Objective and Rationale for Strengthening the PCW
- The PCW's expanded roles and responsibilities in policy-making, coordination, monitoring, and oversight on women’s and gender equality issues necessitate organizational strengthening.
- Strengthening includes revising its composition to enhance representation and operational effectiveness.
Composition and Appointment of the Commission
- The PCW is headed by a Chairperson appointed by the President, serving full-time with the rank and salary equivalent to an Undersecretary.
- Ex-officio members include heads of key government departments: Agriculture; Budget and Management; Education; Foreign Affairs; Health; Interior and Local Government; Labor and Employment; Social Welfare and Development; Trade and Industry; and the National Economic and Development Authority.
- These agency heads may designate permanent alternates with a rank not lower than Assistant Secretary, who must be formally notified in writing.
- The Commission includes twelve civil society representatives from specific sectors: Labor, Business and Industry, Science and Health, Education/Academe, Urban Poor, Indigenous Peoples, Farmers and Fisherfolks, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities, Media/Culture/Arts, Youth, and one representative from the National Council of Women in the Philippines.
- Incumbent members remain in office unless replaced or removed by the President.
Creation and Role of the PCW Secretariat
- A PCW Secretariat is established to support the Commission's work.
- It is headed by an Executive Director and two Deputy Executive Directors.
- Secretariat officials supervise the provision of technical and administrative services required by the Commission.
Continuity, Repeals, and Effectivity
- All existing provisions of EO No. 208 not modified by this Order remain effective.
- Any orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this Order are hereby repealed or amended as necessary.
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing.
Legal Authority and Implementation
- The law is promulgated by the President of the Republic of the Philippines exercising authority under the Constitution and existing laws.
- It formalizes structural reforms to enhance the PCW’s capacity to fulfill its mandate in advancing women's rights and gender equality.