connections to this place run deep. Not only was she born and raised here, but her father, Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, was its ninth mayor.
Despite an early exposure to politics, Belmonte’s interests initially led her elsewhere – including to a career as an archaeologist. But in the end, the call to public service proved too strong.
“If you can be in a position where you can be a source of inspiration to others and become the root of positive change for millions of people, then it is worth it,” she said.
For Belmonte, positive change means prioritizing action on the environment to create a liveable, green and sustainable city.
Under Belmonte’s leadership, Quezon City has focused on reducing plastic pollution and extending the life of plastic products already in circulation.
“Plastic pollution is a major problem in the Philippines, as in many parts of the world, because of the throwaway culture,” Belmonte said. “Plastics clog our drainage systems and end up in the oceans. We know that plastic waste becomes microplastics that can be consumed in the food we eat, the air we breathe and even in the water we drink, which affects our health.”
Globally, humanity’s addiction to short-lived plastic products has created an environmental catastrophe. Around 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic annually leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers and seas. To stem that flow, experts say the world must fundamentally alter its relationship with plastic by using less of the material, eliminating single-use products, reusing what plastics are produced and finding environmentally friendly alternatives.
Under Belmonte, Quezon City has banned single-use plastic bags, cutlery, straws and containers in hotels, restaurants and fast-food chains for dine-in customers, as well as single-use packaging material.
Since 2021, residents have been able to trade in their recyclables and single-use plastic products for environmental points that can be used to buy food and pay electricity bills under the “Trash to Cashback” scheme. City authorities have even started a “Vote to Tote” programme to turn tarpaulins used in election campaigning into bags.
Still, millions of single-use plastic sachets are thrown away every day in the Philippines, which is a major source of ocean plastics. Though sachets allow households more affordable access to essentials for cooking, hygiene and sanitation, they cannot be recycled effectively, causing serious environmental harm, experts say.
“Sachet culture really gets to me. It really is something that makes me angry because it is there because we are a poor country,” Belmonte said. “Major manufacturers need to do their part and change the way they package products to make them more environmentally friendly.”
To combat plastic pollution, Belmonte launched in 2023 an initiative to help put refill stations for essentials, such as washing-up liquid and liquid detergent, in convenience stores across the city. With products that are often less expensive than their packaged counterparts, the stations have been received positively and will be piloted in over 6,000 stores next year, Belmonte said.
Last year, a historic UN resolution was passed to develop a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution. Belmonte has been vocal about the need for a “truly ambitious” global instrument.
“Mayors want to be part of the negotiating table because we have very practical experience to bring,” she said. “The real work is at the level of cities. We already know that when change happens at the level of cities, it happens much more rapidly.”
Earning trust
Under Belmonte, Quezon City has also developed an ambitious plan to reduce its carbon emissions by 30 per cent in 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. It has declared a state of climate emergency to unlock spending, amounting to 11–13 per cent of the city’s annual budget, on programmes that mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.
There are plans to double the number of parks in the city, introduce more electric buses and almost quadruple the network of bike lanes by 2030 to fight pollution. Other green initiatives include promoting urban farming and deploying equipment that allows community farms to transform organic waste into methane gas that can be used for cooking.
Although Belmonte has worked hard to forge her own path, she considers one piece of advice from her father to be priceless: “Always spend time with the people. Especially go to the poor communities, because when you go to the communities and you see how difficult life is for people in the grassroots, you'll never think of abusing power.”
It is advice that has shaped her political approach, helped her to build public trust and contributed to her popularity among voters. She was re-elected mayor in 2022 and regularly scores the highest approval ratings among metro Manila’s mayors.
“People will buy into your vision if you value what they have to say. That is the best way to get all of our environmental issues across,” Belmonte said.
About the UNEP Champions of the Earth
The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Champions of the Earth honours individuals and organizations whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment. The annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour. #EarthChamps
About the #BeatPollution campaign
To fight the pervasive impact of pollution on society, UNEP launched #BeatPollution, a strategy for rapid, large-scale and coordinated action against air, land and water pollution. The strategy highlights the impact of pollution on climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and human health. Through science-based messaging, the campaign showcases how transitioning to a pollution-free planet is vital for future generations.
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Press Release
16 May 2024
UNSGSA Queen Máxima to visit the Philippines to support scaling up financial services for better financial health
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — May 17, 2024 — H.M. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA), is scheduled to visit the Philippines from May 21-23, 2024. The visit will focus on advancing key foundational building blocks for financial inclusion—including connectivity, digital identification, and digital payments—as well as enhancing financial health and resilience against economic and climate-related challenges for Filipinos.In recent years, the Philippines has seen considerable progress in financial access, with the proportion of adults owning a bank account rising from 26.6% in 2011 to 51.4% in 2021, as reported by the World Bank Global Findex. However, despite these gains, the Philippines remains still has approximately 37.6 million unbanked adults. The Findex data also highlights significant concerns about financial resilience among Filipinos. The primary financial worry for 42% of adults is covering medical costs in the event of a serious illness or accident, followed by concerns over managing monthly expenses (24%) and securing funds for old age (17%). The urgency for improved financial health has been underscored by the pandemic, with 68% of adults very worried about facing severe financial hardship.Throughout the visit, Queen Máxima will recognize recent developments in digital ID implementation and digital payments systems while engaging with public and private sector leaders to discuss support for their expansion. Digital ID can help people access safe and secure financial services such as digital payments. The visit will also highlight the need for more affordable financial services, crucial for the archipelago's many small islands.During the trip, the UNSGSA will conduct field visits in Manila and its surrounding areas to hear firsthand from financial services users about innovations that significantly impact their lives, especially those enhancing financial health. Queen Máxima will visit a fisherfolk community to explore last-mile financial solutions that address the unique challenges present in remote island settings. The Special Advocate will also learn about a tech-enabled platform that empowers small ‘sari-sari’ (which means retail shop) store owners to grow their businesses, digitize their operations, and integrate into larger supply chains. The agenda further includes high-level meetings for the UNSGSA with figures such as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF) Ralph G. Recto, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Dr. Eli M. Remolona Jr., and other key policymakers and leaders. These discussions aim to foster partnerships and support continuous innovations in the financial sector. Queen Máxima will also meet with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa to explore collaborative opportunities at a regional level.Additionally, a focus group discussion with a diverse contingent of female financial users will provide insights into how financial products can effectively address the needs of women and enhance their financial health. Another highlight of the visit will be a demonstration of the Co-Develop’s South-East Asia Center for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) at Ateneo University.Throughout her visit, Queen Máxima will emphasize the critical role of financial services in enhancing economic prospects and quality of life for all Filipinos, particularly those in underserved communities. By sharing insights and forging connections between global financial initiatives and local realities, the UNSGSA visit aims to inspire continued progress and innovation in the Philippines’ financial sector. The UNSGSA will be supported by some of her Reference Group members, including the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), the Better than Cash Alliance, the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), and the World Bank.The UNSGSA previously visited the Philippines from June 29 to July 1 in 2015. For media inquiries please contact:Christopher HughesCommunications AdvisorOffice of the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development Email: christopher.hughes@unsgsa.org Marianne WiltjerHead Spokesperson to Queen MáximaThe Netherlands Government Information ServiceEmail: m.wiltjer@minaz.nl
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Press Release
17 May 2024
The Philippines, KOICA, UN agencies launch 2 mobile health clinics to reduce adolescent pregnancies in Samar, Southern Leyte
TACLOBAN, 16 May, 2024 – In a significant step towards improving adolescent health and curbing adolescent pregnancies in Eastern Visayas, the United Nations, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) turned over two adolescent-friendly mobile health facilities that will be offering free medical services to Samar and Southern Leyte provincial governments.The mobile health facilities, dubbed TrucKABATAAN, are part of the Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar in the Philippines, a collaborative effort supported by the Korean Government through KOICA, in partnership with the Philippine Government, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organization. The programme is estimated to potentially benefit 275,000 adolescents."Reducing teenage pregnancies is a key goal for the Philippine government - a goal that the United Nations and our partners are committed to help achieve by mobilizing knowledge, resources, and opportunities to better enable youth in the Philippines to reach their full potential. These mobile health facilities provide accessible health services that are key to empowering young people,” said Gustavo Gonzalez, United Nations Philippines Resident Coordinator.This program comes in response to the pressing issue of adolescent pregnancy in the Philippines, which has been declared a national priority. While the Philippine Statistics Authority reported a slight decline in teenage fertility rates nationally (from 8.6% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2022), the number of adolescent mothers aged 10-19 continues to rise, particularly those in the worrying younger age bracket of 10-14.“I would like to remind everyone that KOICA stands with you in safeguarding and improving adolescent health and well-being. This year, we are celebrating the 75 years of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of KOICA in the Philippines. These historical occasions give us the momentum to intensify our assistance to the country. We assure you that KOICA will continue to strongly support you for a realized comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights of Filipino adolescents and reduced adolescent pregnancies,” said KOICA Country Director KIM Eunsub.Besides being one of the Philippines’ poorest and most typhoon-battered regions, the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study showed that Eastern Visayas, where Samar and Southern Leyte are located, has one of the highest rates of 15 to 19-year-old female youths that had begun childbearing. The regions had the highest percentage of female teenagers who were currently pregnant at the time of the survey.“Over the past years, we have implemented various programs, projects, and strategies aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancy in the region. With the Universal Health Care Act, all stakeholders have been diligently working and putting in every effort and system in place to fully implement and realize Universal Health Care in the region. While there is still much to be done, we are making significant progress. Today, we are one step closer towards our goal of ensuring that every Filipino has equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services. Through this mobile clinic, we will be bringing essential health services directly to the doorsteps of our young people. From sexual and reproductive health education to maternal and child health services, TrucKABATAAN will provide comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of adolescents,” said Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development Regional Director Exuperia B. Sabalberino.The partners are working closely with the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the governors of Samar and Southern Leyte, as well as other government agencies in rolling out adolescent-friendly services through the TrucKABATAAN, building the capacity of community adolescent health service providers, accelerating the integration of comprehensive sexuality education in schools, implementing youth leadership and governance initiatives, and conducting research on adolescent pregnancy and child, early, and forced marriage."Pregnancy can be a beautiful journey, but for adolescents, it should not be part of their journey! Adolescence is a crucial time for personal growth, education, and development, and pregnancy can significantly disrupt these processes. The health-related risks are real! Adolescent mothers face higher risks of medical complications during pregnancy and childbirth compared to adult women. We must ensure access to quality healthcare and education to protect their health, prevent complications, and empower them to reach their full potential,” said UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane.Adolescent pregnancy can result in anemia, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortions, postpartum hemorrhage, and mental health disorders. It can also exacerbate maternal undernutrition, resulting in low-birth-weight infants and childhood stunting. This perpetuates a cycle of malnutrition across generations.“All adolescents have the right to good health and well-being. Investing in adolescents’ health builds strong economies, inclusive communities and vibrant societies. Adolescent-centred approaches such as these mobile clinics put young people at the heart of the solution and give them opportunities to access key services and participate meaningfully in their communities,” said UNICEF Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.“We must strengthen and sustain our collaboration to effectively prevent adolescent pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancy is a public health concern that requires whole-of-society efforts that involve families, service providers, schools, faith- and community-based organizations, policymakers, and youth. We hope these mobile facilities will be able to bring services much closer to those in need at any time, anywhere,” said Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines.The program aims to bridge the gap in access to quality healthcare services for adolescents, particularly those residing in remote or underserved areas. A medical team will travel with the mobile clinics, visiting young people aged 10-19 in at least 20 local government units in Southern Leyte and Samar. They will provide:compassionate & confidential careholistic healthcare: Attend to physical, mental, sexual/reproductive, and nutritional needs of adolescents,education and empowerment: Equip adolescents with health knowledge for informed decision-making,early intervention & prevention: Provide screenings, counseling, and assessments to reduce risks,community engagement.Among the features of the TrucKABATAAN are: air-conditioned adolescent-friendly rooms, including one with a medical bed, where adolescents can access services with confidentiality; audio-visual system for information sessions;laboratory equipment and supplies for basic diagnostic tests such as complete blood count, blood typing, urinalysis and stool examination, screening for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B;solar panel for power during emergencies or when in off-grid areas; andsatellite Internet connectivity. The local government will also provide a driver, administrative staff, a medical team composed of a doctor, nurse, midwife, medical technician, social worker, and peer educator.Young people from Eastern Visayas last year co-created the trucks’ exterior design and recommended features to make it appealing to their peers.
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Press Release
25 April 2024
The UN calls for increased support for climate resilience in the Philippines as drought wreaks havoc
MANILA, PHILIPPINES. The international community is behind the Philippine Government as it faces a serious drought induced by El Niño. The Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niño / La Niña Response, UN Assistant Secretary-General Reena Ghelani and the UN Resident and Humanitarian coordinator in the Philippines, Gustavo Gonzalez urged for increased support to the Government response. This call was made at the end of the visit of the Climate Crisis Coordinator for the El Niño / La Niña Response in the Philippines.The current El Niño episode, one of the strongest in history, is causing dry conditions and high temperatures across South-East Asia. In the Philippines, 41 provinces are experiencing drought and nearly 31 others are facing dry spells or dry conditions. More than 1,400,000 people have been affected and the upcoming harvest will likely be below average. The Government, with support from partners, has put in place a national Task Force, headed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, to prepare for and mitigate the worst impacts of the crisis on water, food security, health and energy.The UN and humanitarian and development partners have been actively preparing for and responding to El Niño in the Philippines in support of the Government's El Niño relief efforts. In 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Oxfam Pilipinas activated their Anticipatory Action programs in the north, Isabela, and the south of the country, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, to provide immediate support to affected communities before the effects of drought are most felt. Early last year, the World Food Programme (WFP) worked with the Government and communities to build ponds and small reservoirs to ensure water sufficiency and food security in pre-identified areas affected by El Nino. Likewise, private sector's collective action is being monitored by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF). The majority of the sector's support is aligned with food and water security."The Philippines demonstrates the importance of acting early before a disaster strikes. With more frequent and severe climate shocks, it is crucial we strengthen our support to community resilience", said Reena Ghelani.One of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, the Philippines is highly exposed and vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Recent estimates showed that climate change could cost the Philippines over 7% of GDP by 2030. Disasters have already cost US$ 23 billion in damages to the country since 1990."Building resilience to address shocks like El Niño/ La Niña is at the heart of the new UN Cooperation Framework signed with the Government last year. The UN Country Team is presently recalibrating such technical assistance as part of the Enhancing Resilient Communities flagship initiative. The visit of the UN Coordinator is very timely as climate-related investments are needed more than ever," underscored Gustavo Gonzalez.During her week-long mission to the Philippines, Reena Ghelani met with the Government's National Task Force on El Niño, the Humanitarian Country Team, the Philippine Red Cross and other partners. She interacted with communities affected by El Niño and women's groups engaged in strengthening community resilience. She also visited a climate-resilience housing project and spoke with local authorities and civil society organizations.
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Press Release
19 April 2024
Philippines joins UN Global Accelerator aiming to expand jobs and social protection
The inter-ministerial Social Development Committee (SDC), chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has confirmed its commitment for this programme to facilitate just transitions towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The interest from the Philippines highlights the alignment of the Global Accelerator objectives with the country’s development frameworks, particularly the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan (PLEP) for 2023-2028, said Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma of DOLE. These frameworks have been reinforced by the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan whose inter-agency council shall be the national steering committee in implementing the roadmap/s under the Global Accelerator. “These underscore as a priority the creation of employment opportunities and that is where support from the new initiative will be crucial,” he said on behalf of the SDC.The Global Accelerator will support pathfinder countries like the Philippines to align national policies, close gaps and channel investments for social impact. It will help address coverage and financing gaps for universal social protection, create decent work, protect communities from climate change and other risks, and facilitate just transitions initially in the construction and transport sectors. With its potential to make a real difference in the lives of millions of people around the world, the Global Accelerator will also enhance multilateral cooperation for joint implementation, said Gustavo Gonzalez, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the Philippines.“The Philippines’ participation as one of the Pathfinder Countries in the Global Accelerator will maximize UN support to bolster the country’s efforts to ensure full, decent and productive employment for every Filipino,” he said. “This global initiative has great potential to fast-track the realization of development objectives.”The engagement process with the Global Accelerator started in 2023 with various national consultations that included international financial institutions, UN agencies, development partners, government agencies and other partners. On 28 February 2024, the Global Accelerator was presented to the Social Development Committee at the Cabinet level, which endorsed the country's engagement in the initiative.The International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), will actively support the Global Accelerator in the Philippines.Following the official commitment, the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TBP) Inter-agency Council will serve as the National Steering Committee. The council will support the design and implementation of the national development roadmap and foster collaboration among the actors involved, including workers and the private sector. The national roadmap will set the direction and the entry points of the Global Accelerator in the Philippines.The Philippines has already joined the Global Coalition for Social Justice, a UN-breaking initiative to reduce inequalities, promote decent work and advance social justice.
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Press Release
01 March 2024
UN, PCW, SM Cares kick off Women’s Month with exhibit, illumination of malls
To kick off Women's Month, the United Nations Philippines, Philippine Commission on Women and SM Cares are collaborating on a series of events to champion women's empowerment.SM Malls Illuminate for Women's MonthIn a gesture of solidarity, participating SM malls across the Philippines (North EDSA, Aura, Mall of Asia, Megamall, Cebu, Lanang in Davao) will illuminate their buildings’ facade purple for March 1. From March 1 to 31, select LED assets inside and outside the participating malls will also feature a short video with key messages for Women’s Month. The video will play at prominent locations such as SM Megamall, SM MOA Arena, SM Mall of Asia Arena Annex (MAAX) Eye, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Clark, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, and SM Sto.Tomas, as well as on digital directories in SM malls nationwide."Walk In Her Shoes" Traveling Exhibit An interactive traveling exhibit dubbed "Walk In Her Shoes" will be displayed on the 3rd floor of SM North on March 1st. This compelling showcase features narratives from women and girls, shedding light on different forms of gender-based violence they experience. The exhibit strives to raise awareness about the widespread nature of violence against women (VAW), encourage reflection on harmful social norms, and inspire collective action to end VAW.“Significant progress has been made in empowering women and girls, but the promise of gender equality remains unfulfilled for far too many, especially those from vulnerable groups. To achieve our goals for a just and equitable world, we must decisively increase investment in women, especially their health, education and overall well-being," said United Nations Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez.Gonzalez thanked the Philippine Commission on Women for leading efforts to empower women and for SM Cares and SM Supermalls for providing the space and platform to raise awareness about gender inequality and gender-based violence."Gender equality demands a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach. Only through collaboration across sectors can we dismantle harmful norms and build a world where women and girls enjoy the same rights and opportunities as men,” he said, adding that gender equality also has economic impacts as it results in sustainable development.The PCW shares that the Philippines ranks 16th globally with a 79.1% parity score. It stands as the second-best in East Asia and the Pacific and remains the sole Asian nation within the top 20. But the reality remains, if this pace goes on, we may not live to see the day where women are treated equally as men, on all fronts. Hence, the Commission calls on everyone to double down on efforts towards gender equality.One way of sparking conversations on women’s rights is the Purple Your Icon advocacy initiated by the Philippine Commission on Women as part of the annual National Women’s Month celebration. This encourages everyone to light up or decorate their offices, landmarks, and places in purple.PCW Officer-in-Charge Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado extended the agency’s gratitude to SM Supermalls for joining this campaign by lighting up different malls in purple across the country and the UN Philippines for being one of its steadfast partners in this advocacy. “Adorning our surroundings this month serves not only as a beautiful tribute, but also as a powerful symbol. Purple signifies the spirit of women's rights, highlighting the fight for equality and empowerment. It represents a future where limitations and stereotypes are transcended,” said Atty. Magundayao-Borlado. SM Supermalls, through its social responsibility arm - SM Cares, champions women's empowerment, health, and welfare. The company strives to build a future where every woman feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach her full potential.This commitment extends far beyond a single month, emphasizes Atty. Pearly Joan J. Turley, SM Cares Program Director for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers. "By collaborating with organizations like the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and United Nations, we actively ensure compliance with RA 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) by conducting mandatory orientation sessions for our own employees, agency personnel, and tenant employees to foster a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for everyone visiting our malls."Recognizing that investing in violence prevention is critical, SM encourages other groups to join the effort in building a safer, more inclusive and equitable society.Among the United Nations Gender Thematic Group (UN GTG) agencies that contributed to the “Walk in Her Shoes” exhibit are UNFPA, UN Women, UNICEF, UN Development Programme (UNDP), International Labour Organization, World Food Programme, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). UNFPA Philippines works with its partners in empowering women by (1) advocating for policies that protect women’s and girls' right to make informed choices about their bodies, (2) addressing gender-based violence and harmful practices by challenging discriminatory norms and strengthening response mechanisms for GBV survivors, and (3) ensuring the protection of women in humanitarian settings through supporting the provision of essential reproductive healthcare and gender-based violence support systems.Call to ActionThe public is encouraged to visit the "Walk In Her Shoes" exhibit at the SM North’s City Center Level 3 from March 1-10, and to engage with the Women's Month illumination campaign at participating SM malls nationwide. “Together, let's create a world where women and girls enjoy freedom from violence and discrimination.”### For more information contact:Maria Jorica Pamintuan | Public Information | United Nations Philippines
maria.pamintuan@un.org
Nevi Calma | Information Officer | Philippine Commission on Women
media@pcw.gov.ph
maria.pamintuan@un.org
Nevi Calma | Information Officer | Philippine Commission on Women
media@pcw.gov.ph
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