BPFA+30: Bridging Progress Towards Gender Equality and Sustainable Development

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) held a significant presentation forum on December 19, 2024, at the Swiss-Belhotel Blulane in Manila, reinforcing the country’s commitment to gender equality. The event highlighted key findings from the BPfA+30 Philippine Progress Report and emphasized the need for continued implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA). It also provided insights from the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Meeting on BPfA+30, which took place in November 2024, offering a broader regional perspective on advancing women’s rights. By bringing together policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders, the forum underscored the Philippines' dedication to aligning gender-related initiatives with national development goals.

More than just a report presentation, the forum served as a platform for mobilizing action and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration in achieving gender equality. Participants discussed the evolving gender landscape in the country, emphasizing the need for strategic alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event encouraged dialogue on pressing issues such as women’s economic empowerment, leadership participation, and protection against gender-based violence. By addressing these challenges, the discussions reinforced the importance of policy reforms and resource allocation to sustain progress in women’s rights and development.

The forum not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also laid the groundwork for meaningful and transformative change over the next five years. It reinforced the urgency of accelerating the implementation of the BPfA through concrete initiatives and collective action. Key takeaways from the event included strengthening institutional mechanisms, expanding gender-sensitive policies, and fostering inclusive participation in decision-making. By uniting efforts across government, civil society, and international partners, the forum set the stage for a more equitable and sustainable future for women in the Philippines.

Go Negosyo Balik-Bayan Summit 2024

The Go Negosyo Balik-Bayan Summit 2024 took place on December 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, serving as a platform to empower Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. The event, themed "Kabuhayan Para sa Kinabukasan," provided insights into business opportunities, investment matches, and financial literacy to encourage OFWs to become entrepreneurs. Organized by Go Negosyo and led by its founder Joey Concepcion, the summit featured engaging discussions, learning sessions with successful entrepreneurs, and free on-site mentorship from business experts. A key highlight of the event was the awarding of the 2024 Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards, recognizing OFWs who successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship.

The summit gathered prominent figures, including First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cris Roque, and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. During the event, Concepcion expressed gratitude to OFWs for their contributions and underscored the importance of mentorship in ensuring their financial success. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Lady awarded Php2 million in cash to attendees, bringing the total prizes distributed to Php3 million, which included contributions from Go Negosyo and its sponsors. Many OFWs who received financial support planned to invest in small businesses, aligning with the summit's goal of fostering economic reintegration.

The program included forums on critical topics such as mentoring children in business, retirement planning, financial literacy, and exploring viable business opportunities like franchising and agripreneurship. The event also featured renowned speakers such as educational content creator Lyqa Maravilla, environmentalist Angie Mead King, and actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, who shared insights on entrepreneurship and personal development. Hosted by journalist Karen Davila, reporter Love Anover, and host Sam Oh, the event provided attendees with practical knowledge and inspiration to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. A special performance by singer Sam Concepcion further enriched the experience for participants.

Balik-Bayan Summit 2024 served as a bridge between government support and private sector collaboration to uplift OFWs and their families. The DMW reaffirmed its commitment to economic reintegration through continuous learning programs, while Go Negosyo pledged ongoing mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. By equipping OFWs with the necessary skills and financial support, the summit reinforced the role of entrepreneurship in creating sustainable livelihoods. The success of the event highlighted the resilience and determination of Filipino workers in building a brighter future for themselves and their families.

National Exporters’ Week (NEW) 2024

The National Exporters’ Week (NEW) 2024 was held from December 2 to 6 at Conrad Manila, Pasay City, highlighting the role of sustainability in shaping the future of Philippine exports. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), the Export Development Council (EDC), and PHILEXPORT, the event aimed to strengthen the country’s position as Southeast Asia’s hub for sustainable manufacturing and services. The week-long program featured forums, training sessions, exhibitions, and dialogues to equip exporters with the knowledge and tools needed to adopt sustainable business practices and remain competitive. The event also emphasized responsible supply chains, ethical sourcing, and innovative production methods as key drivers of long-term industry resilience.

The National Export Congress (NEC) served as the highlight of NEW 2024, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and business stakeholders to discuss sustainability’s impact on exports. The event explored sustainable materials, evolving export regulations, ethical business practices, and market-based strategies to enhance Philippine exports. Special sessions covered the Philippines’ Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), with a focus on maximizing benefits from partnerships with Japan and the European Union. A dedicated session for women-led enterprises under the SheTrades Philippines Hub underscored the importance of inclusivity in trade. Keynote speakers emphasized the need for digitalization, international cooperation, and policy support to navigate the shifting global trade landscape.

Complementing the NEC, the Export Enablers’ Exhibit showcased the contributions of government agencies, financing institutions, startups, and business support organizations that facilitate trade. The exhibit featured free consultations, business mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities for exporters looking to expand their reach. Participants gained insights into compliance with sustainability regulations, access to financial assistance programs, and strategies for tapping into global markets. The exhibit also presented the ARISE Plus Philippines program, which provided practical guidance on EU trade requirements, including food safety regulations and deforestation laws. These initiatives aimed to equip exporters with the necessary tools to thrive in an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy.

NEW 2024 reinforced the Philippine export sector’s commitment to sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation. By fostering collaboration among government agencies, private institutions, and exporters, the event emphasized the importance of responsible business practices in securing long-term economic growth. The discussions and exhibits paved the way for stronger policy recommendations and actionable strategies that align with the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028. As global trade continues to evolve, the insights from this year’s National Exporters’ Week are expected to guide Philippine exporters in adapting to new challenges and opportunities.