by Paula Määttä

X. Philippines

F. The role of the public sector

Letter of Instructions No. 974, dated January 5, 1982, directed all ministries, offices, agencies, instrumentalities, local governments and government-owned and controlled corporations to "take affirmative steps within their respective offices to implement the constitutional treaty and statutory mandates for the promotion, regardless of sex, of equality in employment, equal work opportunities, and equal pay for work of equal value". (Confessor 1991, 33-34.)

The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), created in 1975, is a government agency concerned primarily with women. Among its functions is the monitoring of efforts by government and private enterprise to ensure compliance with the principle of equality between men and women is among the functions of the NCRFW. The Commission does not implement programmes, but it advises the Government in formulating policies and implementing programmes. It also makes proposals or policy recommendations in relation to measures promoting equality between men and women. The NCRFW has worked towards a Philippine Development Plan for Women. The Plan is expected to improve the situation of women in all areas of society. (Cedaw 1989, 5-8.)

The Bureau of Women and Young Workers in the Department of Labour and Employment, originally called the Bureau of Women and Minors in 1960, has the responsibility of promoting the general welfare of all women and young workers in the country. The Bureau primarily performs policy and programme development and advisory functions for the Department in the administration and enforcement of labour laws and standards pertaining to women workers. The Secretary of Labour and Employment of the Department of Labour and Employment is authorized to promulgate the necessary guidelines to implement the principle of equal pay for work of equal value in accordance with thegenerally accepted practices and standards within the country and abroad. (Cedaw 1989, 8; Confessor 1991, 34.)