MANILA — Senator Loren Legarda called for the full institutionalization of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda across all government sectors during her keynote address at the 7th International Forum on Law and Religion in the Philippines, held at the University of the Philippines BGC Campus on November 21.

Addressing legal scholars, civil society leaders, faith representatives, and international partners, Legarda emphasized embedding WPS principles in government planning and budgeting with clear accountability.

“The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda must not be treated as a single policy compartment. It must influence every sector and serve as a lens for how we allocate resources,” Legarda said.

“The national budget is the most visible expression of what we value. It must carry the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda across all institutions.”

The forum, marking 25 years of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, was organized by the UP Law Center, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, and Brigham Young University’s International Center for Law and Religion Studies.

Legarda, a four-term senator and long-time WPS advocate, highlighted the evolution of the Philippine WPS framework from legislation to implementation. She cited her authorship of key laws such as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Magna Carta of Women, and the Expanded Maternity Leave Law as foundational to the country’s WPS architecture.

“We have worked to ensure that the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda guides national development and is not treated as a separate concern. It is now embedded in legislation, national planning, governance structures, and regional partnerships,” she said.

She noted integration points for WPS in climate governance, indigenous rights, and interfaith dialogue, citing legislation that ensures women’s participation in policy-making.

“When I championed the Climate Change Act of 2009, I ensured that women were represented in its decision-making. Addressing climate risks is essential to any comprehensive Women, Peace, and Security approach,” Legarda said.

A major focus of her address was gender-responsive budgeting, in line with the Magna Carta of Women’s 5% GAD requirement for all government agencies.

“These investments broaden opportunities for women to lead and improve outcomes across sectors. But families cannot live on promises. These laws must reach the barangays where mothers line up for vaccines, where girls walk long distances to school, and where women rebuild their homes after every typhoon,” she stressed.

Legarda also highlighted milestones such as the launch of Southeast Asia’s first WPS Center of Excellence and the Philippines’ ranking as 20th globally and first in Asia for gender equality in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report.

“Let us continue to push, insist, and ensure that the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda is non-negotiable,” she concluded.

The forum, attended by around 200 participants, reaffirmed the Philippines’ leadership in advancing gender equality, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance in the region.