Philippines launched its most recents NAP in 2023, for the period of 2023-2033. It is preceded by two NAPs, 2010-2016 (Amended 2014-2016) and 2017-2022.
Objectives/aims of the 2023-2030 NAP:
The 2023-2033 Philippine’s NAP is guided by two primary outcomes (substantive pillars) derived from UNSCR 1325:
- Empowerment and Participation
It recognizes the crucial need to underscore the importance of women’s empowerment and their participation in peace and security processes, including the integration of a gender approach in all procedures and mechanisms of the peace process. It calls for comprehensive design and policies to facilitate the recruitment, training, deployment, and career advancement of women from diverse backgrounds within the security sector.
- Protection and Prevention
It presents a comprehensive approach to protecting the human rights of women across their diverse and intersecting identities. The pillar also underscores the need for prevention and intervention measures to address various forms of conflict. It recognizes the importance of a rights-based perspective and prioritizes access to justice for victims and survivors.
The NAP also include 2 support pillars, which are crucial in reinforcing the two substantive pillars:
- Promotion and Mainstreaming
It aims to promote and integrate a gender perspective across all dimensions of conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding. It also addresses gender disparities and fosters inclusive practices with peace and security initiatives.
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning.
It seeks to establish a robust system for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the implementation of the NAPSWPS. This system is critical to ensure accountability and measuring the progress of the NAP goals.
Commentary:
The Philippine NAP focuses on the promotion and protection of women’s human rights, particularly in conflict situations, and on recognizing the roles that women play in conflict and post-conflict situations. Moreover, the NAP builds on assessments of previous action plans, reflecting a sustained commitment to improvement and learning from past implementation.
Historically, the Philippines has been a regional leader in WPS implementation. It was the first country in Asia to adopt a NAP on WPS in 2010, and it has consistently integrated gender perspectives into peace processes. The current NAP builds on this legacy by recognizing women not only as victims of conflict but as active agents of peace and resilience. However, the NAP lacks specific budget allocation for implementation and an outline for funding.
Civil society engagement in the development of the NAP:
Civil society organizations were represented and involved during the development of the NAP. It was drafted through the collaboration between government agencies, Civil society organizations, local governments, and sectoral experts. However, there is no outlined role in implementation or monitoring.
UN Peacekeeping statistics:
As of March 31, 2025, Netherlands has contributed 32 personnel for peacekeeping missions (of which only 13 are women).
Philippiness ranking as a contributor of personnel to UN peacekeeping missions: 69
UN Peacekeeping Statistics:
As of March 31, 2025, Philippines has contributed 32 personnel for peacekeeping missions (of which only 13 are women).
Philippiness ranking as a contributor of personnel to UN peacekeeping missions: 69
Women in peacekeeping:
The 2023-2033 NAP recognizes women as active agents in peacebuilding, and it emphasizes the need for women’s participation in peacekeeping missions. The NAP also addresses structural barriers to prevent women’s full participation, aiming to create a more inclusive environment.
References and sources:
Philippines WPS NAP: Philippines-NAP-2023-2033.pdf (1325naps.org)
Contributions of Uniformed Personnel to UN by Country, Mission, and Personnel Type (Jan 2025): 05-Missions Detailed By Country
Uniformed Personnel Contributing Countries by Ranking (Jan 2025): 02- Contributions by Country (Ranking)
Contribution of Uniformed Personnel to UN by Mission and Personnel Type (Jan 2025): 06- UN Mission Summary of Military and Police.