The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is a government agency dedicated to advocating for gender equality and empowering women across the country. Established in 1975, it has long been a pillar in promoting women’s rights, pushing for inclusive policies, and helping create a society where both men and women can thrive equally. By championing programs that address issues like gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and education, PCW continues to play a crucial role in shaping a fairer society.
PCW’s programs and services cover a wide range of areas, from supporting women’s economic growth through micro-entrepreneurship projects to providing training and resources for gender mainstreaming in government agencies. These initiatives aim to break barriers and uplift women at the grassroots level, ensuring that their rights are not just protected but promoted in every sector of society. It’s important to stay informed about PCW’s work because it affects our daily lives—helping create a society where equality and respect are at the heart of progress.
List of Programs Offered by the PCW
As an agency dedicated to the well-being and development of women-centered programs, the PCW makes it a point to offer well-rounded programs and services to help them carry out their mandate. These programs are generally:
- Recognition and Awards Programs: These programs are all about recognizing and celebrating individuals, organizations, and agencies that are making significant strides in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Training and Certification Programs: These programs are designed to provide education, resources, and certification to individuals and organizations in gender and development (GAD).
- Women’s Empowerment and Economic Support Programs: These programs focus on improving the economic and social standing of women, particularly micro-entrepreneurs.
- Media and Communication Programs: These programs leverage media to raise awareness on gender equality issues and provide a platform for discussing women’s rights.
- Internship and Professional Development Programs: These programs provide students and young professionals with opportunities to gain hands-on experience, build career skills, and contribute to gender-related initiatives.
- Support and Referral Services: These services aim to assist individuals facing specific challenges related to gender-based violence or employment concerns.
PCW offers different types of programs designed to support women with different needs. from support programs to development and recognition initiatives, all of these programs are designed to uplift and empower women of all ages. Each of these programs are also specifically designed to help promote gender equality and support women across different sectors of society, either through recognition, education, economic empowerment, or direct support. For more specific information on these programs and services offered by the PCW, please check out the list below.
1. GADtimpala
GADtimpala is an award program by the Philippine Commission on Women that honors government agencies, LGUs, and media groups promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. It first started by recognizing outstanding efforts in fighting violence against women and encouraging gender sensitivity. Over the years, it has expanded to celebrate initiatives across different sectors that create a real impact on both women’s and men’s lives.
Purpose: To recognize and reward programs, projects, and agencies that champion gender equality, promote women’s rights, and push for inclusive development in the Philippines.
Features and benefits:
- Highlights the importance of gender-responsive programs in government and media.
- Honors local government units, national agencies, and media outlets with outstanding gender initiatives.
- Awards include a beautifully crafted GADtimpala Trophy, symbolizing women’s strength, dignity, and empowerment.
- Strengthens awareness on the need for gender fairness in governance, media, and policy-making.
- Encourages more institutions to integrate gender and development (GAD) into their policies and programs.
- Special awards were given for gender-fair TV shows, radio programs, films, and print media.
- Recognizes both individual projects and entire agencies that successfully mainstream GAD principles.
- Celebrated during important milestones like National Women’s Month and the Magna Carta of Women anniversaries.
- Past awardees include DSWD, TESDA, COA, NEDA, NHA, and media projects like “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” and “Barber’s Tales.”
2. GAD Webinar
The GAD Webinar is an online learning program by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) under their National GAD Resource Program (NGRP). It offers flexible, accessible training sessions on gender and development (GAD) topics for government agencies, schools, and other public institutions. Since 2020, it has helped thousands of participants level up their knowledge on gender issues anytime, anywhere.
Purpose: The GAD Webinar aims to raise awareness and teach practical skills on gender sensitivity, gender analysis, and other gender mainstreaming tools for better policies and programs.
Features and benefits:
- Online, flexible learning experience for busy professionals
- Covers important GAD concepts, gender analysis tools, and frameworks
- Open to government workers, policymakers, trainers, and even the general public
- Participants can join from any location—perfect for remote learning
- Helps improve gender mainstreaming practices in government offices
- 22,350 people trained from 2020 to 2024, with 78% of participants being women
- Learn about key tools like the Harmonized GAD Guidelines and Gender-Responsive LGU Assessment Tool
- Easy access to GAD experts for questions and technical assistance
- Email support via gadtraining@pcw.gov.ph for inquiries
3. GAD Local Learning Hub (GAD LLH) Certification Program
The GAD Local Learning Hub (LLH) is a certification program created by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) to help local government units (LGUs) level up their gender and development (GAD) initiatives. It’s based on the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), which pushes all government offices to fight gender discrimination and protect women’s rights. Through this program, LGUs get recognized for their awesome gender-focused programs and are encouraged to share these best practices with others.
Purpose: To boost gender mainstreaming efforts across LGUs, recognize their gender-responsive initiatives, and inspire more local governments to create women-friendly, inclusive communities.
Features and benefits:
- Get certified as a GAD Local Learning Hub, putting the spotlight on your LGU’s gender advocacy efforts.
- Recognition through GADTimpala awards for outstanding performance in gender mainstreaming.
- Access direct support from PCW for trainings and workshops to strengthen your GAD programs.
- Promotion of your GAD projects on PCW’s website and official channels.
- Help in developing educational materials to raise awareness about gender issues.
- Referrals and endorsements to other organizations, expanding your network and impact.
- Possible funding and non-cash support like help with staffing, supplies, and facilities.
- Ceremonial certification and awarding of GAD LLH Glass Markers that you can proudly display at your offices.
4. Supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment Project in the Philippines (GREAT Women Project 2)
The GREAT Women Project 2 is a partnership project led by the Philippine Commission on Women and funded by the Government of Canada. It aims to boost women micro-entrepreneurs (WMEs) by making their businesses more competitive and sustainable. It also works on creating a better environment for women’s economic empowerment.
Purpose: To help women micro-entrepreneurs grow their businesses, become more competitive, and create better opportunities for themselves and their communities.
Features and benefits:
- Led by the Philippine Commission on Women, with partners from national agencies like DTI, DA, and DOST, and private groups like Bayan Academy and ECHOSI Foundation.
- Funded with CAD $8 million from Canada, with an extra CAD $1.26 million from PCW.
- Helped women entrepreneurs through business training, technical skills, product development, financial literacy, and empowerment programs.
- Worked with 15 regions across the Philippines, and later focused on 9 priority regions for industry cluster development.
- Focused on four key industry clusters: home style and wearables, coffee, cacao, and processed fruits and nuts.
- Developed special tools like a four-level competitiveness pathway and a strong monitoring system combining business and empowerment goals.
- Partnered with institutions like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), DICT, and UP Pampanga Extension for more technical support.
- Set up online databases and updated WME profiles to better track progress and tailor support.
- Signed MOAs with 34 national and regional partners to officially support the project.
- By 2019, the project had enrolled 831 women micro-entrepreneurs, impacting more than 15,000 workers — with 75% being women!
5. National Gender and Development Resource Program (NGRP)
The National Gender and Development Resource Program (NGRP) was created by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) back in 2013. It builds on the success of earlier projects like the GAD Resource Center, the GAD Resource Network, and the GREAT Women Project. NGRP focuses on helping government agencies boost their skills in gender and development (GAD) work through technical assistance, research, learning tools, and expert connections.
Purpose: To support government agencies in strengthening gender mainstreaming efforts and effectively implementing the Magna Carta of Women by providing them with expert technical assistance, updated learning materials, and easy access to GAD tools and resources.
Features and benefits:
- Technical Assistance (TA) Packages: Personalized help for agencies and local governments in integrating GAD into their systems, planning, and budgeting.
- GAD Research and Learning Materials Development: Creation and updating of practical GAD tools, training modules, and knowledge products for easier learning and application.
- GAD Resource Pool: A network of certified GAD experts who can be tapped to deliver specialized training and advice.
- Online GAD TA Platform: Offers virtual services and resources for GAD technical assistance, making it more accessible especially during times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- GAD Tools: Practical guides like the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) and Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) to help agencies track their progress and plan better.
- Standardized GAD Modules: Ready-to-use training modules on topics like Gender Sensitivity, Basic GAD Orientation, Gender Analysis, and GAD Planning and Budgeting.
- Knowledge Products: Easy-to-access learning materials, both online and offline, designed to promote self-paced learning and minimize face-to-face sessions.
- GFPS Functionality Assessment Tool: A special tool to check how well an agency’s GAD Focal Point System is working, helping recognize outstanding agencies through awards or incentives.
- Strong Partnerships: Taps into a growing network of GAD practitioners and experts to ensure the delivery of high-quality and consistent gender mainstreaming assistance.
6. Certification of GAD Training Programs
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) created the Certification of GAD Training Programs to make sure that gender and development (GAD) training programs meet high standards. It helps ensure that government agencies and other groups get quality GAD training aligned with the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710). This program also supports the PCW’s goal of promoting gender equality and empowering women across the country.
Purpose: To set a standard for GAD training programs and make sure trainers and institutions are offering accurate, updated, and effective gender and development education.
Features and benefits:
- Certified GAD training programs get more referrals from PCW, boosting client enrollment.
- Training institutions receive technical reviews of their modules to keep content fresh and updated.
- Opportunities to share best practices and network with other GAD advocates.
- Early access to GAD-related materials, tools, policies, and guidelines.
- Invitations to PCW advocacy campaigns and events.
- Support in monitoring and improving GAD training programs.
7. Tinig ng Kababaihan (TNK)
Tinig ng Kababaihan is a weekly radio show all about promoting gender equality and tackling women’s issues. It first aired on May 15, 2009, and has been a platform for inspiring women’s stories, government projects, and the Magna Carta of Women. After taking a break during the pandemic, TNK made a comeback in January 2023, now airing every Friday afternoon.
Purpose: To raise awareness about women’s rights, celebrate women’s achievements, and keep the public updated on gender and development initiatives.
Features and benefits:
- Real Stories: Shares inspiring success stories of women from all walks of life.
- Government Updates: Highlights projects and services that support gender equality.
- #SaySaTNK Segment: Engages listeners with weekly polls and open discussions on hot topics.
- GAD News Ngayon: Quick 2-3 minute news roundup on gender and development issues.
- Bulletin Board: Announces upcoming GAD-related events from different government agencies.
- Live and Online: Airs on Radyo Pilipinas 1 AM, Facebook Live, and even on digital TV (TVPlus Channel 3, Affordabox Channels 45-49).
- Expert Hosts: Led by seasoned broadcaster Ms. Hazel Morada and PCW’s Honey Castro, bringing reliable info and lively conversations.
8. Student Internship Program (SIP)
The Student Internship Program (SIP) offers students a chance to gain hands-on experience in a real-world work setting. It helps them put what they’ve learned in school into practice, giving them a clearer understanding of their field. Plus, it’s a great way to build important skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that will come in handy once they join the workforce.
Purpose: To provide students with practical work experience to enhance their skills and prepare them for future employment.
Features and benefits:
- Gain real-world work experience
- Build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
- Understand the practical application of what you’ve learned in school
- Receive a Certificate of Completion after finishing the program
- Orientation and mentorship from professionals
- No fees to participate
9. Violence Against Women (VAW) Referral Services
This program offers information and referral services to people who need help with issues related to Violence Against Women (VAW). It connects clients with the right agencies or service providers for further support. The service aims to guide survivors of violence towards resources that can help them heal and seek justice.
Purpose: To provide information and direct clients to the appropriate services when they are dealing with issues of Violence Against Women.
Features and benefits:
- No fees required: The service is completely free of charge.
- Quick information access: Simple inquiries can be resolved quickly.
- Personalized assistance: Clients are guided to relevant agencies or service providers.
- Referral services: If necessary, clients are referred to other agencies for specialized help.
- Multiple communication options: Available for walk-ins, emails, phone calls, or online reports via the DICT eGov platform.
10. Requisition of Employment Documents
This service helps active employees get various employment-related documents for legal, administrative, or personal use. You can request things like a Certificate of Employment, loan concerns, leave credits, and other work-related records. This service is designed for employees to request various documents they might need for legal, administrative, or personal purposes. The process is simple and can be done online or in person.
Purpose: To assist active employees in securing necessary documents like certificates, loan concerns, and records for their personal or professional needs.
Features and benefits:
- Easy online submission of requests
- No fees required
- Helps with accessing certificates like Certificate of Employment or Income Tax Return (ITR)
- Includes access to important work records like leave credits and service records
- Available for former employees as well
- Quick processing time (7 working days)
- Types of Documents You Can Request:
- Certificate of Employment
- Certificate of Employment with Compensation and Benefits
- Loan/concern documents for Land Bank, GSIS, or PAG-IBIG
- Updated Leave Credits
- Certificate of No Pending Case
- Scholarship Program Nomination Status
- 201 Files Records
- Service Records
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
Video: PCW 50th Anniversary Video
As an agency dedicated to creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to thrive, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) continues to create and offer programs and services that will help advance its mandate. Staying aware of these programs will not only help us reap the benefits for ourselves, but also help us all contribute to a more inclusive and fair community for the future. Learn more about PCW and its programs and services through the years by watching this video below: