Deles cites role of Pinays in peace process

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles cited the role of Filipino women in the peace process and the signing of the historic Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Addressing the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London last week, Deles said the CAB “is the first of its kind in the world to bear the signature of a total of three women, which accounts for one-half of the six-person negotiating team of the government, and about one-fourth of the total number of signatories.”

The agreement was signed by Miriam Coronel-Ferrer as government chief negotiator, who also attended the London conference.

The four-day conference, co-hosted by actress and UN Special Envoy Angelina Jolie and British Foreign Secretary William Hague, brought together over 900 experts, non-government organizations, survivors, faith leaders and international organizations from around the globe. The summit aimed to create momentum against sexual violence in conflict and practical action that impacts those on the ground.

Deles said “the time has come for all governments to make sure that women are given a greater role in preventing armed conflict or, once it has broken out, in resolving it.”

“Filipino women have been breaking ground, taking on active roles and succeeding as negotiators, mediators, peacekeepers, peace builders, relief workers, trauma healers – the list goes on,” she said.

The participation of women in the peace negotiations enabled the inclusion of vital provisions in the CAB pertaining to women, including upholding the right of women to “meaningful political participation and protection from all forms of violence” and “to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in social and economic activity and public service” regardless of gender.

Aside from Ferrer, the government negotiating panel included Bai Yasmin Busran-Lao, now Secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. In addition, Deles pointed out, women “chaired three out of four of the government’s technical working groups as well as continue to lead its Secretariat and the legal team.”

By the Philippine example, she challenged those in attendance to “harness the power of women to advance the cause of peace.”

She told the assembly that in 2010, the government adopted its National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security, making the Philippines the first country in Asia to adopt a policy that makes operational its commitment to the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, 1820, and 1888.

“The Philippine NAP is anchored on and provided legal basis in Philippine law and its inter-agency and multi-level governance implementation is being pursued under the careful watch of a Cabinet-level steering committee,” she said.