UNICEF exec bats for ‘pro-women’ programs

SAN JOSE, Antique — An official of the United Nations Children’s Development Fund – Philippines talked about the salient features of Republic Act (RA) 9710, better known as the Magna Carta of Women.
Atty. Mary Grace Agcaoili, social policy and development specialist, called on concerned agencies and local government units to prioritize programs for the welfare of women.
These programs, she said, include the reduction of maternal mortality and infant deaths, improvement of nutrition and health services, promotion of breastfeeding, protection of women from all forms of violence and empowerment of women in the marginalized sector.
Agcaoili spoke in a gathering of women and gender and development advocates at the University of Antique in celebration of the International Women’s Day.
All sectors in society shall contribute to the recognition, respect and promotion of the rights of women defined and guaranteed under RA 9710, Agcaoili said.
But the government, she stressed, shall lead in the protection of women, and the promotion and fulfillment of their rights.
Agcaoili also discussed the implementing rules and regulations of the law, which he said are a vital step toward eliminating all forms of discrimination against women.
Likewise, she commended the province, particularly the Gender and Development Inter-Agency Committee (GAD IAC), for taking the lead in advocating for women’s rights.
GAD IAC also facilitated for the approval of the Gender and Development Code, the establishment of the Women Crisis Center and the inclusion of gender and development programs in five-year investment program of Antique.
Antique is one of the areas supported by UNICEF for the past 11 years through its Country Program for Children. (Pilar S. Mabaquiao/PIA/PN)