Defining Composition and Powers of NCW

The Commission holds the status equivalent to a government agency attached to the Office of the President.

The Commission serves as the primary policy-making and coordinating body for women development programs and institutions in the Philippines.
Women development programs in various line departments are to be formulated and implemented by the respective departments but with the assistance of the Commission.
Coordination must occur within the framework of Philippine development plans for women.

To promote women empowerment through policies and programs that enable their effective participation and full equality with men in social, economic, and political development, as well as nation building.
To enable government agencies to appropriately address gender concerns throughout the development process, including planning, programming, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation at both national and local levels.

Institute gender responsiveness in national development plans.
Coordinate the preparation, assessment, and updating of the National Plan for Women.
Ensure implementation of the National Plan for Women and monitor government agencies' performance in this regard at all levels.
Advocate continuously for women economic, social, and political empowerment.
Provide technical assistance to establish and strengthen mechanisms for gender mainstreaming.
Preserve and enhance gains achieved by Filipino women rooted in culture and tradition amid modernization.

This Executive Order is effective immediately upon its promulgation on October 10, 1994.